The Bible Apologist

Early 3rd Century AD Mosaic Debunks Claims About Jesus' Divinity
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5/17/26

Skeptics and universities around the world often claim that the early Church didn't actually believe Jesus was God. They question the historical reliability and truth of the Bible, especially the New Testament's claims about the resurrection. These Bible-deniers insist that the early church invented Jesus' divinity later in history. But once again, history and archaeology continue to catch up with the truth of the Bible.

In 2005, archaeologists discovered a rare find from the early Christian era under the old Megiddo prison at the ancient site of Kfar Otnai (Othnay Village) in Israel. Researchers (with the help of inmates) uncovered a Christian mosaic from the early third century AD. It bore an inscription that is now on display to the world: "The God-loving Akeptous has offered the table to God Jesus Christ as a memorial.” What is most incredible is that the sacred Name of God (ΘΩ; short for Theō/Θεω) is clearly linked to the Name of Jesus Christ (ΙΥ ΧΩ; short for Ἰησοῦς Χριστός).

Dating The Find
In 2006, Dr. Yotam Tepper of the University of Haifa, and Leah Di Signi, an epigrapher from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem dated the mosaic to 230 AD. Other researchers also verified the significance of this artifact, including Edward Adams, Professor of New Testament Studies at King’s College, London, and Larry Hurtado, a historian in early Christianity at the University of Edinburgh.

Historical Evidence
Akeptous was a prosperous Christian woman who funded a communion table for her local Roman-style, house church. This church shows evidence of having Gentile believers, including Romans. Like the examples of Lydia in Acts 16, and Phoebe in Romans 16, Akeptous supported the work of the gospel with her resources and time. This inscription shows the abbreviated name for God, using the first and last letters, drawing a line over them to shorten it. New Testament papyri utilized this naming convention.

Conclusion
Christians today can trust the Bible. Archaeological evidence is not necessary to obey the Gospel of Jesus Christ by faith. However, God has left us many evidences of His existence, His design, Noah's flood, and the historical events of the Old and New Testaments. Trust the Bible today! Read John 3:16-17!

"Watch out for those who create divisions and obstacles that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Turn away."
2 Tim 3:5

Christians should not promote "The Shroud of Turin". It is not proof of Jesus' life, nor His death and burial. It is a Catholic distraction from the true gospel, and likely a false idol. John 20:29 teaches us: "Jesus said to him, 'Because you have seen Me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.'"