Keren's Discoveries in the Syrian Monastery

Robert Keren, a nobleman from England, sought purpose by traveling to Egypt in the 1830s. Disenchanted with life in England, he aimed to collect ancient biblical manuscripts. His journey led him to the Syrian Monastery, where he discovered a trove of ancient texts, including some of the earliest Bible manuscripts. His findings raised questions about the completeness of the Bible and sparked scholarly interest across Europe.

What was Robert Keren's main reason for leaving England?

• To complete his degree at another university

• To find a new purpose in life

• To start a business in Egypt

• To escape from family responsibilities

What was Keren's primary interest in Egypt?

• Starting a new life in a different culture

• Exploring the pyramids

• Collecting ancient biblical manuscripts

• Learning the local language

Why were Egypt's early Christian monasteries significant to Keren?

• They were popular tourist destinations

• They offered a peaceful retreat for meditation

• They were centers of early Christian manuscript preservation

• They were known for their architectural beauty

What condition did Keren find the Syrian Monastery's library in?

• Well-organized and maintained

• In complete disarray with manuscripts scattered

• Recently renovated and modernized

• Closed to visitors and researchers

How did Keren gain access to the monastery's library?

• He bribed the head monk

• He was invited by the monks

• He found a secret entrance

• He coaxed a blind monk to show him

What was the reaction of the monastery's current librarian to Keren's description of the library?

• He was unaware of Keren's visit

• He confirmed the library was likely a mess at that time

• He claimed the library was always well-organized

• He denied the library was ever in disarray

What was one of the significant discoveries Keren made in the monastery?

• A map to other ancient sites

• A hidden treasure of gold

• The Acts of Peter and Paul, a text not included in the Bible

• A new architectural style

What language were some of the manuscripts Keren found written in?

• Hebrew

• Latin

• Ancient Greek

• Ancient Syak

What impact did Keren's discoveries have on scholars in Europe?

• They were largely ignored

• They sparked interest and speculation about biblical accuracy

• They were dismissed as forgeries

• They led to the closure of the monastery

What question did Keren's discovery of the Acts of Peter and Paul raise?

• Why was it not included in the Bible?

• Who wrote the text?

• Where was it originally found?

• What language was it originally written in?