Ancient mosaic’s connection to Council of Nicaea still relevant, NOBTS archeologist says

A worker washes a floor mosaic discovered in Megiddo, an ancient city in northern Israel. The mosaic is now on display at the museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C. (Baptist Press photo)

 By Scott Barkley - Posted at The Pathway:

Published April 28, 2025

"The discovery points to a place of worship where both Jewish and Gentile believers, even Roman soldiers, all collaborated in its structure."

NASHVILLE (BP) – New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary Professor Jim Parker sees a recently-uncovered proclamation from early Christians as very much a current mandate for today’s believers.

The Megiddo Mosaic refers to an ancient flooring discovered during excavations in 2005 near the Megiddo prison in northern Israel. Dating back to the third or fourth century, it included the phrase “God Jesus Christ,” thus predating Christianity’s official recognition as a religion.

The Museum of the Bible calls it one of the greatest archeological discoveries since the Dead Sea Scrolls. Its exhibit, “The Megiddo Mosaic: Foundations of Faith” will be on display until July 25.

The Israel Antiquities Authority described the location of the mosaic as a prayer hall, and possibly “the oldest Christian prayer house in the world.”

Parker, NOBTS professor of biblical interpretation and executive director of the Michael and Sara Moskau Institute of Archeology, said there is a link to consider between the mosaic and the Council of Nicaea, which convened 1,700 years ago next month.

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