It was announced today that a team of scholars has confirmed that a fourth century codex written in the ancient Egyptian Coptic language refers to the wife of Jesus. This is the first reference to Jesus being married that has been found in an ancient text, and while it is not evidence of the historical Jesus, it suggests some early Christians believed Jesus had a wife. Dr. Karen King, the Hollis Professor of Divinity at Harvard Divinity School, unveiled her findings today at the Tenth International Congress of Coptic Studies in Rome. Smithsonian Channel will detail for the first time Dr. King's findings in the world premiere of the one-hour special THE GOSPEL OF JESUS'S WIFE tonight, September 30 at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
One of the world's most respected historians of early Christianity and holder of the oldest endowed chair in the United States, Dr. King is one of the few who understand the Coptic language. Earlier this year, a collector who wishes to remain anonymous, came to Dr. King at Harvard University with a fragment of papyrus that may have been excavated from an area in Upper Egypt. The fragment, while damaged and difficult to decipher, clearly bears the line, "Jesus said to them, my wife..."
Dr. King initially suspected the papyrus could possibly be a fake. She took it to a papyrologist, Dr. Roger Bagnall of New York University, who judged that the physical condition of the papyrus and the ink provide forensic proof of its age. By comparing the fragment with other early Christian literature, Dr. King has argued that the original composition of the Gospel of Jesus's Wife could have been from as early as the second half of the second century, which would mean that this story circulated among early Christians for well over a century.
Based on its condition, Dr. King and her colleagues suspect the papyrus of the Gospel of Jesus's wife may have been salvaged from an ancient garbage heap, or it may have been found in a burial site and perhaps cut from a larger page in order to produce more pieces for sale. According to Dr. King, this small fragment of ancient Christian text does not offer proof that Jesus was married, but Dr. King believes the discovery will raise questions currently debated by modern Christians, such as the role of women in the church.
While some Gnostic Gospels have hinted at a special relationship between Jesus and Mary Magdalene, the discovery casts new light on Mary, who in some Christian interpretations had been considered a prostitute. The question of who Mary Magdalene was and what role she played with respect to Jesus has been a constant source of debate.
"Smithsonian Channel is thrilled to be at the forefront of such an important discovery; this is truly a fascinating story of huge public interest," said
David Royle, Executive Vice President for Production and Programming. "We are a growing destination for new discoveries and were granted exclusive access to produce this documentary. It is a great source of pride that prominent academics are entrusting us with their stories."
THE GOSPEL OF JESUS'S WIFE is produced for Smithsonian Channel by Blink Films. Executive Producers for Smithsonian Channel are
David Royle and Charles Poe. Series Producer is Dan Oliver, Director is Andy Webb.
ABOUT SMITHSONIAN CHANNEL
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Showtime Networks Inc. and the Smithsonian Institution, formed to create a network featuring programs largely inspired by the assets of the Smithsonian Institution, the world's largest museum complex. Smithsonian Channel features award-winning original documentaries, series, and groundbreaking programs highlighting America's historical, cultural and scientific heritage. Smithsonian Channel brings the American experience home in high definition and Dolby Digital 5.1 and is available to customers of DirecTV, Comcast, Time Warner Cable, Charter Communications, Cablevision, Verizon, AT&T, and more. Learn more at
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