An unknown fragment of the New Testament found in the Vatican

In the Vatican archives, scientists discovered an ancient manuscript with a previously unknown fragment of the Holy Scripture hidden under three layers of text. According to experts, the find is approximately 1500 years old.

As reported by BAKU.WS with reference to the publication New Testament Studies, it is part of one of the oldest translations of the Gospels - the Old Syriac version, also known as the Peshitta. Until today, only two manuscripts of this translation were known, both with losses.

The main value of the discovery is the opportunity to compare the Syriac text with the canonical Greek version, especially the interpretation of the 12th chapter of the Gospel of Matthew. Scientists noted that the Syriac version includes more detailed descriptions of some events. For example, the episode about Jesus and his disciples passing through sown fields on the Sabbath is described in much more detail.

The find dates back to the first half of the 6th century. Researchers remind us that in that era, parchment was an expensive resource, so it was reused: old records were erased and new ones were written over them.