OLDER IS BETTER FOR GNOSTICS
Chris continues his discussion of the components of the Critical Text argument, this time focusing on the argument that older manuscripts are supposedly "better" because they are closer to the originals.  But does this argument stand upon closer investigation?  Nineteenth century scholar John Burgon specifically addressed the controversy, along with his contemporary, F.H.A. Scrivener.  The chief problem with
the "older is better" belief is that the worst corruptions of the New Testament occurred within the first two hundred years after they were first written.  Early church fathers warned of the influence of heretical groups, generally referred to as the "Gnostics" and who were concentrated in Alexandria, Egypt.  What does history tell us about their influence?