Ancient mosaic from Israel equating Jesus with God on display in US

'This is arguably the most important archaeological discovery for understanding the early Christian church,' says director of the Scholars Initiative at the Museum of the Bible
The Meggido Mosaic which includes the words “God, Jesus Christ” in Greek, giving the earliest evidence that the first believers equated Jesus with God, has been shipped to the US for a new exhibition at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, DC.

The 581-square-foot (54-square-meter) Roman mosaic which dates back 1800 years has been described as “the greatest discovery since the Dead Sea Scrolls” by Carlos Campo, CEO of the museum.

Bobby Duke, director of the Scholars Initiative at the Museum of the Bible, concurred saying, “This is arguably the most important archaeological discovery for understanding the early Christian church,” according to the Daily Mail.

There are many aspects of the mosaic, thought to have been completed around 230 AD, that give a window into relations between Romans and Christians, Jews and Gentiles, and the faith of the first believers in Jesus.

“For example, the mosaic underscores the crucial role of women in the early church by the fact that five women are mentioned in it by name,” Duke explained. “Truly, the mosaic presents a wealth of new data for church historians, like the Dead Sea Scrolls did for Bible scholars.”

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Ancient mosaic from Israel equating Jesus with God on display in US

'This is arguably the most important archaeological discovery for understanding the early Christian church,' says director of the Scholars Initiative at the Museum of the Bible

allisrael.com

 

[Hol]

Thank you for posting this Rose

It is so amazing that our Father knew this would be discovered. His preservation is undeniable and powerful

From the article: "Other artworks found in the structure also indicate the Christian nature of the building, including a mosaic of two fish, an early Christian symbol used before the cross became more commonplace.

The mosaic was originally discovered during excavations in 2005 near the Megiddo Prison, as authorities were preparing to expand and relocate the facility.

"This is an extremely dramatic discovery, because such an old building of this type has never been found either in the land of Israel or anywhere else in the entire region,” Tepper said at the time. “The structure and the mosaic floor date back to the period before Christianity became an officially recognized religion, before Constantine.”

 

[Baby Yoda]

 

[Ghoti Ichthus]

The conclusion based on the Roman officer sponsoring the prayer hall that Roman-Christian relations may not have been as antagonistic as previously thought, may or may not be true. The Roman Soldiers, at great peril to themselves, said Jesus was the Son of God when He was crucified. It may be that this act was also at great peril.

"the patronage of a Roman officer named Gaianus who paid for the work, as mentioned in the mosaic itself. The fact that a Roman had contributed towards a Christian prayer house from his own pocket indicates a less antagonistic relationship between Romans and the early church than historians had previously assumed."

Ancient mosaic from Israel equating Jesus with God on display in US

'This is arguably the most important archaeological discovery for understanding the early Christian church,' says director of the Scholars Initiative at the Museum of the Bible

allisrael.com