A ceramic bowl pulled from the waters near Alexandria, Egypt, may contain the earliest known reference to Jesus Christ outside of the Christian Bible, researchers say.

Daily Mail reported that the Unearthed in 2008 from a submerged harbor that may have once been home to Cleopatra’s palace, the artifact bears a Greek inscription that ignited debate among scholars over its origins and possible mention of Jesus.

The bowl was found during an underwater excavation led by French marine archaeologist Franck Goddio. The dig centered on the ancient harbor of Alexandria, the once-thriving maritime hub partly submerged off the Egyptian coast.

This harbor once bordered the island of Antirhodos, a location believed to have hosted Cleopatra’s palace. The excavation revealed various relics, but the ceramic vessel—now often called the “Jesus Cup”—stood out due to its intriguing inscription and design.

The artifact is a ceramic bowl, well-preserved except for a missing handle. Etched into its surface in Greek are the words “DIA CHRSTOU O GOISTAIS,” commonly translated as “through Christ the chanter.”

Early Christian Connections Raise New Questions

Dr. Jeremiah Johnston, a New Testament scholar, believes the bowl dates back to the first century A.D., approximately the same period as Jesus’ crucifixion. He suggests the inscription may point to the power attributed to Jesus’ name during or shortly after his life.

“Jesus' reputation was that he was a healer, miracle worker, and exorcist,” Johnston said in an interview. “This Jesus Cup gives evidence to that legacy.” He emphasized that even those outside Jesus' immediate circle were invoking his name due to its cultural resonance and perceived spiritual efficacy.

During a televised interview on the Christian network TBN, Johnston added, “Jesus, through his own short ministry of just three years, others are invoking his name because it has so much power.” He referenced a biblical passage where disciples ask Jesus if they should stop others from using his name, and Jesus replies that opposition within the same spiritual mission undermines unity.

Multiple Theories on the Meaning of the Inscription

Not all scholars agree on the bowl’s religious connotation. Bert Smith of Oxford University proposes that the inscription may be a dedication by someone named Chrestos, linked to a group called the Ogoistais rather than to Christ.

Klaus Hallof supports an alternative theory that the inscription may reference an obscure deity named Osogo or Ogoa. These entities are sparsely mentioned in the ancient Greek writings of Strabo and Pausanias and may tie the bowl to cults venerating gods like Hermes, Athena, or Isis.

“If this interpretation is correct,” Hallof stated, “then ‘Ogoistais’ may refer to followers of early Egyptian or Greek cults.” This positions the bowl not as a Christian relic but as an artifact related to broader religious syncretism found in Alexandria at the time.

Influence of Ritual Practices in Ancient Alexandria

Other interpretations further widen the range of possibilities. Scholar Steve Singleton suggests the Greek word chrêstos on the bowl may simply mean “good” or “kind,” implying the inscription could read “through kindness for the magicians.”

György Németh, a researcher at Eötvös Loránd University, introduced yet another perspective. He speculates the bowl might have served in the preparation of healing ointments, with the phrase referring to medicinal salves instead of Christian practice.

Despite these diverging views, archaeologists have noted that the bowl’s shape resembles that seen in Egyptian idols used for fortune-telling. Some suggest such artifacts were tools in spiritual ceremonies involving chanting and evocation of divine names for prophecy or healing.

Alexandria's Role as a Cultural Crossroads

In the first century, Alexandria was a merging point of religious beliefs, where traditions from Judaism, paganism, and early Christianity coexisted. Magical practices often combined spiritual elements from various traditions.

Franck Goddio, who led the excavation, said it’s quite likely that Alexandrians of the time had heard of Jesus. “It is very probable that in Alexandria they were aware of the existence of Jesus,” Goddio stated.

Whether or not this artifact directly invokes Jesus’ name, it opens broader discussions about religion and cultural exchange in ancient Egypt. The discovery invites a reconsideration of Alexandria's influence in the diffusion of early Christian ideas.

A Significant But Contested Historical Artifact

If the inscription indeed refers to Jesus Christ, the bowl would represent the oldest known tangible mention of him outside scripture. Such a find could significantly impact the historical understanding of how early Christianity spread.

It would also reveal that belief in Jesus’ power—as a miracle worker or spiritual figure—reached as far as Alexandria, possibly within decades after his death. At the very least, it shows how deeply ancient peoples mingled cultural and religious identities through daily objects.

For now, the “Jesus Cup” remains under scholarly review. Regardless of its exact origin, the artifact offers a unique lens into the rich and complex spiritual world of the ancient Mediterranean.