A 2,000-year-old ceramic bowl discovered in Alexandria’s ancient harbor, may hold the earliest known reference to Christ. . Credit: Mathias Ribeiro / CC BY-SA 4.0
A ceramic bowl found off the coast of Egypt may hold the earliest known reference to Christ, raising fresh debate among scholars about its meaning and historical significance. The artifact, often referred to as the “Jesus Cup,” was discovered in 2008 during an excavation of Alexandria’s ancient harbor led by French marine archaeologist Franck Goddio.
The bowl is remarkably well preserved despite missing a handle. It carries a Greek inscription: “DIA CHRSTOU O GOISTAIS,” translated by some as “Through Christ the chanter.”
First-century connection suggested
New Testament scholar Dr. Jeremiah Johnston told Trinity Broadcasting Network that the cup likely dates to the first century AD, the period of Jesus’ crucifixion. “Jesus’ reputation was that he was a healer, miracle worker, and exorcist,” Johnston said. “This Jesus Cup gives evidence to that legacy.”
Possible ritual use
Goddio suggested the inscription may have been linked to fortune-telling practices. Similar bowls appear on Egyptian statuettes used in divination, where oil was poured into water to summon visions of mystical beings. Invoking Christ, already known as a wonder-worker, may have lent authority to the ritual.
Johnston noted that even during Jesus’ lifetime, people invoked his name for spiritual power. “Jesus, through his own short ministry of just three years, others are invoking his name because it had so much power,” he said.
World’s 1st reference to Christ discovered on 2,000-yr-old ‘Jesus Cup’
The ceramic #artifact is believed to be the 1st reference to Christ. pic.twitter.com/KpbAHbxYDY
— Hans Solo (@thandojo) September 11, 2025
Alexandria is a crossroads of belief
The cup was discovered near the submerged island of Antirhodos, believed to be the site of Cleopatra’s palace. In the first century AD, Alexandria was a cultural hub where pagan, Jewish, and Christian traditions mixed and mingled. Magical practices often blended figures from different religions, and Christ’s name appeared in both Christian and non-Christian texts.
“It is very probable that in Alexandria they were aware of the existence of Jesus,” Goddio said, citing miracle stories such as turning water into wine, healing the sick, and the resurrection.
Scholars remain divided
Not all experts agree that the inscription on the Jesus Cup refers to Christ. Bert Smith of Oxford University suggested it could instead be a dedication from a man named “Chrestos,” connected to a group called the Ogoistais.
Klaus Hallof of the Berlin-Brandenburg Academy said the group may have been tied to cults worshipping Hermes, Athena, or Isis. Ancient writers also mention a deity called “Osogo” or “Ogoa,” which could explain the inscription.
Other readings diverge further. Scholar Steve Singleton argued the term chrêstos just means “good” or “kind,” making the phrase “[Given] through kindness for the magicians.” György Németh of Eötvös Loránd University proposed the bowl may have been used to prepare ointments, with Chrêstos or Diachristos meaning anointing salve rather than Christ.
Implications for history
If the inscription truly refers to Jesus, the artifact could be the oldest material evidence of him outside Christian scripture. That would suggest knowledge of his life and miracles reached Egypt within decades of his ministry.
Such a finding would also highlight Alexandria’s role as a major center of religious exchange, where pagan, Jewish, and Christian traditions shaped one another in the early centuries.
