The First Hymn is the world’s oldest known Christian hymn, which was discovered on a papyrus fragment in Egypt over 100 years ago.
Its lyrics unite us across Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, predating all denominations and even the Nicene Creed.
On 14 June, Ben Fielding and Reuben Morgan will perform it live at the Opera House for the very first time, joined by other choirs and artists on stage.
This will be the highlight of One Sydney, a worship concert in the Opera House featuring a wide range of Christian talent from the St Andrew’s Cathedral Choir to Dani Im, as well as Ben Fielding and Reuben Morgan.
Here is an explainer about the First Hymn, which many readers may have seen in a movie about its resurrection, from film reviewer Peter Bentley:
Professor John Dickson was the catalyst for The First Hymn Project, based around his interest in seeing a fragment of papyrus known as P.Oxy 1786 (part of a very large collection of papyri) introduced to the church today for its significance as the earliest example of an early Christian hymn to be discovered (from the third century). John’s profile through the Undeceptions podcast, and wider experience in bringing to life ancient stories and wisdom for a contemporary audience, is apposite. He is an enthusiastic host and presenter, combining his academic credentials with interviewing and communication skills. Some readers will remember a previous historical excursion series, The Christ Files. Well-known singers and composers American Chris Tomlin and Australian Ben Fielding are the practitioners connected with John Dickson and tasked with bringing life to the remnant words of the old hymn, including interpreting it for a modern audience. There are excellent interviews with experts in their field to highlight aspects of not only the textual aspects of papyri and this particular hymn record, but Christian singing and worship.
It is an excellent production, filmed on location in four countries. Sydney (John’s hometown), Egypt (including Oxyrhynchus where the papyri were discovered), Oxford, Chicago, and Nashville, where the production and development of the hymn takes place in professional recording places connected to the Christian contemporary music scene. Nashville also connects the hymn with Coptic worship through a local Coptic Church. Overall, the different versions of the final song provide a testimony to the creative team undergirded by God’s creativity.
It is not surprising that there is connection with Chicago, as this is the location of Wheaton College, where John Dickson holds the Jean Kvamme Distinguished Chair of Biblical Studies and Public Christianity. Wheaton is a Christian liberal arts college, and has a significant music academy, and is well able to provide the professional interpretative and singing base for the hymn. Wheaton is also a beautiful college campus and houses among other significant endeavours, the Billy Graham Museum.