In a remarkable archaeological discovery, researchers have uncovered the earliest known inscription declaring "Jesus is God." This 1,800-year-old artifact, known as the Megiddo Mosaic, has been hailed as one of the most significant finds since the Dead Sea Scrolls. The inscription, written in ancient Greek, offers invaluable insights into early Christian beliefs and practices. This blog post delves into the details of this extraordinary discovery, its historical context, and its implications for our understanding of early Christianity.
The Discovery
The Megiddo Mosaic was discovered beneath the floor of the Megiddo Prison in northern Israel during excavations conducted by the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) between 2003 and 2005. The mosaic, which dates back to approximately 230 AD, was found in what is believed to be the earliest known Christian prayer hall. This site, located near a Roman military camp, reflects a diverse community that included Roman soldiers and early Christians.
The mosaic features three inscriptions written in ancient Greek. The most notable of these reads: "The god-loving Akeptous has offered the table to God Jesus Christ as a memorial." This inscription is considered one of the earliest affirmations of Jesus' divinity, predating the formal establishment of Christianity as the Roman Empire's official religion.
Historical Context
The discovery of the Megiddo Mosaic provides a rare glimpse into the practices and beliefs of early Christians. During the third century, Christianity was still in its formative stages, and followers often gathered in private homes or small prayer halls for worship. The mosaic's location in a prayer hall, rather than a formal church building, underscores the humble and clandestine nature of early Christian worship.
The inscription's reference to "God Jesus Christ" is particularly significant, as it offers physical evidence of the early Christian belief in Jesus' divinity. This challenges the notion that the doctrine of Jesus' divinity was a later development and suggests that early Christians already held this belief.
The Significance of the Inscription
The Megiddo Mosaic is not only a testament to early Christian beliefs but also a reflection of the community's social and cultural dynamics. The inscription mentions Akeptous, a wealthy and influential woman who donated the table used in Eucharistic rituals. This highlights the important role of women in early Christian communities and their contributions to the faith.
Another inscription credits Gaianus, a Roman centurion, for funding the mosaic. His involvement underscores the diverse makeup of early Christian communities, which included individuals from various social and economic backgrounds. The mosaic also features fish imagery, an early Christian symbol, further emphasizing the community's religious identity.
Implications for Early Christian Studies
The discovery of the Megiddo Mosaic has profound implications for the study of early Christianity. It provides concrete evidence of the early Christian belief in Jesus' divinity and offers insights into the practices and social dynamics of early Christian communities. The mosaic's inscriptions and imagery contribute to our understanding of how early Christians expressed their faith and organized their worship.
Moreover, the Megiddo Mosaic challenges existing narratives about the development of Christian doctrine. It suggests that the belief in Jesus' divinity was already established among early Christians, long before the formalization of Christian theology in the fourth century.
Conclusion
The discovery of the Megiddo Mosaic is a groundbreaking find that sheds new light on the early Christian faith. Its inscriptions and imagery offer a unique window into the beliefs and practices of early Christians, highlighting their devotion and the diverse makeup of their communities. It shows that Christians always believed Jesus to be God. Jesus was not "deified" later on to compete with Roman religions of the time as some ignorant atheists claim on social media. Nor is Jesus a demi-god as Jehovah's Witnesses and other Unitarians erroneously believe. It also shows that Constantine did not find Christianity and that the Catholic Church existed before his conversion teaching that Jesus is God. As researchers continue to study this remarkable artifact, it will undoubtedly contribute to a deeper understanding of the origins and development of Christianity.
For more information on this discovery, you can read the full articles on [MSN](https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/earliest-jesus-is-god-inscription-found-deemed-greatest-discovery-since-the-dead-sea-scrolls/ar-AA1umW56?ocid=BingNewsSerp), [Greek Reporter](https://greekreporter.com/tag/jesus-as-god-inscription/), and [uCatholic](https://ucatholic.com/news/earliest-inscription-of-jesus-as-god-discovered-in-megiddo-prison-mosaic-now-on-display-at-museum/).
Source:
Earliest ‘Jesus is God’ inscription found — deemed ‘greatest discovery since the Dead Sea Scrolls’
Earliest 'Jesus Is God' Inscription Found In Israeli Prison: 'Greatest Discovery Since...'
The Megiddo Mosaic: A Community Coming Together to the Table | Museum of the Bible
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