The Oldest Christian Hymn Ever Found—And What It Reveals About Early Faith

 

The oldest known Christian hymn was discovered in the ancient Egyptian town of Oxyrhynchus.¹ According to Christianity Today², the fragment preserves 35 words, and the melody and rhythm written in ancient Greek musical notation. It is believed to be the conclusion of a longer hymn.

Here is the translated text:

 

Let all be silent:

The shining stars no longer sound forth,

All rushing rivers stilled,

As we sing our hymn

To the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,

As all Powers cry out in response,

“Amen, amen.”

Might, praise, and glory forever to our God,

The only giver of all good gifts.

Amen. Amen.

 

This fragment, known as the Oxyrhynchus Hymn (P.Oxy. XV 1786), has been dated to the 3rd century, around 260 AD.

One of the most striking features of the hymn is its clear reference to the Blessed Trinity — “To the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.” This reflects an early understanding of God's Trinitarian nature. The doctrine of the Trinity was already present in the Apostles’ Creed, composed sometime in the 2nd century AD. 

Contrary to the belief that Trinitarian theology developed much later, this hymn provides compelling evidence that the early church both understood and affirmed the doctrine of the Trinity.

In a recent development, Grammy-winning worship artist Chris Tomlin and Hillsong songwriter Ben Fielding have collaborated to create a new worship song titled The First Hymn.³ The song includes the lyrics of the Oxyrhynchus Hymn for a contemporary audience.

Endnotes:

 ¹https://earlychurchhistory.org/arts/oldest-known-christian-hymn/

 ²https://www.christianitytoday.com/2025/04/ancient-first-hymn-greek-papyrus-historian-tomlin/

 ³https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTyJu9lyVkI&ab_channel=ChrisTomlinVEVO