Researchers have recently revealed what they believe to be the ossuary of James, brother of Jesus Christ.
According to French inscription specialist Andre Lemaire, the empty limestone box has the words, “James, son of Joseph, brother of Jesus” in a cursive form of Aramaic writing used only from 10 to 70 A.D.
The box was discovered in Israel and has been dated to 63 A.D. three decades after the crucifixion.
Ossuaries were used for a second burial, a practice used only between 20 B.C and 70 A.D. After a body had been buried for about a year, it would be unearthed and the bones placed in a limestone box, with the intention that it would rest peacefully forever.
Scholarly debate
Dr. Mark Chancey, assistant professor of religious studies, agrees with other scholars on the authenticity of the ossuary.
“There is absolutely no indication of forgery and you’ll find that among a cross section of scholars,” Chancey said.
According to Chancey there are many ways scholars have determined the box is genuine. The style of Aramaic used on the box was used during the first-century as well as the tools used to inscribe the letters. This coincides with the estimated time Jesus and his family lived.
Two scholars have published their results of tests, which further authenticate the ossuary, in the Nov.-Dec. issue of Biblical Archaeology Review. The BAR cites the limestone rock composition as well as dirt samples taken from the bottom of the box as consistent with dirt in the vicinity of Jerusalem.
“We also have other credible evidence of Jesus from historical sources which link us to the ossuary,” Chancey said.
First-century Jewish historian Josephus wrote that “the brother of Jesus the so-called Christ, James by name,” was stoned to death in 62 A.D. If his bones were placed in an ossuary the inscription would have occurred the next year, about 63 A.D.
“I think it refers to the New Testament circle, but there is no way we can be sure because there is no mention that it is the Jesus of Nazareth,” Chancey said.
Local minister Walter Nusbaum says even though there is no direct mention that it is the Jesus of Nazareth, something else stands out.
“Out of the many ossuaries we already have, there is only one other that says anything about a brother,” Nusbaum said.
Some scholars raise their eyebrows at the claim that there would be 20 Jameses in Jerusalem during that time with a father named Joseph and a brother named Jesus.
“But the three references together does raise likelihood that this is the Jesus of the New Testament,” Nusbaum said.
Lemaire agrees, stating that naming the brother as well as the father was “very unusual.” Therefore, this man Jesus would have to be worth noting and Jesus of Nazareth certainly qualified in first-century Jerusalem, Lemaire said.
“This is certainly significant because it is the first archaeological find inside the first century that validates Jesus,” Nusbaum said.
Imp
Senior religious studies major Doug Phillips thinks it is always exciting to find more Biblical archaeological evidence.
“It’s really cool we found what James was buried in, but this doesn’t play a part in my faith,” Phillips said.
Mr. Phillips says his faith as a Christian does not lie in the brother of Jesus, yet on whom Jesus himself was. He thinks this might challenge people to look at the Bible more critically because this is another “one of many pieces found to help back up text we already had concerning Jesus.”
Some SMU students feel this could have an impact on people.
“This might help answer personal questions about spiritual doubts as well as open doors for people who have never considered this before,” junior journalism major Guy Bellaver said.
