9 (1) Χριστόν is attested by the
earliest MS. 𝔓46, together with D, E,
F, G, K, and early patristic writers in a variety of local regions: Irenaeus
(Lyons); Ephraem (Edessa), Clement (Alexandria), Old Latin, Vulgate, Syriac,
Sahidic, and Bohairic. However, א, B, and C have τὸν κύριον, which reflects τὸν θέον (cf. LXX of Num 21:5–6; Deut 6:16, and Ps 77:18 [Ps
78:18]: They put God to the test in their
hearts by demanding food for their own desires). Before reference could be
made to 𝔓46, some older
commentators suggested that “we may safely prefer τὸν κύριον.” However, more recent writers almost unanimously
(but with exceptions) argue for τὸν
Χριστόν, including Metzger,
Conzelmann, Schrage, Fee, and most decisively Zuntz and the research article by
C. D. Osburn. The major arguments in favor of accepting and retaining Christ (which UBS 4th ed. ranks as “B,”
i.e., “almost certain”) are (a) that it is easy to understand how an original Christ could be changed to the Lord because (i) Christ presupposes a Christology which
identifies the God of Israel (or the angel of the Lord) with the preexistent
Christ; (ii) Lord with put to the test would be a familiar
phrase from the use of Deut 6:16 in the Gospel narratives of the messianic
temptations; (iii) Lord would be near
to LXX Num 21:5–6; Ps 77:18 [78:18]; and (b) that 𝔓46 goes back to around ad 200, and is supported by D and very
early second- and third-century patristic witness from locations across the
Graeco-Roman world. (2) ἀπώλοντο reflects the better א, A, and B
as reading ἀπώλοντο of C, D, and G. Some MSS read ἀπώλλυντο (see below).
(Anthony C. Thiselton, The First Epistle to the Corinthians: A
Commentary on the Greek Text [New International Greek Testament Commentary;
Grand Rapids, Mich.: Eerdmans, 2000], 740)