Text. The text of this Epistle has been constructed with due regard to the traditional text (Textus Receptus) on which our Authorised Version was based. But the discovery of MSS. not then known, and the critical study of ancient authorities since that time, necessitate careful revision and extensive alteration of that text. For this purpose the editor has relied mainly on Tischendorf’s collation of MSS. The Apparatus Criticus is based on his authority and follows his notation. It contains all the MS. evidence which appears really important for determination of the text. The following letters are used to designate uncial MSS. :—
ἐδ = Sinaiticus. Ε Augiensis.
Α Alexandrinus. 6 Boernerianus. B Vaticanus. H Coislinianus. ο Ephraemi. K Mosquensis. D Claromontanus. Ι[, Angelicus.
E Sangermanensis. Ρ Porfirianus.
Corrections of ancient date, inserted in the uncial MSS., are indicated by small letters or numerals (a, c, 1, 3) attached to the capital letters. Cursive MSS. are denoted by the numerals generally accepted for their designation.
The readings, punctuation, and division of paragraphs differ here and there from those adopted by Westcott and Hort. The reasons for these variations may be gathered from the notes.
ΡΑύΙΙΝΕ AutHorsHip. Widely different opinions are entertained by critics with regard to the date of the Epistle and the locality of the Galatian Churches. But its authorship has never been seriously questioned. This unanimity of tradition is probably due to the nature of its contents. For it is stamped throughout with characteristic features of the Pauline mind and spirit. Matter and style alike attest the personality of the Apostle to the Gentiles. It unites dialectic skill in criticising the language and history of the Old Testament,