In 2008, French marine archaeologist Franck Goddio and his team unearthed a ceramic bowl from Alexandria's ancient harbor, now known as the 'Jesus Cup.' This artifact, believed to date from the first century AD, features a Greek inscription: 'DIA CHRSTOU O GOISTAIS.' This phrase is commonly translated as 'Through Christ the chanter,' suggesting early interactions with the name of Christ.
New Testament scholar Dr. Jeremiah Johnston emphasizes the discovery's significance, proposing it offers evidence of Jesus' reputation as a healer and miracle worker during his time. The context of Alexandria, a hub of pagan, Jewish, and nascent Christian traditions, is vital for understanding the inscription's potential meaning, hinting that Christ's name might have been incorporated into magical or ritualistic practices of the era.
However, the inscription's interpretation is debated. Bert Smith of Oxford University suggests it could refer to a person named 'Chrestos' or even a deity. György Németh posits a connection to an anointing salve. If definitively linked to Jesus Christ, the 'Jesus Cup' could represent the oldest material evidence of his existence outside canonical scriptures.
Alexandria, founded by Alexander the Great, was a center of Hellenistic and Roman culture and a nexus for diverse religious and philosophical thought. Franck Goddio's extensive underwater explorations in the region since the 1990s, supported by institutions like the Hilti Foundation, have yielded numerous artifacts shedding light on this dynamic period. The 'Jesus Cup' remains a focal point in understanding the historical Jesus and the early spread of Christianity, offering a window into how Christ was perceived and invoked in the ancient world.