In this episode of the Ephesiology Podcast, Michael T. Cooper and Andrew Johnson introduce Dr. Cooper’s seminar, “Let the Stones Speak,” part of the Archaeology Meets Missiology series. The conversation explores five archaeological discoveries that preserve early memories of Jesus across Asia Minor, North Africa, Edessa, and the Arabian Peninsula. From inscriptions and graffiti to apocryphal traditions and Christograms, these discoveries reveal how the early church remembered, proclaimed, and worshiped Jesus, not only through written texts, but also through the material record left behind in stone. Along the way, Michael reflects on the difference between what Jesus did and who Jesus is, showing how archaeology can deepen our understanding of early Christology and encourage the church today.
Keywords:
Archaeology, Missiology, Ephesiology, Let the Stones Speak, Memory of Jesus, Early Church, Christology, Functional Christology, Ontological Christology, Abgar and Jesus, Edessa, Smyrna, Sardis, Pantokratoros Inscription, Christogram, North Africa, Thugga, Jordan, Arabian Peninsula, Crypto Portico, Archaeological Record, Material Culture, Early Christian Witness, Jesus in Archaeology, Gods Emperors Philosophers and a New Movement
Key Takeaways
Archaeology preserves early memories of Jesus.
The episode highlights how inscriptions, graffiti, letters, and symbols offer physical evidence of how Jesus was remembered and proclaimed in the early centuries of the church.
The archaeological record complements the biblical text.
Michael emphasizes that while Scripture remains central, material culture provides additional historical evidence for what early Christians believed about Jesus.
The early church remembered both what Jesus did and who Jesus is.
The conversation introduces the distinction between functional Christology—what Jesus did—and ontological Christology—who Jesus is in his essence.
Five discoveries point to the wide geographical reach of Jesus memory.
The seminar focuses on evidence from places such as Edessa, Smyrna, Sardis, North Africa, and the desert of Jordan.
The Abgar-Jesus tradition reflects a broad and enduring memory.
Though apocryphal in nature, the Abgar tradition is significant because of its wide geographical spread across places such as Egypt, Armenia, and Turkey.
The Sardis Pantokratoros inscription raises important questions.
Michael notes that the inscription may contribute to broader evidence suggesting Christian use of the so-called synagogue at Sardis.
The Christogram in North Africa shows how Christian symbols could be overlooked or forgotten.
Michael recounts seeing a Christogram dismissed as a sundial, showing how visible Christian memory can remain unrecognized in certain contexts.
The Arabian Peninsula may yield more discoveries.
The Jordan inscription points toward the possibility of future finds that may further illuminate the presence and memory of Jesus in Arabia.
Research continues after publication.
Andrew notes that Michael’s seminar includes discoveries and developments not fully represented in his book, reminding listeners that scholarship is an ongoing process.
Archaeology can be faith-building and encouraging.
The episode closes with the reminder that seeing the historical and physical impact of Jesus across regions and centuries can strengthen faith and deepen wonder.
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Michael is the missiologist in residence with East West where he focuses on equipping and empowering church leaders in evangelism, discipleship, leadership, and catalyzing church planting movements in the most difficult to reach places on the planet. He is the author of Ephesiology: The Study of the Ephesian Movement as well as many other books and academic articles. He has lectured at universities around the world and serves as affiliate faculty at Kairos University where he facilitates the degree programs in partnership with Ephesiology Master Classes.
Andrew is a proud husband, father and pastor who desires all to know the one true King. He is honored to serve at West Village Church in Victoria, BC. Previously, he’s ministered in Houston, Chicago, Indy, Flagstaff and Tempe in a variety of church contexts. Andrew has a BA in Christian Ministry from Trinity International University and an MA from Phoenix Seminary. He is currently a Doctor of Ministry student at Kairos University and is the co-host of the Ephesiology Podcast. When not at work, he’s an avid disc golfing, vinyl playing, Spider-Man following/collecting fellow. Go Pacers.
Pick up Dr. Cooper’s latest book
Religions, politics, and education shaped the cultural world of Asia Minor where a new faith emerged that would change history. Gods, Emperors, Philosophers, and a New Movement uncovers how the earliest Christians navigated—and often disrupted and adapted—the dominant forces of their age. Drawing on decades of research, fieldwork, and teaching, Michael T. Cooper takes readers beneath the surface of Ephesos, Smyrna, Pergamon, and other cities to reveal how temples, inscriptions, and civic spaces illuminate the missionary impulse of the first Christians. Far from being silent, the archaeological record testifies to their resilience, creativity, and bold proclamation of the gospel in a world saturated with competing loyalties.
This is more than history. By examining how the early church encountered powerful religious traditions, political ideologies, and systems of education, today’s missionaries and church leaders gain fresh vision for gospel engagement in their own pluralistic and contested contexts. The dynamics that shaped mission in the first centuries—identity, power, worldview, and cultural disruption—remain central to how the good news advances today. This book is an invitation to rediscover the mission of God in the archaeological record and to discern its enduring relevance for faithful witness in the twenty-first century.
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