Was there a Mrs. Christ?

When describing a disciple living in Jesus’ time, many words may come to mind.

But until now, ‘female’ was not one of them. 

Last week, historians investigated an ancient piece of papyrus declaring that Jesus had a wife. The eight-lined object parallels the writing of Jesus and includes the statement, “She will be able to be my disciple.” 



When Karen King presented the artifact at the International Congress of Coptic Studies in Rome in late September, there was much controversy since the Roman Catholic Church rejects the idea of Jesus having a wife, as it contradicts much of Christian teaching.

This investigation dates back to 2010, when King received an anonymous email asking her to translate this artifact. The owner later brought the papyrus to King in 2011. Extremely small with faded black ink, this piece can only be seen through a magnifying glass.

King then decided to show this artifact to professional papyrologists AnneMarie Luijendijk and Roger Bagnall. After much investigation, the pair was almost positive that this piece is original, meaningful and valuable. The only possible forgery would have to be from an expert in Coptic handwriting and grammar.



Yet, the origin of this artifact is still unknown.

King advises the public to not take this artifact as proof that Jesus was married. There is no reliable confirmation that this evidence is accurate, according to King.

“The discovery is exciting because it is the first known statement from antiquity that refers to Jesus speaking of a wife,” Dr. King said. “It provides further evidence that there was an active discussion among early Christians about whether Jesus was celibate or married, and which path his followers should choose.”

Plans are now being made for the ink to be tested by spectroscopy, the study of the interaction between matter and radiated energy. This will allow the age of this artifact to be known. Some scholars question the artifact’s authenticity, grammar, translation and interpretation.

According to “CBS News,” the papal spokesman who speaks on behalf of the Vatican said, “Let the scholars say what they want, the Church stands by its doctrine, which goes back to the earliest Christians.”

“CBS News” reporter Allen Pizzey added, “In other words, they still believe Jesus was a bachelor.” 


So was Jesus married? Did a female disciple really exist?

“This fragment suggests that some early Christians had a tradition that Jesus was married,” said Dr. King. “There was, we already know, a controversy in the second century over whether Jesus was married, caught up with a debate about whether Christians should marry and have sex.”

Freshman Jackie Hernandez said, “I don’t believe it! Why has this evidence not been found until now?”