Question

What is an amanuensis? Describe three different ideas on how much control an amanuensis had who recorded a writing that became part of the NT. a) An amanuensis is a scribe or assistant who transcribed written works. b) Some believe amanuensises had significant control, actively shaping the content. c) Others argue they had limited control, faithfully transcribing the author's words. d) Another view suggests they had moderate influence, editing for clarity.

Answer 1

An amanuensis is a scribe responsible for transcribing written works. Scholars differ about how much control an amanuensis had when recording texts that became part of the New Testament. The three main views include significant control, limited control, and moderate control.

Step-by-step explanation:

An amanuensis is essentially a scribe or assistant tasked with the transcription of written works. The extent of power and control an amanuensis had in recording writings that later became part of the New Testament (NT) is often debated. Three primary views regarding this exist.

1. Some scholars propose that amanuenses had significant control over the content, therefore actively shaping and influencing what was written.
2. A second idea suggests that amanuenses faithfully transcribed the author's words, applying limited control to the content.
3. A third viewpoint suggests a moderate influence where amanuenses were editing for clarity but not shaping the content.

In relation to other historical writing systems, Assyriologist Jean-Jacques Glassner provides a unique perspective on early writing systems suggesting it was an attempt to render the Sumerian language in script, equating development of writing to the process of Mesopotamian priests interpreting omens for divining the future.

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