Crosby-Schøyen Codex: Oldest Complete Copies of Jonah and 1 Peter on Display

The Crosby-Schøyen Codex

• 📜 The Crosby-Schøyen Codex is an ancient collection of Christian texts, approximately 1,800 years old, offering a rare glimpse into early Christianity.
• 📖 This codex, essentially an ancient book, contains parts of the books of Jonah, 1 Peter, and 2 Maccabees, alongside ancient sermons and prayers.
• ✍️ Written in the ancient Coptic language, the codex dates back to around 250 AD.

Museum of the Bible Exhibit

• 🏛️ The Museum of the Bible is currently displaying seven of the codex's approximately 50 pages.
• 🔍 Dr. Bobby Duke, Chief Curatorial Officer, highlights the significance of having complete copies of Jonah and 1 Peter from this early period.
• 🌍 The compilation was likely intended by an early Christian community in Egypt to inspire and encourage believers.

Significance and Application

• ✝️ The texts, including Jonah and 1 Peter, are seen as connected to Christ, with Jonah's story paralleling Jesus' resurrection.
• ⚠️ The codex serves as a window into times of persecution, where possessing scripture was a labor of love and potentially dangerous.
• 📖 It emphasizes the value of scripture, which people suffered and died for, contrasting with modern accessibility via digital devices.
• 🌟 The codex's journey through various owners is how it acquired its name, and it will remain at the museum for the foreseeable future.

The Story of the New Testament

• 🎬 A new film, "Oracles of God: The Story of the New Testament," explores the danger, drama, and faith behind the formation of the New Testament.
• 📜 The film details how scriptures were copied by hand, distributed, and preserved by the early church, ensuring their availability today.
• 🎟️ The film is available in theaters nationwide on November 2nd, 3rd, and 5th, with tickets accessible via cbn.com/tickets.