Using the study of comparative handwriting styles (paleography), the manuscript has been assigned to the 3rd or 4th century.

[3] P.Bodmer VII (Jude) and P.Bodmer VIII (1-2 Peter) form part of a single book (the Bodmer Miscellaneous Codex).

This book appeared on the antiquities market in Egypt and was bought by the Swiss collector Martin Bodmer.

[3]: 140,149-151 The manuscript contains the usual nomina sacra for Messiah, Jesus, God, Lord, Spirit, Father, plus a few non-standard ones: ΔΥΜΙ (power), Σαρρα (Sarah), Αβρααμ (Abraham), Νωε (Noah), Μιχαης (Archangel Michael), and Ενωχ (Enoch).

A facsimile edition of Bodmer Papyrus VIII was published in 2007 by Testimonio Compañía Editorial.