A remarkable ceramic vessel discovered beneath the waters off Alexandria, Egypt, may represent the earliest known reference to Jesus Christ outside of Christian scripture. The so-called “Jesus Cup” was unearthed in 2008 by French marine archaeologist Franck Goddio during extensive underwater excavations of Alexandria’s ancient harbor. The ceramic bowl, remarkably well-preserved except for a missing handle, bears a compelling Greek inscription that has sparked intense scholarly debate about early Christian influence in ancient Egypt.
The inscription, written in Greek capitals as “DIA CHRSTOU O GOISTAIS,” translates to “Through Christ the chanter” or “Through Christ the magician.” Dr. Jeremiah Johnston, a respected New Testament scholar, explained during a recent Trinity Broadcasting Network segment that this artifact dates to the first century AD, the precise era when Jesus was crucified, reports the Daily Mail. This timing positions the cup as potentially the earliest physical evidence of Christ’s recognition outside Judea, suggesting his reputation as a powerful wonder-worker had spread across the Mediterranean world within decades of his ministry.
