JENNA BROWDER/CBN 10-29-2025 WASHINGTON –A new exhibit at the Museum of the Bible, featuring the oldest-known complete copies of Jonah and 1 Peter, offers a rare glimpse into early Christianity. The Crosby–Schøyen Codex is a collection of Christian texts dating back 1,800 years. It includes parts of the books of Jonah and 1 Peter, as well as 2 Maccabees, a book found in Catholic and Orthodox Bibles. Ancient sermons from Melito of Sardis and other prayers are also included in the Codex. The Museum of the Bible has seven of the Codex's roughly 50 pages, written in the ancient Coptic language. Dr. Bobby Duke, Chief Curatorial Officer at the Museum of the Bible, says it's unclear who compiled the Codex but we do know it came from some of the earliest Christians. "This dates back about 250 A.D. and that's incredible to think we have something that's 1,800 years old," Duke told CBN News. "A community said, let's put these items together so that when read, it will inspire this generation of Christians that lived in that part of Egypt." As for why they put these specific texts together, Duke says it was quite intentional. "When you think of Jonah and 1 Peter being woven into this, because those seem random, that those would be put together, but even all of those connect to Christ," Duke explained. "Even Jonah, in the Gospel, is said, 'I will be just like Jonah with three days in the belly of the fish, so I will be three days in the earth for resurrection.' So, it seems like this was a compilation of different books put together to help give people encouragement during a time of persecution." Duke says these texts have application to us today, too. "The Crosby–Schøyen text is a window into those kinds of moments in church history when you didn't just have your Bible on a YouVersion app or something else that you can look at any time," he said. "It was something that was a labor of love to pass along this teaching and pass on scripture." The Crosby–Schøyen Codex has been in the hands of many owners over the years. That's where it gets its name. It will be on display at the Museum of the Bible for the foreseeable future. The Book of Jonah: The earliest-known complete copy of the Old Testament book of Jonah. The First Epistle of Peter: The earliest-known complete copy of what is now known as 1 Peter. Peri Pascha (“On the Passover”) by Melito of Sardis: A copy of one of the earliest surviving Christian sermons, written by Melito between AD 160 and 170 and copied and passed down decades later. A Passage from 2 Maccabees: A passage of 2 Maccabees about the Jews who were martyred under King Antiochus. An Ancient Easter Sermon: An unidentified sermon for Easter morning, possibly the earliest surviving Christian liturgical manuscript. u Permission Granted/CBN CHRISTIAN BROADCASTING NETWORK 10 GLAD TIDINGS DECEMBER 2025 A Place to Laugh, Love, Grow and Belong 1 Corinthians 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” One day, I decided to quit. I wanted to quit my job, to quit my relationships, to quit my spirituality; I wanted to quit life. I went to the woods to have one last talk with God. “God”, I said, “Can you give me one good reason not to quit?” His answer surprised me. “Look around”, He said, “Do you see the fern and the bamboo?” “When I planted their seeds, I took very good care of them. I gave them light. I gave them water. The fern quickly grew from the earth. It’s brilliant green covered the floor. Nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo.” “In the second year the fern grew more vibrant and plentiful. While still nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo.” In the third year and fourth year there was still nothing from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo.” “Then in the fifth year a tiny sprout emerged from the earth. Compared to the fern it seemed small and insignificant. But just 6 months later the bamboo had risen to over 100 feet tall. It had spent those five years growing roots. The roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive. I would not give any of my creations a challenge they could not handle.” And then He said to me: “Did you know, my child, that all this time you have been struggling, you have actually been growing roots? I would not quit on the bamboo. I will not quit on you! Don’t compare yourself to others. The bamboo had a different purpose than the fern. Yet they both make the forest beautiful. Your time will come,” God said to me. “You will rise high.” How high should I rise?” I asked. “How high will the bamboo rise?”, He asked in return. “As high as it can?”, I questioned. “Yes”, He said, “Give Me glory by rising as high as you can. Everyone has moments when they feel like giving up. When the struggles and obstacles in life seem insurmountable. Remember you’re just growing roots!! God has a purpose in mind for each one and you need to talk to Him and let Him help you realize that purpose. Always remember, He will never leave you or forsake you. SALVATION WISE SalvationWise.Org Rare Glimpse into Early Christianity: Bible Museum Displays Oldest Complete Copies of Jonah, 1 Peter The road to heaven is not easy. There are curves called Failure, loops called confusion, speed bumps called Trials, and red lights called Enemies. You will have flats called Sorrows. We need a spare called Determination, an engine called Perseverance, insurance called Faith, and a driver called Jesus, to make it to the place called heaven. u Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.” THE ROAD TO HEAVEN
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