An ancient Aramaic inscription on a stone box mentions the name Jesus, leading many archeological scholars to believe it could mean Jesus of Nazareth.
An ancient Aramaic inscription on a stone box mentions the name Jesus, leading many archeological scholars to believe it could mean Jesus of Nazareth.
If authentic, it’s the oldest record of Jesus outside the Bible. The stone box is an ossuary, used in ancient Israel, to hold bones of deceased. The inscription reads, “James, son of Joseph, brother of Jesus.” Biblical scholars say, however, that all three names were common at the time. Information about the inscription comes from Andre Lemair, a French epigrapher, and was released this week in the magazine Biblical Archaeology Review.
Randy Younker, director of the Institute of Archeology at Andrews University, believes the inscription could in fact be authentic, saying Andre Lemair is a “very reputable scholar.” Lemair has authenticated the ossuary to about 60 A.D.
“I think it’s an interesting and important discovery,” says Younker. “Unfortunately, the ossuary was not insitu”—not in its original location of deposit. It is now owned by a collector in Jerusalem.
Ekkehardt Mueller, associate director of the Biblical Research Institute at the Adventist Church world headquarters, says: “Certainly it’s always nice to have further evidence that [Jesus] lived, but our faith doesn’t hinge on it. Even if it said Jesus of Nazareth, it wouldn’t say anything about his divinity.
“But it’s good, we are thankful for any discoveries that are made,” he adds. “However, I doubt it makes a huge difference. If it’s authentic, it would be an additional piece of evidence that shows the authenticity of the New Testament.”
Younker says people should keep their eyes and ears open. “There will probably be more on this in the next few months. Hopefully I’ll get to see it.”
“I find it fun and interesting, but it’s more interesting than absolute astonishment,” he says.
