A fragmented papyrus, estimated to be 1,600 years old, may hold a lost account of Jesus' resurrection, according to researchers who have deciphered the ancient text. The manuscript, written in Greek and measuring just two by three inches, was discovered among unpublished papyri in the Austrian National Library.
Amphilochios Papathomas and Marianna Thoma of the University of Athens believe the passage describes Jesus' death, descent into the underworld (Hades), and his return through resurrection. Their tentative translation includes phrases such as 'he who descended (into Hades) ascended again,' though some words are uncertain due to missing letters. They suggest the text likely refers to Jesus as the sole figure to enter and emerge from the realm of the dead, aligning with early Christian traditions of Jesus freeing the righteous who had died before him.
The researchers' interpretation is supported by comparisons with writings attributed to Eusebius, an early Christian historian, and with Christian hymns that depict the Savior descending into the regions of death. The papyrus also contains a verb that could mean 'swallowed,' which the team interprets as referring to death's inability to retain Jesus.
This interpretation places the fragment within an established tradition of early Christian literature that describes Christ's victory over death. However, the manuscript does not provide a complete narrative of the empty tomb or post-resurrection appearances.
The papyrus, catalogued as P.Vindob. G 29289, is believed to date from the fourth or fifth century, placing it within the early Christian era, though hundreds of years after the crucifixion. The precise origin of the papyrus is unknown, but researchers suspect it may have come from Egypt's Fayum region or Hermopolis, areas that supplied material to the library's collection.
The text on the front of the papyrus appears to offer moral guidance, with warnings against taking the 'broad road' and encouraging hope for life, a sentiment also found in sermons by early Christian preacher John Chrysostom. However, the researchers acknowledge that some interpretations of the text remain possible, including that the 'descent' might refer to Jesus coming from heaven to live as a human, rather than entering the realm of the dead.
Evidence for its age comes from comparing the handwriting and linguistic style with other ancient manuscripts and Christian writings. The researchers favor a fourth or fifth-century dating for the copy, though they allow a broader range from the late third through the fifth century. The paper does not report radiocarbon dating.
The researchers hope that this initial scholarly publication of the fragment will prompt others to help identify the original work or locate additional pieces of the same papyrus.