For a start- something interesting
Did you know, that Number of the Beast is not 666, but 616?
Yes, its true. At least it was true, till some Christians theologists decided otherwise. 666 was chosen probably because its better correspond to Number of the Christ- 888.
Till 2005 was known only one ancient text with 616 instead of usual 666. It’s V century Greek manuscript, known as Codex Ephraemi Rescriptus (Paris, National Library). Also few Fathers of Church mentioned 616, but with high scepticism.
Only in 2005 scholars of Oxford managed to read an papyrus known as Papyrus 115 ( not very original name, to think of it ). It was find in Egypt, place known as Oxyrhynchus. Name known probably to everyone who have interest in ancient history- many important pieces of ancient literature was find there, and Papyrus 115 (P115) can be considered a one of them. Its dated 225-275 CE and is oldest known version of Book of Revelation.
Red cursor in picture (as you probably already understand its P115) show tree letters- XIC. In Greek its chi, iota and stigma. Here it’s abbreviation for “hexakosiai deka hex”- six hundred sixteen.
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This small papyrus is probably one of most useful tools to silence Christians. Its enough to wait for inevitable phrase “because it is written….”. Then I put P115 on table and ask: “A you absolutely confident, that evangelists really written what you quoting?”
Its sophistical argument ( I call it argument 616 ), but it helpful then you want to avoid an annoying christian.
