Who was the theologian known for preparing a critical Greek edition of the New Testament?

Desiderius Erasmus was a prominent Dutch theologian and scholar who is best known for his work on the New Testament. His critical Greek edition of the New Testament, published in 1516, was revolutionary because it was one of the first attempts to compile the text directly from available Greek manuscripts. This edition corrected many errors carried over from the Latin Vulgate and helped spark the Reformation by supporting further study of the scriptures in their original languages.

Erasmus’s work laid the groundwork for later Protestant reformers and emphasized the importance of returning to original sources (ad fontes) in theological study. This approach not only influenced religious debates of his time but also contributed to the broader intellectual movement of humanism, which sought to recover classical texts and knowledge. His edition was significant in promoting literacy and encouraging individuals to engage with the scriptures.

While other figures like Ulrich Zwingli, John Calvin, and Thomas More were important in the context of theology and religion during the Reformation and Renaissance, they did not have the same impact as Erasmus in terms of textual criticism and the scholarship of the New Testament.