How We Got the New Testament

“Stanley Porter is one of the most prolific scholars working on the manuscripts, language, linguistics, and translation of the New Testament writings. In this book readers will learn how we gather from the multitude of individual manuscripts the texts printed, read, and preached from today. Notable here is Porter’s defense of the traditional search for the original text in the face of the current trend to deny its feasibility or diminish its relevance. Porter also argues for the importance of closely considering matters of translation since most of us encounter the New Testament most frequently in translated form. He offers informed evaluations of modern English translations and then introduces some of his extensive work on current translation theory and method. The result is a unique presentation that will greatly benefit both novice and expert alike.”

Charles E. Hill

“A welcome addition to the growing body of recent literature dealing with New Testament textual criticism and its corollaries, canon formation and Bible translation. Porter, however, does not simply deal with the traditional topics of text, transmission, and translation—though he does this well; he also delves much deeper into the emergent and controversial methodological reassessments that have been prompted by a reinvigorated discipline. Porter’s work not only serves as a helpful contribution to the ongoing discussions related to text-critical methodology but also seeks to extend the conversations originally framed by the luminous studies of individuals like Elliott, Epp, Holmes, Hurtado, Nida, and Parker.”

Kent D. Clarke

“Porter provides a wide-ranging historical summary and assessment of topics that are crucial to New Testament studies and to the church. The treatment of modern translations in part 3 is especially helpful and goes well beyond the usual considerations of formal versus functional equivalence.”

Rodney Decker