Text and Time: A Reformed Approach to New Testament Textual Criticism

by Edward F. Hills, Mary E. Hills Mueller (Editor)

Throughout the ages the Gospel message has remained Jesus Christ, the divine Saviour, has paid the penalty for man’s sins. Through His crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus Christ has redeemed those who by faith repent of sin and claim Him as Lord. For the Christian, Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection is foundational, verified in holy Scripture. Scripture affirms the Gospel record, declaring it authentic and true (Ps. 119:160). Scripture also states that the word of our God shall stand for ever (Isa. 40:8). Thus, providential preservation of Scripture is ordained by God and must have occurred in the transmission of the Greek New Testament manuscripts. For if holy Scripture is indeed authentic and true, why would God not preserve it actively as He promised? Text and A Reformed Approach to Textual Criticism applies the logic of Christian faith and divine providential preservation to textual criticism, tracing extant Greek New Testament manuscripts from the early Christian church and noting their impact upon modern Bible translations. In defending the integrity of the Textus Receptus and all faithful translations of it, Dr. Hills emphasizes the importance of maximum certainty in the past manuscript record, as opposed to uncertainty posed in the quest of a future manuscript record. Maximum certainty in the past manuscript record authenticates the death and resurrection of Christ, verifies the past testimony of the saints as they worshiped the risen Christ and attests His future return as Christ the Victorious King (Rev. 22:13).

536 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 25, 2018

Reviews

[Erik · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great introduction to textual criticism from a Reformed perspective. The author does a great job of laying the theological foundations from which we should approach textual criticism then building upon that foundation to recognize the primacy of the Textus Receptus.

[Josh John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hills could have used a better editor. Flow of arguments are often interrupted by tedious and tertiary side trails. Yet, nothing new or enlightening for this viewpoint.

[J Landon Light · Rating 3 out of 5]

I agree with the author in general about the issues of textual criticism, however this book has two drawbacks- 1) He frequently strays way off topic. These sidetracks are not necessarily anything I would disagree with, they just don't need to be there. In particular, he unnecessarily gets on a Van Tillian soapbox throughout. 2) He makes some bold claims at particular points without sufficient explanation or evidence. Again, I am not saying all such claims are false; there just isn't enough there to back it all up.

[Andy Herman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hills does a good job of defending the received text of Scripture. His position and arguments are spot on- the only reason I wouldn't give five stars is the organization/presentation of the material, which could be improved.

[Alexander Proudfoot · Rating 3 out of 5]

The best introduction to the Textus Receptus position on the market. E.F.Hills argues his position well, though I remain unconvinced of his final conclusion. The formatting in my edition of the book was quite poor and negatively impacted my comprehension immensely.

[Mark Jr. · Rating 2 out of 5]

My review of sorts: https://vimeo.com/362360495

[Eagle Powers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good defense of the position. Did wander away from the point at times, but the theme of provedential preservation was a good one