Faith

British Library Pays $14.3 Million for Ancient Copy of the Gospel of John

LONDON (The Blaze/AP) — The British Library has paid 9 million pounds (US$14.3 million) to acquire the St. Cuthbert Gospel, a remarkably well-preserved survivor of seventh-century Britain described by the library as the oldest European book to survive fully intact.

The palm-sized book, a manuscript copy of the Gospel of John in Latin, was bought from the British branch of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits), the library said Tuesday.

British Library Pays $14.3 Million for Ancient Copy of the Gospel of John

This photo, released by The British Library Tuesday April 17 2012, shows a page in the St. Cuthbert Gospel, a remarkably preserved palm-sized book which is a manuscript copy of the Gospel of John in Latin which was bought from the British branch of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits), the library said Tuesday April 17, 2012. (AP Photo / The British Library)

The book measures 96 mm (3.8 inches) by 136 mm (5.4 inches) and has an elaborately tooled red leather cover. It comes from the time of St. Cuthbert, who died in 687, and it was discovered inside his coffin when it was opened in 1104 at Durham Cathedral.

Here’s more about the seventh-century book:

The British Library said the artifact is one of the world’s most important books.

British Library Pays $14.3 Million for Ancient Copy of the Gospel of John

“To look at this small and intensely beautiful treasure from the Anglo-Saxon period is to see it exactly as those who created it in the seventh century would have seen it,” said the library’s chief executive, Lynne Brindley.

“The exquisite binding, the pages, even the sewing structure survive intact, offering us a direct connection with our forebears 1300 years ago,” she added.

Cuthbert’s coffin arrived in Durham after monks had removed it from the island of Lindisfarne, 330 miles (530 kilometers) north of London, to protect the remains from Viking raiders in the ninth and 10th centuries.

The book will be displayed at the British Library in London and then in Durham, northeast England, next year.

Comments (71)

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  • ChristinaP55
    Posted on April 18, 2012 at 12:11am

    Wow – absolutely beautiful!! It‘s incredible to me that it’s so perfectly preserved! It’s a miracle!

    Report Post »  
    • closetotheedge
      Posted on April 18, 2012 at 9:51am

      This is a great gift and when will it be translated into english for us all.Being its age it will be interesting to compare it with the Bible.People have allways decried the authentisity of the Word. But the book of Isaiah,found in the Dead Sea Scrolls,when read was found to be word for word with the one in the Bible.That should be enough to prove the rest.But anti-christs (those who deny Jesus and the Word as gospel,the truth) will go to any lenghs to destroy it.And in the gospels,why did’nt they write of the destruction of Jerusalam in 70AD if they were written later? The Scrolls prove otherwise.but they will keep on attacking the Bible.We see the prophecies being fulfilled everyday just as they were written,God proclaiming events of the later days from the beginning.We have one question we all must ask of ourselves.Who was this man Jesus? Was He a lunitic proclaiming to be God’s Son? Or was He a liar who went to His death?That would make Him crazy,too. Or was He our Savior and Lord who fulfilled over 360 prophecies written over 3500 yrs ago,about His birth ,life,miracals His type of death and His reserection? The one question? Who was this man Jesus? Choose wisely. While He may be found. A Christian Patriot saved by Grace.

      Report Post »  
  • ShyMan
    Posted on April 17, 2012 at 11:16pm

    Cool.

    Report Post » ShyMan  
  • GIDEON612
    Posted on April 17, 2012 at 10:34pm

    Another super naturally preserved edition of God’s Word.
    Although many have died to preserve these….many more have died in attempts to destroy them.
    It is a bit pricy, but the Word of God cannot be priced anyway.
    Praise the Lord, everything that has breath, praise the Lord.

    Report Post » GIDEON612  
    • Pontiac
      Posted on April 17, 2012 at 10:50pm

      [Another super naturally preserved ]
      Stopped reading right there.

      Report Post » Pontiac  
    • GIDEON612
      Posted on April 18, 2012 at 2:49am

      I have done a lot work in the streets o Pontiac. Perhaps God has something there for you too.
      Lord knows how it needs it.
      Give of yourself and it may brighten up your life. :-)

      Report Post » GIDEON612  
  • THXll38
    Posted on April 17, 2012 at 10:25pm

    I would have payed 15 mill, and then turned a profit.

    Report Post » THXll38  
  • JACKTHETOAD
    Posted on April 17, 2012 at 10:17pm

    The Word Of The Lord. Thanks Be To God.
    + + +

    Report Post » JACKTHETOAD  
  • bigmel754
    Posted on April 17, 2012 at 10:11pm

    Mr Galt, just another victim of ? Well, I’m not sure!

    Report Post »  
  • bigmel754
    Posted on April 17, 2012 at 10:07pm

    Remarkable! It’s hard for non-believers to understand the importance of a relationship with GOD, and that is so sad. To understand the beauty and reverence of such a relic from a critical time in history, to hold and read would be most gratifying. We all know that GOD is greater than any relic, however, what a fantastic piece of Christian history.

    Report Post »  
  • donedunn
    Posted on April 17, 2012 at 10:05pm

    Wow. I have chills to see it. The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ!

    Report Post »  
  • spirited
    Posted on April 17, 2012 at 10:00pm

    Cannot wait to see it on line

    >Hopefully with translation available.

    Report Post » spirited  
  • NOBALONEY
    Posted on April 17, 2012 at 9:52pm

    The WORD is priceless.

    Report Post » NOBALONEY  
  • Mr Galt
    Posted on April 17, 2012 at 9:43pm

    So I get censored for a word that was by no means obscene. Then I get censored for commenting on the censorship. It would appear the Blaze has devolved into a speech suppressing platform of pablum with the lowest common denominator defined by Polly Anna comments from simpletons. Now I know why I come here less and less – it stinks. Not to mention that the website is one of the worst blogging platforms I have ever seen.

    Good riddance, and good luck with that “saving the nation” bit.

    Report Post »  
    • Patrick Henry II
      Posted on April 17, 2012 at 10:02pm

      I have never been censored yet and I have said some pretty controversial things. I really thought htat I would have but The Blaze has been very fair to me. We do need to be civil however. Good would even be better.

      Report Post » Patrick Henry II  
    • hillbillyinny
      Posted on April 17, 2012 at 10:08pm

      @galt

      Two of your comments, one time stamped 9:38 pm, the other 9:39 pm are both just below this post of yours. It appears you were not “censored,” rather your impatience got the best of you and you couldn’t wait for them to show, even though this note “Your comment may take a few minutes to appear on the site.” is printed right below the comment box.

      Some people are as stupid as a box of rocks or blind as a bat!

      Oh, and by the way, “We ARE the key”!!!

      Report Post »  
  • RightPolitically
    Posted on April 17, 2012 at 9:42pm

    Amazing. The book was in the casket for over four hundred years yet didn’t decay along with that body. Since then it has been around for another nine hundred. Wow!

    Report Post » RightPolitically  
  • Poggle The Stick
    Posted on April 17, 2012 at 9:40pm

    At least THEY spend their money more wisely than OUR government does…

    Report Post » Poggle The Stick  
  • Mr Galt
    Posted on April 17, 2012 at 9:38pm

    To be burned by the ******* next week.

    Report Post »  
    • Mr Galt
      Posted on April 17, 2012 at 9:39pm

      Wow, the Blaze is half useless. I got censored for typing m – u – z – z – i – e – s? Seriously? Grow a pair Glenn.

      Pathetic.

      Report Post »  
  • Bearfoot
    Posted on April 17, 2012 at 9:22pm

    The Holy Scriptures, and of course the Book of John, is indeed the most important book for mankind to read and to understand. It would be grand to be able to own this treasure.

    Report Post » Bearfoot  
  • RebelYell1862
    Posted on April 17, 2012 at 9:20pm

    Beautiful. Praise Jesus.

    Report Post » RebelYell1862  
  • G.E.R
    Posted on April 17, 2012 at 9:20pm

    There’s a sucker born every minute

    Report Post »  
    • RebelYell1862
      Posted on April 17, 2012 at 9:24pm

      @G.E.R What minute were you born assho-e?

      Report Post » RebelYell1862  
    • COFemale
      Posted on April 17, 2012 at 9:26pm

      You shouldn’t be so hard on yourself GER, you are almost human.

      Report Post » COFemale  
    • JACKTHETOAD
      Posted on April 17, 2012 at 10:34pm

      Those words were said a long time ago. Population has increased dramatically since then. A geometric progression, if you will. There’s a lot more born every minute now. Look at the state of the world, G.E.R. As more turn away from His Love And Guidance, the worse it gets.

      Report Post » JACKTHETOAD  
    • G.E.R
      Posted on April 18, 2012 at 12:58am

      The only thing it has going for it, is it’s age and condition. Aside from that it’s just a work of metaphysical superstitious nonsense.

      Report Post »  
    • JACKTHETOAD
      Posted on April 18, 2012 at 6:30am

      Speaking of age and condition, I think Jesus is pretty spry for A “Guy” of His years. He exorcises.

      Report Post » JACKTHETOAD  
  • mickgringo
    Posted on April 17, 2012 at 9:14pm

    Aye! An amazing relic. They don‘t make ’em like that anymore, now do they? A toast to Saints John and Cuthbert! May they both be smiling with the maker from above! Donny!!! Where’s me black Russian? All this talk of de Jesus and the saints has made The Dude parched! (no puns intended). Walter… Was St John a heavy roller? Father Coughlin says they were all holy rollers with big averages. Outta my league…. Donny!!! My black Russian!

    Report Post » mickgringo  
  • spirited
    Posted on April 17, 2012 at 9:12pm

    687 WOW!

    >Was Gabriel whispering into the ear of the caver then?

    Report Post » spirited  
    • SurhanSurhan
      Posted on April 18, 2012 at 7:53am

      @ SPIRITED- The Qur’an is 200 years older and more authentic than this book. However, I would love to read this book in its original language.

      Report Post »  
    • strewth_cobber
      Posted on April 19, 2012 at 12:12am

      @> SURHANSURHAN Algebra is most difficult to perform when using numbers in Latin form.

      Muhammad said to have born around A.D. 570. (i.e. just after mid-6th Century)
      Said to have been visited by angel, he says, was Gabriel A.D. 610. (i.e. early 7th Century).

      According to this news article, The Gospel of John (in Latin) was discovered inside the coffin of St. Cuthbert when coffin opened in A.D. 1104 (i.e. early 12th Century).
      St. Cuthbert said to have died in A,D. 687 (i.e. late 7th century).

      How is it possible that, according to your comment, the Qur’an [which would have arrived after A.D. 610] can be 200 years older than this Gospel of John stated to be a ‘well-preserved survivor’ of the 7th Century (i.e. sometime between A.D 601 and A.D.700)?
      From your statement, my understanding of your claim is that that, according to one’s use of algebra using Indian numerals (later called Arabic Numerals after the Moors of North Africa introduced these numerical characters to Spain – hence, the messenger being credited as the inventor), would make your Qur’an first appearance during the years of the 5th Century (i.e. sometime after A.D 401), placing your Qur‘an as existing well before Muhammad’s birth in A.D. 570?

      Sorry, if I appear to be nitpicking, but I have to disagree with your ‘facts’.

      *And Sirhan Sirhan (the accused killer of Robert F. Kennedy) was of Jordanian/Palestinian Christian family according to several articles. But that’s another st

      Report Post »  
    • strewth_cobber
      Posted on April 19, 2012 at 12:23am

      And banana peels don’t preserve as well as paper and other forms of parchment and papyrus of which some writings are known have been recorded on. Except for the man-made artificial genetically-modified type of banana skins, perhaps?

      Report Post »  
    • SurhanSurhan
      Posted on April 19, 2012 at 9:05am

      @ STREWTH_COBBER- You’re right about the time frame however, there is no denying that the Qur’an is more authentic than this book. We all know that the Bible has undergone a number of revisions. The Qur’an is the same manuscript that Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) left us during his lifetime.

      Report Post »  
    • strewth_cobber
      Posted on April 20, 2012 at 12:36am

      “WE all know that the bible has undergone a number of revisions.”
      “The Qu‘ran is the same manuscript that Muhammad left ’us’ in his lifetime.

      I revise your words there. Muhammad may have left them for you, but not for us/me.

      I don’t deny Muhammad was certainly passionate about his beliefs. But compared to Y’shua/Jesus, Muhammad possessed no divine qualities whatsoever.

      And, you could say that the two are diametrically opposed to one another.
      You can have your authentic Muhammad.
      I will go with the truth, instead.
      All the best to you, SURHANSURHAN.

      Report Post »  
    • SurhanSurhan
      Posted on April 20, 2012 at 7:54am

      @ STREWTH_COBBER- “Muhammad possessed no divine qualities whatsoever. And, you could say that the two are diametrically opposed to one another.”

      I hope you will allow me to have the last word since I admitted you were right about your timeline. You’re right, Muhammad is not divine, he is a man like you and me (by man I mean mankind). However, it sounds like you are implying that Jesus is divine. If that is your implication I would like for you to share with me an example of his divinity. I don’t need many, one attribute will do.

      How can Muhammad be diametrically opposed to Jesus if Moses and Jesus prophesied his coming?

      God said to Moses: Deuteronomy 18:18-19: I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.

      19And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him.

      Jesus said: John 15:26: But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:

      Both Moses and Jesus (pbut) are talking Muhammad (pbuh).

      Moses could not be talking about Jesus because, according to you Jesus is divine and this Prophet is supposed to be “like Moses”. Jesus is talking about a man, look at the pronoun in his words.

      Report Post »  
  • Mark0331
    Posted on April 17, 2012 at 9:11pm

    “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk”..John 5…this has gotten me through more days than I can imagine…this makes me smile, deeply.

    Report Post » Mark0331  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on April 17, 2012 at 9:10pm

    I would love to see the book, incredible.

    Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
  • Tri-ox
    Posted on April 17, 2012 at 9:09pm

    Smart purchase – Worth every penny.

    Report Post » Tri-ox  
  • ShyLow
    Posted on April 17, 2012 at 9:08pm

    Why couldn’t it of been 14.4…beats 66.6 I guess….I wonder who will be in office when gas hits $6.66 a gallon…beats $9.99 I guess

    Report Post » ShyLow  
    • Netsurfer2
      Posted on April 17, 2012 at 10:18pm

      I‘m very sure that when someone becomes innovative beyond gas won’t be any problem! It will be clean drinking water and at that time people will be at war for it.

      Report Post » Netsurfer2  
  • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
    Posted on April 17, 2012 at 9:04pm

    You can pick up a really nice copy for about 20 dollars at Mardels. Man, a fool and his money. The big surprise is it has an alternate ending, and I believe it is a directors cut. In this version instead of loaves and fishes, its Caviar and Champagne dreams.

    Report Post » Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  
  • lukerw
    Posted on April 17, 2012 at 8:55pm

    Fantastic!

    Report Post » lukerw  
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