Jun 10 09:27 AM US/Eastern



Archaeologists in Jordan have unearthed what they claim is the world's first church, dating back almost 2,000 years, The Jordan Times reported on Tuesday.

"We have uncovered what we believe to be the first church in the world, dating from 33 AD to 70 AD," the head of Jordan's Rihab Centre for Archaeological Studies, Abdul Qader al-Husan, said.

He said it was uncovered under Saint Georgeous Church, which itself dates back to 230 AD, in Rihab in northern Jordan near the Syrian border.

"We have evidence to believe this church sheltered the early Christians -- the 70 disciples of Jesus Christ," Husan said.

These Christians, who are described in a mosaic as "the 70 beloved by God and Divine," are said to have fled persecution in Jerusalem and founded churches in northern Jordan, Husan added.

He cited historical sources which suggest they both lived and practised religious rituals in the underground church and only left it after Christianity was embraced by Roman rulers.

The bishop deputy of the Greek Orthodox archdiocese, Archimandrite Nektarious, described the discovery as an "important milestone for Christians all around the world."

Researchers recovered pottery dating back to between the 3rd and 7th centuries, which they say suggests these first Christians and their followers lived in the area until late Roman rule.

Inside the cave there are several stone seats which are believed to have been for the clergy and a circular shaped area, thought to be the apse.

There is also a deep tunnel which is believed to have led to a water source, the archaeologist added.

Rihab is home to a total of 30 churches and Jesus and the Virgin Mary are believed to have passed through the area, Husan said.

http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=08...amp;image=large

That's neat. I'd like to see something like that first hand.

A 2,000 year old church? I have many questions for them!

John

That shows that mankind is more interested in the shell than in the substance. Where are the writings of the people of that church? Where is the substance that came out of the minds of those people? They say that 70 disciples of Christ stayed there. That's nice.
But, did you know that there is a place that houses the writings? Or do you care? Is it just pottery that you're interested in?
There is so much in the writings.
http://www.glastonburyabbey.com

A few good questions for them: Did they use the KJV bible or not? Were they anti-technology? (did they use the wheel?) Which depiction in film of Jesus did they find to be the most accurate? Do they know the source of holy water? Was Paul truly short and bald? Why the absence of pews at the site? Had any of them ever been to Lakeland? etc...


John

That would be really cool to see






those are some interesting questions




Why, and at who are you so offended ? i don't get it ?

Thank you for the link, will check it out.

Shalom,
Bat Yah

I think that the title of the article and thus the thread is misleading. If the church is people how can they be unearthed?

And the earth and the sea will give up her dead.

Not sure why people are offended, archeoligical findings like these strengtens our faith and proves
to the secular world that Jesus is found outside biblical sources...

They found the burial box of Caiphas in 92 the high priest that condemned Jesus.

Yeah maybe some of those 70 might have been to Lakeland after all.
And after 2 days He will revive us...