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AR 30:14 - Deity of Christ: New "earliest find" site

In this issue:

ARCHAEOLOGY - XGrok and "The Mosaic Church" from Angel Studios

Apologia Report 30:14 (1,703)
April 24, 2025

ARCHAEOLOGY

We've been exploring the "X" social network's AI tool, Grok. This time (see <www.tinyurl.com/dftmjpac> for an early session) our focus was the subject of the recent documentary film: "The Mosaic Church," produced by Angel Studios, home of the wildly popular fictional series, The Chosen, about the life of Christ.

The brief "Mosaic Church" film promo reads: "Discovered beneath an Israeli prison, an ancient mosaic is believed to mark the oldest Christian place of worship. Narrated by Bear Grylls, this documentary uncovers its historical, religious, and political significance." While paywalled for the general public, viewing the film using <www.tinyurl.com/AR-Mosaic-Church> will only require registration. We've seen several of the other films in this Angel documentary collection and enjoyed them all.

The XGrok response <www.tinyurl.com/xGrok-Mosaic-Church> we received begins with links to "3 posts" and "15 web pages." [Tip: Have you noticed the tracking codes that cause URLs for identical web pages to grow substantially when they are determined to have originated via human search? I (RP) looked over the Grok response URL to our inquiry, and the AI insert detail could be reversed back to the inclusion of a string which included <pesky1C1.19apolojedi> ... kinda.] The above link references are followed by the Grok text reply to our inquiry, which impressively addressed corrections to details we may, or may not, have intentionally confused regarding our take on the "Mosaic Church" film. It reads:

"There appears to be some confusion in your query regarding the details of the archaeological site and the discovery. Based on the available information, the Mosaic Church at Tel Megiddo, often referred to as the Megiddo Church, is not known as the Church of Lod, and it was discovered in 2005, not 2024. Additionally, it is dated to around 230 AD, not 290 AD, and is considered one of the oldest known Christian worship sites, though not necessarily the 'oldest recorded place of Christian worship.' The inscription you mentioned, which includes the phrase 'offering a table to the God, Jesus Christ,' is a significant feature of this site. Below, I'll provide a detailed response about the observations made regarding this inscription, correcting the inaccuracies and drawing from the available sources.

"Clarifications on the Site

Location and Name: The Megiddo Church is located near Tel Megiddo in northern Israel, within the grounds of the Megiddo Prison in the Jezreel Valley. It is not associated with Lod, which is a different city in Israel with its own archaeological significance (e.g., the Lod Mosaic, a Roman-era mosaic, but not related to this church). The Megiddo Church is sometimes called a 'Christian prayer hall' due to its early date and simple structure, predating formal church buildings.

"Discovery: The site was uncovered between 2003 and 2005 by the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) during salvage excavations ahead of a planned expansion of the Megiddo Prison. It was not discovered in 2024, though it was first publicly displayed in 2024 at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C., after conservation and relocation efforts.

"Dating: The church is dated to approximately 230 AD based on pottery, coins, and inscriptional style, making it one of the earliest known Christian worship sites, alongside structures like the Dura-Europos house church in Syria. The date of 290 AD is not supported by the sources.

"Significance: The site is considered one of the earliest Christian prayer halls, reflecting worship practices before Christianity was legalized in the Roman Empire under Constantine in the early 4th century. It provides a rare glimpse into early Christian communities during a period of persecution.

"The Inscription and Its Context

The Megiddo Mosaic, covering approximately 581 square feet (54 square meters), is a well-preserved floor decoration in what is believed to be a Christian prayer hall within a larger residential building, possibly used by Roman soldiers and local Christians. The mosaic contains three Greek inscriptions, geometric patterns, and early Christian symbols like fish (Ichthys), which represent 'Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior.' The most notable inscription, and the one you referenced, reads in Greek:

"Προσήνικεν Ἁκεπτοῦς ἡ φιλόθεος τὴν τράπεζαν Θ(ε)ῷ Ἰ(ησο)ῦ Χ(ριστ)ῷ μνημόσυνον"

Translated, it means: 'The god-loving Akeptous has offered the table to God Jesus Christ as a memorial.'

"This inscription is located near the center of the mosaic and is associated with a stone block that archaeologists believe may have been the base for a table or altar, likely used for Eucharistic rituals (Communion).

"Observations About the Inscription

The inscription has drawn significant attention from archaeologists, historians, and theologians due to its early date and explicit theological content. Below are key observations based on the sources:

"Earliest Archaeological Reference to Jesus as God:

The phrase 'God Jesus Christ' (Θεῷ Ἰησοῦ Χριστῷ) is considered the earliest known archaeological instance of Jesus being explicitly identified as God. This predates the Council of Nicaea (325 AD), which formalized the doctrine of Christ's divinity, by about a century.

"The inscription's matter-of-fact presentation of Jesus' divinity suggests that this belief was already a foundational aspect of the faith for this community, challenging claims by some historians that early Christians did not view Jesus as divine until later theological developments.

"Scholars note that the phrase is not presented as a revolutionary statement but as a simple prepositional phrase, indicating that the community's belief in Jesus' divinity was well-established by 230 AD." NT Wright is one of multiple academics recruited to promote the film's content. He is given several separate brief clips. One is a classic gospel seed-sower's planting opportunity.

"Role of Akeptous and Women in the Early Church:

Akeptous, described as 'god-loving' (φιλόθεος, philotheos), is identified as the donor of the table, which was likely used for the Eucharist. Her name, possibly a Latin name adapted into Greek, suggests she was a woman of means and influence within the community.

"The inscription highlights the significant role of women in early Christianity. Akeptous is one of five women named in the mosaic, alongside Primilla, Cyriaca, Dorothea, and Chreste, who are mentioned in a separate inscription asking the community to 'remember' them.

"The mention of women as donors and honored figures underscores their integral role in the survival and growth of early Christian communities, challenging assumptions about gender roles in the early church.

"The request to 'remember' the four women is unusual, as such inscriptions typically ask God to remember individuals. This may indicate they were patrons, martyrs, or otherwise significant to the community, though their specific roles remain unclear.

"The Table and Eucharistic Practices:

The table (τράπεζαν, trapezan) mentioned in the inscription is believed to be an altar or a surface used for the Eucharist, a central ritual in early Christian worship. The presence of a physical table in the prayer hall provides evidence of early Christian liturgical practices.

"The term 'as a memorial' (μνημόσυνον, mnemosynon) suggests the table was dedicated in memory of someone, possibly Akeptous herself or a relative, though this is speculative. Some interpretations propose the table was a commemorative gesture rather than a functional altar, but most scholars lean toward its Eucharistic use.

"The central stone block in the mosaic, potentially the table's base, reinforces the idea that the room was designed for communal worship centered around the Eucharist.

"Community Diversity and Coexistence:

The inscription, combined with others in the mosaic, reflects a diverse early Christian community. Another inscription credits Gaianus, a Roman centurion also called Porphyrius, for funding the mosaic, indicating that Roman soldiers were among the early converts.

"The mosaic's location in Kfar Othnay, an ancient Jewish and Samaritan village near a Roman military camp (Legio), suggests a level of cultural and religious coexistence. The presence of Jewish, Samaritan, pagan, and Christian elements in the area points to peaceful interactions, contrary to assumptions of constant conflict.

"The involvement of a Roman officer like Gaianus and a woman like Akeptous in funding the prayer hall suggests that Christianity was gaining traction across social strata, even before its legalization.

"Historical and Theological Significance:

The inscription provides physical evidence of early Christian beliefs and practices, corroborating textual sources like the New Testament and early church writings. It counters skepticism about the early Christian belief in Jesus' divinity, showing that this was a core tenet by the early 3rd century.

"The mosaic's discovery has been hailed as one of the most significant since the Dead Sea Scrolls due to its insights into early Christian theology, community structure, and worship practices.

"The phrase 'God Jesus Christ' is seen as a bold statement in a period when Christians faced persecution, indicating the community's confidence in their faith despite legal and social risks.

"Artistic and Archaeological Context:

The mosaic, crafted by an artist named Brutius (mentioned in another inscription), features fish symbols, which are among the earliest known Christian iconography. The Greek word for fish, ΙΧΘΥΣ (Ichthys), is an acronym for 'Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior,' and also references biblical stories like the multiplication of the loaves and fishes (Luke 9:16).

"The mosaic's geometric patterns and high craftsmanship reflect Roman artistic traditions, adapted for Christian purposes. The work of Brutius, a skilled tessellarius (mosaic maker), indicates the community's resources and commitment to creating a sacred space.

"The mosaic was carefully covered with tiles and plaster around 305 AD, possibly during the Diocletianic Persecution or when the Roman Sixth Legion was relocated, preserving it for nearly 1,800 years until its discovery.

"Public Display and Controversy:

The mosaic's relocation to the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C., for display from September 15, 2024, to July 6, 2025, has sparked both excitement and controversy. Some archaeologists, like Rafi Greenberg, criticized moving such a significant artifact abroad, arguing it should remain in situ. Others, including the IAA, supported the loan for its global visibility, with plans to return it to Israel for permanent display near the discovery site.

"The Museum of the Bible has faced scrutiny for past issues, such as displaying looted artifacts and forged Dead Sea Scroll fragments, raising concerns about its handling of the mosaic. However, the IAA emphasized that the exhibition focuses on historical and archaeological perspectives, not religious narratives.

"The inscription's display has drawn thousands of visitors, with curators noting its emotional impact on audiences, who are often stunned to see a 3rd-century artifact affirming Jesus' divinity.

"Critical Examination

While the inscription is celebrated as a groundbreaking find, some points warrant critical consideration:

The claim that it is the 'first time ever' Jesus is mentioned in a public building may be overstated. The Megiddo prayer hall is described as part of a private residence or a wing used by Roman soldiers, not a public building in the modern sense. It was likely a semi-private worship space for a specific community.

"The dating of 230 AD is based on pottery, coins, and inscriptional style, but some scholars, like Joe Zias, suggest a slightly later date (late 3rd or early 4th century), which could align with a transitional period before Constantine's legalization of Christianity.

"The comparison to the Dead Sea Scrolls, while attention-grabbing, may exaggerate the mosaic's impact. The Scrolls provide extensive textual insights into Second Temple Judaism and early Christianity, whereas the mosaic offers a narrower, though significant, snapshot of early Christian practice.

"The interpretation of the 'table' as a Eucharistic altar is widely accepted but not definitive. Some suggest it could be a commemorative structure, though the Eucharistic context is supported by the early Christian practice of gathering for Communion.

"Conclusion

The inscription 'The god-loving Akeptous has offered the table to God Jesus Christ as a memorial' in the Megiddo Mosaic is a landmark discovery, providing the earliest archaeological evidence of Jesus being called God, dated to around 230 AD. Observations highlight its theological significance, the prominent role of women like Akeptous in early Christianity, the diversity of the community (including Roman soldiers like Gaianus), and the coexistence of cultures in Roman-era Israel. The inscription, alongside fish symbols and other inscriptions naming women, offers a vivid picture of early Christian worship and belief before Christianity's official recognition. Its display at the Museum of the Bible in 2024–2025 has brought global attention to the find, though debates persist about its relocation and the museum's context. The mosaic remains a powerful testament to the faith and resilience of an early Christian community in the shadow of Roman persecution."

That's it from XGrok for now. Is any AI trustworthy? In the end, will we trust more in AI or He beyond IT?

(As with many editions of Apologia Report, the MailChimp [email] version of this edition includes content which would not fit in the smaller pdf version.)

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