A concise manual surveys the history of printed editions and major editors, catalogues the Greek manuscripts, ancient versions, and patristic citations that preserve the text, and explains the principles and techniques of establishing an authoritative reading. It examines manuscript types and materials, lectionaries and significant versions such as Syriac, Latin, and Coptic, and traces common scribal errors and deliberate alterations. It compares methods—eclectic, genealogical, internal and external criticism—offers rules for evaluating variants, and discusses historically important editions. Concluding sections provide critical notes on particular passages and reference tools for further study.