Inspiration from the Ancient: The Oldest Known Copies of Jonah and 1 Peter at the Bible Museum in Washington.

ANCIENT COPIES OF JONAH

Explore the depths of history at the Museum of the Bible, where visitors can marvel at the oldest known complete copies of Jonah and 1 Peter. These rare treasures come from the Crisby-Schoyen Codex Collection, a remarkable assembly of Christian texts dating back approximately 1,800 years. Among these ancient pages, you’ll find not only Jonah and 1 Peter but also the book of 2 Maccabees, which is cherished in both Catholic and Orthodox traditions.

This extraordinary Codex also includes the Ancient Sermon of Meliyo of Sardis and various prayers, revealing the rich tapestry of faith and devotion from early Christian communities. The Museum holds seven of the Codex’s roughly 50 pages, all written in the ancient and beautiful Coptic language.

Source: CBN Rare Glimpse Into Early Christianity....

Dr. Bobby Duke, the Chief Curatorial Officer at the Museum, reflects on the significance of this collection: “Although it’s unclear who compiled the Codex, it represents the voices of some of the earliest Christians,” he shared with CBN News. “Dating back to about 250 A.D., it’s astounding to think we possess something that is nearly 1,800 years old. A community came together to compile these texts, intending to inspire Christians living in that part of Egypt.”

The selection of Jonah and 1 Peter may seem random at first, but Dr. Duke explains the profound connection: “These texts all point to Christ. Jonah’s story is echoed in the Gospel, where it says, ‘Just as Jonah was three days in the belly of the fish, so too will I be three days in the earth for resurrection.’ This compilation was designed to uplift and encourage believers during times of persecution.”

Dr. Duke adds that the lessons from these ancient texts remain relevant today. “The Crosby–Schøyen text offers a glimpse into a time when having your Bible at your fingertips was not a reality. It was a true labor of love to share these teachings and scripture with future generations.”

The Crosby–Schøyen Codex carries a legacy of many owners throughout the years, and now it finds its home at the Museum of the Bible, where it will be displayed for the foreseeable future. Come and witness this remarkable testament to faith and resilience—an inspiration for us all.