A third-century archaeological discovery depicting Jesus as God should provide decisive evidence against skeptics who claim that Christ's divinity was “invented” at the Council of Nicaea, according to a prominent apologist. That's what it means. The Aceptus inscription, found in northern Israel, dates from 230 AD and refers to a woman named Aceptus who was devoted to “the God Jesus Christ.” The full text of the inscription reads: “Aceptus, who loved God, dedicated the table as a memorial to the God Jesus Christ.''
Importantly, this inscription, part of a mosaic, was created a century before the Council of Nicaea (325), which affirmed the divinity of Christ.
Aceptus' inscription is now on display in the Museum of the Bible.
“I can't believe this isn't getting more attention. It's that important,” apologetics Sean McDowell said on the podcast. sean mcdowell show.
McDowell interviewed christopher rollstonan epitaph writer at George Washington University, explained the historical and theological significance of the inscription.
“This is really consequential,” Rolston said.
The mosaic “depicts her as a friend of God, or a lover of God, and essentially says that there was a table dedicated as a memorial to God, Jesus Christ,” Rolston said. Ta.
“Scholars generally do not suggest that the divinity of Jesus was a concept invented at Nicaea,” Rolston said. “But you often hear this word in other contexts.”
McDowell said the inscription will have a major impact on these discussions.
“I didn't think that the divinity of Jesus was invented at the Council of Nicaea,” McDowell said. “The evidence is too strong, but this definitively puts the nail in the coffin.”
Mr Rolston said it was “really interesting” that archeology was “often associated with written sources”, such as the Bible as well as the writings of the Fathers of the Church.
“This inscription, although early in the third century, very clearly and emphatically declares that Jesus was God,” Rollston said. “…not all Christians believed in divinity…but among the early Christians, the idea that Jesus was God was dominant. Therefore, this inscription is interesting. Because it was before Nicaea.”
Rollston pushed back against skeptics of the 230-year dating, saying, “I think the date stands up to scrutiny.”
“So this is a very early reference to the divinity of Jesus,” he said.
See: Amazing early Christian inscription of Armageddon: “God, Jesus Christ”
Photo courtesy: ©Museum of the Bible
michael faust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His articles have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, Christian Post, Leaf Chronicle, Toronto Star, and Knoxville News Sentinel.
Listen to Michael's podcast! he is the host of crosswalk talka podcast where he speaks with Christian movie stars, musicians, directors, and more. Hear how famous Christians are making their faith a priority in Hollywood, and discover the best Christian movies, books, TV and other entertainment. can be found crosswalk talk above LifeAudio.comor subscribe at apple or spotify So never miss an interview that is sure to encourage your faith.
