The discovery of the Megiddo Mosaic—a stunning 1,800-year-old Christian artifact unearthed beneath an Israeli prison—has been hailed as the most significant find since the Dead Sea Scrolls. And yet, as this incredible relic goes on display in the U.S., it’s hard not to notice how some corners of the academic and cultural elite are squirming, reluctant to acknowledge what it truly represents: undeniable proof of early Christian faith and the foundational role of Jesus as God from the start.
The mosaic, discovered in 2005 by an inmate, features an inscription in ancient Greek referring to Jesus Christ as God—”The god-loving Akeptous has offered the table to God Jesus Christ as a memorial.” This simple yet profound statement predates much of the debate surrounding early Christianity’s beliefs, showing that followers of Christ embraced his divinity centuries before theological councils formalized it.
Here’s an ancient 3rd-century mosaic that was found in Israel. Most noteworthy is that it describes Jesus Christ as ‘God’.
The inscription reads in Greek letters:
προσηνικεν
Ακεπτουϛ
η φιλοθεοϛ
την τράπεζαν
ΘΩ ΙΥ ΧΩ
μνημοσυνον pic.twitter.com/gkeKfrZpVQ— Jonathan Christman (@jwchristman) March 5, 2023
But what’s the reaction from certain institutions? Caution, cynicism, and even a whiff of disdain. Despite the mosaic’s clear historical importance, detractors are quick to focus on controversies surrounding the Museum of the Bible, where it’s currently displayed. Critics dredge up past mishandlings of artifacts by the museum’s founders, diverting attention from the extraordinary significance of the mosaic itself. The museum’s leadership, for all its missteps, is still giving millions of people the chance to witness this remarkable piece of history—something the academic elites had hidden under a prison floor for nearly two decades.
What’s more, the mosaic challenges some long-held narratives. For one, it suggests a surprising coexistence between Roman authorities and early Christians, as evidenced by a Roman officer commissioning the mosaic for the prayer hall. It also highlights the prominent role of women in the early church, with five women named in its inscriptions—a glaring contradiction to modern claims that Christianity has always been patriarchal or exclusionary.
AN ANCIENT mosaic with the inscription “God Jesus Christ” is being dubbed the greatest find since the Dead Sea Scrolls.
The massive discovery “confirms” Jesus’ divinity about a hundred years before the Council of Nicea – fundamentally changing our knowledge of early… pic.twitter.com/g6PnQuHkRM
— Qᴀɢɢ.ɴᴇᴡꜱ (@qaggnews) November 19, 2024
Let’s not forget where the mosaic was found: the Jezreel Valley, the site of the prophesied final battle of Armageddon. The symbolism couldn’t be more fitting. This discovery affirms not just the faith of early Christians but also the enduring power of their message—a message that continues to resonate, much to the discomfort of the cultural gatekeepers.
It’s no surprise that some academics are more interested in critiquing the museum than celebrating the mosaic’s display. Hollywood and academia may prefer revisionist takes on faith, but the truth remains: early Christians knew who Jesus was, and they weren’t afraid to declare it. This mosaic is proof, whether the elites like it or not.
