11-28-2003, 11:56 PM
Shlama Akhi Dave,
No, I have not done an in-depth comparison of the Harclean vs. Peshitto western 5. I've always taken the word of the scholars that the western 5 were introduced into the Peshitto during the days of Philexenos of Mabbug - and that it was his translation (not Thomas of Harkel's later revision) which was the basis of the western 5 in the Peshitto.
As far as the CoE omitting the 5 in the original Aramaic, I suppose anything is possible but it is not probable. There is no indication whatsoever that the early fathers in Persia were even aware of these other 5 books. They don't quote from them. The lectionaries are missing any references to them.
I can't imagine why they would have rejected them. The manuscripts of both the SOC (before 7th century) and the CoE are missing these books - so it's not just a CoE thing.
No, I have not done an in-depth comparison of the Harclean vs. Peshitto western 5. I've always taken the word of the scholars that the western 5 were introduced into the Peshitto during the days of Philexenos of Mabbug - and that it was his translation (not Thomas of Harkel's later revision) which was the basis of the western 5 in the Peshitto.
As far as the CoE omitting the 5 in the original Aramaic, I suppose anything is possible but it is not probable. There is no indication whatsoever that the early fathers in Persia were even aware of these other 5 books. They don't quote from them. The lectionaries are missing any references to them.
I can't imagine why they would have rejected them. The manuscripts of both the SOC (before 7th century) and the CoE are missing these books - so it's not just a CoE thing.
+Shamasha Paul bar-Shimun de'Beth-Younan