THE LIVING WORD

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Artifact

James Ossuary

Major
James Ossuary
View on Wikimedia CommonsPublic Domain

Description

A first-century limestone bone box bearing the Aramaic inscription 'James, son of Joseph, brother of Jesus.' Its authenticity has been debated by scholars.

Biblical Significance

If authentic, this is the earliest artifact directly referencing Jesus of Nazareth by name, connecting to the New Testament figure of James, leader of the Jerusalem church.