Papyrus 52 (P52) Manuscript Facsimile Frame - Framed, Grey Background

A replica of the oldest known New Testament manuscript, the John Rylands Papyrus P52, dated to within decades of the original writing of John's Gospel and printed on real Egyptian papyrus.

About This Manuscript

Papyrus 52 (P52), also known as the John Rylands Papyrus, is widely regarded as the oldest surviving New Testament manuscript in existence. Dated to approximately AD 125-150, this ancient papyrus fragment preserves John 18:31-33 on the recto and John 18:37-38 on the verso, recording the exchange between Jesus and Pontius Pilate. Its existence demonstrates that the Gospel of John was already being copied and circulated in Egypt within decades of its original composition, powerful evidence for the early dating and reliability of the New Testament. This museum-quality P52 replica is the most popular item in the Manuscript Shop collection. An exceptional Christian apologetics gift for pastors, apologists, seminary students, and anyone who wants to hold the oldest piece of the New Testament on real Egyptian papyrus.

Textual Significance

P52 is the single most cited manuscript in biblical apologetics and early New Testament studies. Its early date provides foundational evidence against late-dating theories of the Gospels and anchors the transmission history of John's Gospel firmly in the early second century. For anyone making the case for the historical reliability of the New Testament, this ancient manuscript replica is the essential artifact to own.

About This Replica

This museum-quality oldest New Testament manuscript replica is produced through an intensive, multi-week hand-crafted replication process on real Egyptian papyrus. Careful attention is given to scale, layout, line spacing, letterforms, and material appearance. Every replica is made to order.

Display & Presentation

Presented in an 8x10 frame with grey background matting, with both recto (John 18:31-33) and verso (John 18:37-38) displayed side by side simultaneously. A clean, modern presentation that works equally well as biblical manuscript wall art or a study display.