History

Chanting in Honor of Christ

How early Christians expressed their joy

Singing has always been a vital part of Christian worship. In about the year 112, Roman governor Pliny noted that Christians “met regularly before dawn on a fixed day to chant verses alternately among themselves in honor of Christ as if to a god.” Though it is sometimes difficult to distinguish early Christian poetry from hymns, here are three brief selections that were likely sung by early Christians.

There is only one physician, Of flesh, yet spiritual, Born yet unbegotten, God incarnate, Genuine life in the midst of death, Sprung from Mary as well as God, First subject to suffering, then beyond it, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Christ is risen: the world below is in ruins. Christ is risen: the spirits of evil are fallen. Christ is risen: the angels of God are rejoicing. Christ is risen: the tombs are void of their dead. Christ has indeed arisen from the dead, the first of the sleepers. Glory and power are his for ever and ever. Amen. May none of God’s wonderful works keep silence, night and morning. Bright stars, high mountains, the depths of the seas, sources of rushing rivers: May all these break into song as we sing to Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. May all the angels in the heavens reply: Amen! Amen! Amen! Power, praise, honor, eternal glory to God, the only giver of grace. Amen! Amen! Amen!

Copyright © 1993 by the author or Christianity Today/Christian History magazine. Click here for reprint information on Christian History.

Our Latest

High Time for an Honest Conversation about THC

Legal cannabis may be here to stay, but the Christian conversation is just getting started.

The National Guard Debate Needs a Dose of Honesty

Criticizing federal overreach while remaining silent about local failures does not serve the cause of justice.

News

Saudi Arabian Prison Frees Kenyan After ‘Blood Money’ Payout

A Christian mother relied on the Muslim practice of “diyat” to bring her son home alive.

Why Fans Trust Forrest Frank

The enormously popular Christian artist says he experienced miraculous healing. His parasocial friends say “amen.”

How a Missionary Family in Lebanon Produced an American Hero

Bill Eddy’s Arabic acumen served US interests and forged Middle East ties.

Eight Divine Names in One Glorious Passage

Hebrew terms for God appear across the Old Testament. The prophet Isaiah brings them all together.

The Bulletin

Venezuelan Boat Attack, Payday Loans, and USAID Fire Sale

The Bulletin discusses the attack on an alleged Venezuelan drug boat, predatory lending, and the destruction of items from cancelled USAID projects.

Why an Early American Missionary Family Was Beloved in Lebanon

Over five decades of multigenerational ministry, the Eddys pioneered health and educational outreach.

Apple PodcastsDown ArrowDown ArrowDown Arrowarrow_left_altLeft ArrowLeft ArrowRight ArrowRight ArrowRight Arrowarrow_up_altUp ArrowUp ArrowAvailable at Amazoncaret-downCloseCloseEmailEmailExpandExpandExternalExternalFacebookfacebook-squareGiftGiftGooglegoogleGoogle KeephamburgerInstagraminstagram-squareLinkLinklinkedin-squareListenListenListenChristianity TodayCT Creative Studio Logologo_orgMegaphoneMenuMenupausePinterestPlayPlayPocketPodcastRSSRSSSaveSaveSaveSearchSearchsearchSpotifyStitcherTelegramTable of ContentsTable of Contentstwitter-squareWhatsAppXYouTubeYouTube