Papyrus 46 (𝔓46)
Papyrus 46 (𝔓46) — One of the Earliest Witnesses to Paul’s Letters
Papyrus 46, commonly referred to as 𝔓46, is one of the earliest and most important manuscripts of the Apostle Paul’s letters. Dating to the late second or early third century, it contains substantial portions of Paul’s epistles, including passages from Romans, Corinthians, Hebrews, and others.
Among its preserved text are Romans 8:15 and Romans 8:28—two passages that have shaped Christian theology, identity, and hope for centuries.
𝔓46 offers rare insight into how Paul’s letters circulated as a collected body of Scripture at a remarkably early date, demonstrating that these writings were read, copied, and valued long before later church councils or formal canon lists.
The original manuscript is housed in the Chester Beatty Library in Dublin, with portions also held at the University of Michigan, and is rarely accessible to the public.
Our replica brings this early Pauline witness into view—faithfully and respectfully.
Historical Significance of Papyrus 46
Papyrus 46 matters because it addresses foundational questions about the early transmission of Christian Scripture:
- Demonstrates the early circulation of Paul’s letters as authoritative texts
- Provides strong evidence for the early formation of a Pauline corpus
- Supports the stability and consistency of key theological passages
- Preserves some of the earliest physical witnesses to Romans and other epistles
Romans 8:15 affirms adoption and sonship in Christ, while Romans 8:28 proclaims God’s sovereign purpose working through all things—both preserved here within one of the earliest surviving manuscript collections of Paul’s writings.
𝔓46 stands as a cornerstone of New Testament textual history.
Museum-Quality Replica Craftsmanship
Each Papyrus 46 replica is produced through a careful, historically informed process focused on accuracy rather than artistic reinterpretation.
Features include:
- Manuscript proportions based on the original codex layout
- Faithful Greek letterforms, spacing, and line structure
- Papyrus-style texture and aging characteristics
- Archival presentation suitable for study and long-term display
This is not decorative verse art. It is a scholarly replica designed to reflect the visual reality of early Christian manuscripts.
Ideal For
- Pastors and Bible teachers
- Students of Paul’s letters and theology
- Apologetics and biblical studies enthusiasts
- Collectors of early Christian manuscript replicas
- Meaningful, heirloom-quality Christian gifts
Own a Piece of Pauline History
Paul’s letters shaped the theology of the early Church—and continue to shape the faith of millions today.
Papyrus 46 stands as physical evidence that these words were preserved, shared, and trusted from the earliest generations of Christianity.
This replica allows you to engage with Romans not only as Scripture, but as history you can see and contemplate.