Chris Tomlin, the Grammy-winning artist, has long appreciated hymns. When a friend suggested he help revitalize an 1,800-year-old hymn, he felt both honored and a bit daunted by the task.
This particular hymn traces back to “P.Oxy 1786,” a fragment unearthed in Egypt over a century ago, yet it has only recently become a modern song thanks to Tomlin and another singer-songwriter, Ben Fielding.
The hymn is recognized as the oldest known Christian song with its lyrics and melody preserved. While the Bible includes songs, their original tunes have mostly faded into history.
A new film, First Hymn, chronicles the hymn’s journey from its early days in the desert to its contemporary revival, culminating in a concert where thousands sing hymns rooted in the early Christian faith. The film is set to debut in theaters on March 24th and 26th.
“It was intimidating for me,” Tomlin shared with Crosswalk Headlines. “It’s quite a responsibility.”
John Dixon, the film’s host and an Australian historian, was the one who The project in mind, asking Fielding and Tomlin to infuse the song with a melody appealing to today’s listeners.
“He explained that even though the melody might seem strange to us now, it would have been quite familiar back then. It was like a pop tune of its day,” Tomlin noted. “He encouraged us to reinterpret it using today’s common musical language.”
Reflecting on the hymn’s rich history, Tomlin observed that it originated from Christians who lived long before the many different sects of the faith, like Baptists and Methodists, came into existence.
“This sentiment has existed long before us,” he mentioned. “These early believers might have faced persecution for their faith.”
The hymn also holds theological importance, referencing the Trinity and Christ’s divinity, a century prior to the Church formally affirming these beliefs at the Council of Nicaea in 325 CE. It likely was sung around two centuries after Christ’s resurrection.
Tomlin recounted that he and Fielding prayed for inspiration, seeking a fitting melody. They even added a few new lines to make it resonate with modern audiences.
“I’m genuinely pleased with how it all came together,” Tomlin remarked.
The original hymn featured these lines: “Let us all be still. The shining stars will not resound. All the rushing rivers will be still. We sing a hymn to the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and every power cries out, ‘Amen, Amen.’ To our God, the only giver of every good gift, be power and praise and glory forever and ever. Amen. Amen.”
“Hymns have always been a significant part of my journey,” Tomlin mentioned. “As a songwriter, it’s crucial to engage deeply with the material at hand.”
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Photo credit: ©Fathom
First publication date is March 19, 2026.
