[2] The original manuscript was likely a codex (precursor to the modern book) made of papyrus, of which only two pieces from one leaf have survived.

[2]: 11 [3]: 192  Based on this data, the original codex is estimated to have been made of 32 leaves, giving 64 pages to contain the entire Gospel of John.

[2]: 12 [3]: 192  It was written by irregular hand, which scholar Juan Chapa describes as a "poor attempt at 'Biblical Uncial', made by an inexperienced scribe.

[2]: 12  The number "one hundred and fifty-three" is also written by this sort of contraction in Greek numerals — ΡΝΓ.

[2]: 13 [3]: 193  The majority of manuscripts contain the name, usually with an article (ἐφανερώθη ὁ Ἰησοῦς τοῖς μαθηταῖς / Jesus appeared to the disciples).