The Megiddo Mosaic Proclaiming the Divinity of Jesus: A Meeting of History and Faith

The faith of the early church echoes through 2,000 years of history, calling out to us today. The Megiddo Mosaic, discovered in 2004 beneath a prison in northern Israel, is hailed as one of the most significant Christian archaeological and historical discoveries since the Dead Sea Scrolls in 1947. Recently, this discovery has gained renewed attention, becoming widely recognized. Plans are currently underway to relocate the prison, allowing for further exploration and public access to the site. Unearthed by archaeologists from the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) during pre-construction excavations, this mosaic dates back to around 230 AD, making it one of the earliest archaeological evidences testifying to the divinity of Jesus Christ.

This article sheds light on the theological, historical, and spiritual significance of the Megiddo Mosaic, focusing on the evidence it provides regarding the faith of the early church and the divinity of Jesus. Additionally, it seeks to explore the continuities between the early church and the modern church and how these insights can be applied to the life of the church and individual believers today, enriching our understanding of the incarnation’s significance.

The Discovery and Details of the Megiddo Mosaic

The Megiddo Mosaic was found as part of a Christian prayer hall concealed beneath roof tiles and plastered walls. Originally intended to protect the building from rain and wind, the roof tiles also served as a protective layer against physical damage and erosion of the mosaic. Similarly, the plastered walls helped preserve the mosaic’s original condition by shielding it from moisture and external elements. These preservation efforts suggest that the early Christians considered the mosaic a significant spiritual legacy, intentionally safeguarding it for future generations.

The prayer hall where the Megiddo Mosaic was found reveals a unique form of early Christian worship. Before formal church buildings were established, small Christian communities gathered in such spaces for worship. Given the persecution Christians faced within the Roman Empire, these prayer halls likely served as discreet locations for sharing faith and holding worship. Furthermore, the multicultural background of Megiddo, where Jews and Romans coexisted, offers important clues about how early Christianity emerged and developed in such contexts.

The prayer hall includes notable Greek inscriptions and images of fish, each carrying theological and historical significance: 

  1. The Inscription “To God Jesus Christ”
    A central Greek phrase in the mosaic reads, “ΘΕΩ ΙΗΣΟΥ ΧΡΙΣΤΩ” (To God Jesus Christ), which features sacred shorthand (nomina sacra). This inscription is part of a longer dedication:
    ΠΡΟΣΦΕΝΙΚΕΝ ΑΚΕΠΤΟΥΣ ΤΗΝ ΤΡΑΠΕΖΑ ΘΕΩ ΙΗΣΟΥ ΧΡΙΣΤΩ ΕΙΣ ΜΝΗΜΟΣΥΝΟΝ (Akeptous, who loves God, offered this table in remembrance to God Jesus Christ). This phrase reflects the faith expression of the Christian community at the time, emphasizing their recognition of Jesus Christ as divine.

  2. Akeptous, a Female Donor
    The mosaic mentions Akeptous, a woman who donated the Eucharistic table. This highlights the significant and devoted roles women played in early Christian communities.

  3. The Contribution of a Roman Centurion
    Another inscription records a Roman centurion named Gaianus, described as “our brother Porphyrius,” who contributed to the construction of the prayer hall. This suggests that he was not merely a figure of military rank but an accepted member of the early Christian community, underscoring the multicultural and inclusive nature of the early church.

  4. Fish Imagery
    The mosaic includes images of fish, an early Christian symbol connected to the Greek word Ichthys. The acronym stands for “Ἰησοῦς Χριστὸς Θεοῦ Υἱὸς Σωτήρ” (Jesus Christ, God’s Son, Savior) and served as both a summary of faith and a secret code for identifying fellow Christians during times of persecution.

The Significance of the Megiddo Mosaic

  1. Evidence for the Divinity of Jesus
    The inscription "To God Jesus Christ" provides compelling evidence that early Christians clearly believed in the divinity of Jesus. In contrast, Islamic theology views Jesus (Isa) as a prophet and servant of Allah, explicitly denying his divinity or status as the Son of God (e.g., Quran Surah 4:171). Some Islamic scholars argue that belief in Jesus’ divinity developed later, influenced by Roman culture or pagan traditions, citing events like the Council of Nicaea (AD 325). Similar views have been echoed by scholars like James D. G. Dunn and Maurice Casey.

    However, the Megiddo Mosaic challenges these claims, showing that belief in Jesus’ divinity was not a later theological construct but a foundational truth rooted in the apostolic era. Early Christian worship and theology were firmly grounded in the conviction of Jesus’ divinity, as reflected in their practices and teachings. Larry W. Hurtado highlights this in Lord Jesus Christ: Devotion to Jesus in Earliest Christianity (pp. 2-4), describing devotion to Jesus as central and definitive in early Christian worship.

  2. The Centrality of the Eucharist in Worship
    he Megiddo Mosaic provides clear evidence that the Eucharist played a central role in early Christian communities. Far from being a mere ritual, the Eucharist was the heart of worship, commemorating Jesus' death and resurrection. The fact that the mosaic mentions a female donor, Akeptous, who contributed a Eucharistic table, highlights how crucial the Eucharist was to the early Christian faith.

    The structure and layout of the prayer hall reflect the ways these communities supported one another and worshiped as a united body. Before official church buildings were constructed, such prayer halls served as central spaces for believers to gather, share their faith, and grow together. This demonstrates the early church's deliberate commitment to centering their worship around Jesus and emphasizes the significance of worship and fellowship in their community.

    Additionally, unlike the prevailing cultural norms of the Roman era, these communities embraced inclusivity, allowing both men and women to participate equally in worship and the Eucharist. This characteristic transcended gender and social barriers, showcasing the early church's inclusiveness and the beauty of its communal faith practices.

  3. Multicultural Character of the Early Church
    The Megiddo prayer hall offers compelling evidence that the early church included individuals from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds, such as Jews, Samaritans, and Romans. The mosaic’s mention of a Roman centurion’s contribution suggests that even members of the Roman military elite were drawn into the Christian faith.

    This aligns with the account in Acts 10, where Peter shares the gospel with the centurion Cornelius and his household. Such findings underscore the inclusivity of the gospel, which is not limited to a specific nation or social class but open to all. The unity of people from varied backgrounds under the gospel highlights the multicultural nature of the early church, serving as a reminder for modern churches to carry forward this legacy.

  4. Historical Continuity of Faith
    The Megiddo Mosaic underscores the remarkable historical continuity of Christian faith. The declaration “To God Jesus Christ” affirms that the beliefs held by today’s Christians are rooted in the same faith confessed by the early church. This continuity confirms that the belief in Jesus as the Son of God has been passed down through two millennia as a deeply entrenched tradition of faith. Centered on scripture and consistent with its teachings, this faith has endured unchanged throughout church history.

    The proclamation in the Megiddo Mosaic is more than a written record; it provides archaeological evidence of the beliefs and practices of early Christians. It testifies to the unbroken transmission of faith from the apostolic age to modern believers. Moreover, the early Christians’ intentional preservation of the mosaic as a spiritual heritage emphasizes the responsibility to pass down the faith to future generations.

  5. Encouragement for Modern Faith
    The alignment between the faith we profess today and the convictions of the early church gives modern Christians boldness in proclaiming the gospel. The harmony between scripture and archaeological discoveries like the Megiddo Mosaic reassures believers that their faith is not merely a traditional heritage but is firmly grounded in historical fact. This continuity strengthens the authority and reliability of scripture and instills a sense of pride in carrying forward the legacy of faith. As Hebrews 13:8 declares, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever,” this truth reveals the timeless essence of the gospel. Only Jesus Christ, who is God, can save humanity, and only he is the ultimate hope for the world. This conviction provides modern Christians with a firm foundation to share the gospel boldly and live out their faith with confidence, drawing strength from both historical evidence and the teachings of scripture.

Conclusion

The Megiddo Mosaic stands as a profound testament to the faith and worship of the early church, affirming that belief in Jesus’ divinity was firmly established from the apostolic era. It strengthens the credibility of the New Testament and highlights the theological and liturgical continuity between the early and modern church. Moreover, it serves as a call to pass down the faith to future generations, reminding us of the responsibility to preserve and share the gospel’s legacy.

May this discovery deepen our understanding and commitment to the faith, as we continue to live out and proclaim the gospel with courage and conviction. The Megiddo Mosaic serves as a powerful bridge between history and faith, inviting us to embrace the richness of our Christian heritage and share it with the world.

J.D. Kim