A Portrait of Paul
July 1, 2009
The Times Online reports that Vatican archaeologists have discovered the earliest known portrait of Paul, a 4th-century portrait lodged in the catacombs of St Thecla.
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The Times Online reports that Vatican archaeologists have discovered the earliest known portrait of Paul, a 4th-century portrait lodged in the catacombs of St Thecla.
Interesting! In my mind, I pictured him much less pleasing to the eye.
It is especially fascinating that this discovery comes on the heels of the apparent discovery of Paul’s earthly remains in the Basilica.
http://www.newsmax.com/insidecover/st_paul_pope_basilica/2009/06/28/229488.html
Regarding the accuracy of the picture . . . who knows? Regarding the accuracy of the bones . . . I have my doubts.
Even with the Vatican’s apparent blessing, I just never put much stock in these alleged discoveries of the remains of historical figures who have been dead over 1000 years. I don’t have any theological concerns one way or another (outside of the one obvious exception, of course!
), but I just think the lack of DNA verification has to prevent us from assuming legitacy of the claims. I felt the same way about the 2002 reports that the ossuary of James (brother of Jesus) had been purchased from an antique market. That one proved to be a fake even though some very esteemed biblical scholars gave it their blessings.
But to reiterate my previous statement: interesting!