Christian News 'Round the World

Church of the Holy Sepulchre

Archaeologists discover proof of Bible verse at holiest site in Christianity — and promise ‘many surprises’ still remain

https://nypost.com/2025/04/06/science/archaeologists-discover-proof-of-bible-verse-at-holiest-site-in-christianity/

 

 

Recent excavations at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem have yielded evidence of an ancient garden, supporting the biblical account of a garden near the site where Jesus was crucified. Archaeologists discovered seeds and pollen from olive trees and grapevines, dating back roughly 2,000 years. This discovery aligns with the New Testament verse John 19:41, which mentions a garden and a tomb near the place of crucifixion. 

 

 

Elaboration:

  • The Discovery: Archaeologists excavating the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the holiest site in Christianity, have found what they believe is proof of an ancient garden, consistent with biblical accounts.
  • Evidence: The evidence consists of seeds and pollen from olive trees and grapevines, dating back approximately 2,000 years, as confirmed by Francesca Stasolla.
  • Biblical Connection: The discovery is particularly significant because it aligns with John 19:41, which states, "Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid," says a New York Post article.
  • Significance: This find provides physical evidence supporting the biblical narrative of a garden near the site of Jesus' crucifixion, adding a layer of historical and archaeological context to the event. 

Noah's Ark

New evidence supports myth of Noah’s Ark as boat-shaped formation dates back to biblical floods

https://nypost.com/2025/03/10/science/new-evidence-at-durupinar-formation-supports-myth-of-noahs-ark/

Frankfurt Silver Inscription

Ancient engraved amulet could ‘turn back history’ of Christianity, experts claim

https://nypost.com/2024/12/16/science/ancient-inscription-is-new-evidence-of-early-christianity/

 

The "Frankfurt Silver Inscription" refers to an 18-line Latin inscription discovered on a piece of silver foil within a protective amulet found in a Roman cemetery near Frankfurt, Germany. This amulet, which dates back to the mid-3rd century AD, is believed to be the oldest known evidence of Christianity north of the Alps. The inscription contains phrases such as "Holy, holy, holy!" and invocations of Jesus Christ and Saint Titus, demonstrating early Christian beliefs and practices. 

 

Amulet and Discovery: The amulet, which is believed to have been worn around the neck as a form of protection, was found during archaeological excavations in 2018 at the "Heilmannstrasse" cemetery, located near the former Roman town of Nida. 

Inscription Content: The Latin inscription, deciphered through advanced imaging technology, includes:

 
  1. References to Saint Titus, a disciple of the Apostle Paul. 
     
  2. The phrase "Holy, holy, holy!" (the Trisagion). 
     
  3. Quotation from Paul's letter to the Philippians. 
     
  4. Invocations of Jesus Christ and Saint Titus for protection. 
 

Significance:

The Frankfurt Silver Inscription provides valuable insights into:
  1. The early spread of Christianity in the Roman Empire. 
     
  2. The beliefs and practices of early Christians in the region. 
     
  3. The development of Christian liturgy and devotion. 

Archaeological Evidence of Jesus Discovered?

Has Archaeological Evidence for Jesus Been Discovered?

https://www.icr.org/article/has-archaeological-evidence-for-jesus-been-discove

 

Revealed: The 7 most astonishing pieces of evidence that Jesus left behind

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-14105531/Archaeology-evidence-Jesus-left-behind.html

Flavius Josephus

Flavius Josephus was a Jewish historian who wrote about 60 years after Jesus' death. In his history of the Jewish people he mentions 'the brother of Jesus-who-is-called-Messiah, James by name'

In his Antiquities of the Jews, Josephus mentions "James, the brother of Jesus, who was called Christ," stating that he was killed by the High Priest Ananus after the death of the procurator Festus but before the arrival of Albinus. 

 

  • Context: Josephus, a first-century Jewish historian, wrote Antiquities of the Jews around 93-96 AD. 
  • The Passage: In Book 20, Chapter 9, Paragraph 1, Josephus mentions "the brother of Jesus, who was called Christ, whose name was James". 
  • The Death: The passage states that James was killed by the High Priest Ananus, who was considered an insolent and arrogant ruler by Josephus. 
  • Timing: The event is described as occurring after the death of the procurator Festus but before the arrival of Albinus. 
  • Debate on Authenticity: Some scholars argue that the passage about James is a later interpolation or forgery, while others consider it to be a genuine part of Josephus's work. 
  • Scholarly Arguments: Some scholars argue that the passage has a negative tone regarding the High Priest Ananus, presenting him as impulsive, while in the Jewish Wars Josephus presents a positive view of Ananus and portrays him as prudent. 
  • Other Evidence: The phrase "James the Just" is not found in the extant text of Josephus's Antiquities but is found in the writings of Origen and Hegesippus. 

Alexamenos Graffito

This crude graffiti carved into a wall of the Palatine Hill in Rome is possibly the first depiction of Christians anywhere in the world.

 

The Alexamenos Graffito, one of the earliest depictions of Jesus, is a Roman graffiti found in Rome. It depicts Jesus on a cross with a donkey's head, with the inscription "Alexamenos worships his God." The graffiti is interpreted as a mockery of Christians and their belief in a crucified God, particularly targeting the Christian depiction of Jesus as the divine son of God. 

 

  • Content: The graffiti shows a figure on a cross with a donkey's head, and the name "Alexamenos" alongside the inscription "Alexamenos worships his God." 
  • Interpretation: The graffiti is widely considered to be a mocking depiction of Christianity, specifically the belief that Jesus was crucified and is God. The donkey's head was used as a symbol of ridicule and anti- Semitism. 
  • Historical Context: The graffiti was found on the Palatine Hill in Rome, and is dated to the 1st or 2nd century AD. 
  • Significance: It provides valuable insight into early Roman attitudes towards Christianity and offers a glimpse into how Christians were perceived  by some non-Christians during this period. 

The Crucified Heel

The crucified heel of a man named Jehohanan was found in a tomb in Israel. This proves that Jesus could have received a proper burial as the Gospel claims rather than being thrown into a mass burial pit for criminals

 

The "Jehohanan crucified heel" refers to the discovery of a first-century ossuary (bone box) in Jerusalem containing the skeletal remains of a man named Jehohanan, with a nail embedded in his right heel bone. This discovery is significant because it provides physical evidence of Roman Crucifixion, a common method of execution used by the Romans. 

 
  • Jehohanan ben Hagkol: The ossuary was inscribed with the name "Jehohanan son of Hagkol," indicating the identity of the individual buried there. 
  • Crucifixion Evidence: A nail, still embedded in his right heel bone, provides strong evidence that Jehohanan was crucified. 
  • First-Century Context: The ossuary and the skeletal remains date to the 1st century CE, placing the event within the Roman period. 
  • Archaeological Significance: This discovery is one of the few pieces of physical evidence relating to crucifixion from Roman times. 
  • Method of Crucifixion: The nail in the heel bone suggests that Jehohanan's feet were nailed to the cross. 
  • Display at the Israel Museum: A replica of the heel bone is on display at the Israel Museum, along with other artifacts related to crucifixion, including the Pilate Stone and the bone box of Caiaphas. 

The Shroud of Turin

The Shroud of Turin features the image of a man with sunken eyes, which experts have analyzed under different filters to study it.

The Shroud of Turin is a piece of linen cloth that bears a faint image of a man, believed by many to be Jesus Christ. It is considered a major religious relic by some, and the subject of scientific and historical debate. 

 

  • Description: The shroud is a 14-foot-long linen cloth with an image of a man, featuring both the front and back of his body. 
  • Religious Significance: Many Catholics and other Christians believe it to be the actual burial shroud of Jesus Christ. 
  • Scientific Debate: The shroud has been the focus of scientific scrutiny, with various theories about the origin of the image and its authenticity. 
  • Debate and Controversy: While many believe the shroud is genuine, others argue it's a medieval forgery or the result of other natural phenomena. 
  • Location: The shroud is kept in the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Turin, Italy. 

The Mosaic at the Church of Apostles

This mosaic was found in a basilica believed to be the Church of the Apostles, built above the homes of Peter, Andrew, and Phillip. However, how much evidence this provides for the existence of the historical Jesus is debated.

The mosaic found in the basilica at the "Church of the Apostles" is a Byzantine mosaic floor with inscriptions, including a dedicatory text and a petition for intercession by Saint Peter. The mosaic also features a donor named "Constantine, the servant of Christ" and a description of Peter as "chief and commander of the heavenly apostles". These inscriptions are considered strong evidence that the site may be the lost "Church of the Apostles" in biblical Bethsaida. 

 

  • Location: The mosaic was discovered at the El-Araj dig site, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee, in what archaeologists believe to be the lost "Church of the Apostles". 
  • Dating: The mosaic is believed to be from the Byzantine period. 

 

Inscriptions:

  • Dedicatory text: A dedication to a donor, "Constantine, the servant of Christ," who is believed to have been responsible for building the basilica. 
  • Intercession petition: A request for intercession from St. Peter, referred to as "chief and commander of the heavenly apostles,". This phrase was commonly used by Byzantine Christians to refer to Peter, according to archaeologist Dr. Mordechai Aviam, from Kinneret College. 

 

Significance:

The mosaic inscriptions, especially the reference to Peter, are          considered strong evidence that the site is indeed the "Church of the Apostles" and may also be the location of biblical Bethsaida.

The Megiddo Mosaic

This  1,800-year-old mosaic contains the ancient Greek phrase: 'The god-loving Akeptous has offered the table to God Jesus Christ as a memorial.' This is the first recorded mention of the divinity of Christ.

 

The Megiddo Mosaic is an ancient, early Christian mosaic discovered beneath the floor of a former prison in Megiddo, Israel. It's considered one of the earliest known archaeological proofs that Jesus Christ was divine, dating back to AD 230. The mosaic, found in the ruins of a Christian prayer hall, features inscriptions, including a dedication to God Jesus Christ, and images of fish, a symbol of early Christianity. 

 
  • Location and Discovery: The mosaic was uncovered during the construction of the Megiddo Prison in Megiddo, a region with a rich history.
  • Dating and Significance: The mosaic dates back to around 230 AD, making it a valuable piece of early Christian history.
  • Inscriptions: The mosaic contains Greek inscriptions, including a dedication to "God Jesus Christ," which is significant because it provides early evidence of Jesus being recognized as divine, according to the Museum of the Bible. 
  • Symbolism: The mosaic also features images of fish, a well-known symbol of early Christianity.
  • Architectural Context: The mosaic likely covered the floor of a private chapel within a larger building, which is believed to be one of the earliest Christian houses of prayer.
  • Recent Display: The Megiddo Mosaic has been displayed at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C. 

The James Ossuary

The James Ossuary is a box believed to contain the remains of James, the brother of Jesus. However, the box's veracity has been a matter of fierce debate and even legal action

 

The James Ossuary is a stone box, or ossuary, found in Israel, which was believed to contain the bones of James, the brother of Jesus, according to an Aramaic inscription on the box. The inscription reads "James, son of Joseph, brother of Jesus".  The ossuary's authenticity and the inscription's claim of connection to Jesus' family have been the subject of much debate and controversy. 

 
  • Ossuary Definition: An ossuary is a container used to hold human skeletal remains after an initial burial, typically used when space is limited. 
  • The James Ossuary: This specific ossuary gained attention in 2002 when it was discovered and the inscription "James, son of Joseph, brother of Jesus" was interpreted as a potential connection to the biblical figure. 
  • Controversy and Legal Battle: The discovery led to legal proceedings and a seven-year trial, with claims and counterclaims regarding the authenticity of the ossuary and the inscription. 
  • Lack of Definitive Proof: While experts have debated the inscription's origin and the ossuary's connection to James, there's no definitive proof that the ossuary actually belonged to the biblical figure. 
  • Continued Discussion: The James Ossuary remains a subject of discussion among scholars and the public, sparking debate about its historical and religious significance. 

 

The original owner of the James Ossuary was charged with forgery. Although he was later acquitted some experts still question the suspicious circumstances in which the artefact came to light. 

The ossuary was allegedly acquired by an Israeli businessman named Oded Golan from an unknown antique dealer in the 1970s.

However, in an unusual move, the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) accused Mr Golan of faking the relic and took him to court in the 'the forgery trial of the century'.

Experts from the IAA alleged that Mr Golan had taken a real first-century ossuary and added the inscription himself.

When police took Mr Golan into custody they did indeed find a forgery lab filled with tools and half-finished 'antiquities'.

But, in another twist, Mr Golan was then acquitted of all charges of forgery in 2012 on the grounds that the IAA had not proven the inscription was fake.

During the trial, it emerged that some of the IAA's experts didn't have the proper specialisms to properly appraise whether or not the writing was real.

For many, this vindicated the James Ossuary as a brilliant piece of evidence for the historicity of Jesus.

Muslims are killing Christians

When will it stop?  Someone needs to do something.  At the very least, Christians need to pray for their brothers and sisters in Christ that are dying for believing in Jesus Christ.

https://www.foxnews.com/world/easter-fears-christians-nigeria-being-wiped-out-muslim-extremists

Christian Persecution is Real!

Time to wake up people!

https://www.christianitytoday.com/2025/01/christian-persecution-2025-countries-open-doors-watch-list/

Christ's Tomb Special

National Geographic: Christ's Tomb SPECIAL

https://youtu.be/_1vEj4F-rm8?si=IuV119Y-DJJucXVq