The First Hymn

Witness the revival of Christianity’s oldest known hymn in the groundbreaking Australian documentary The First Hymn Discovered on a fragment of papyrus from the ancient Egyptian city of Oxyrhynchus, The First Hymn explores this 1,800-year-old song, long buried in the sands of history, that is brought back to life through modern worship, historical context, and cinematic storytelling. Hosted by Professor John Dickson, historian, author, and host of Australia’s leading faith podcast Undeceptions (3m+ downloads), and Jean Kvamme Distinguished Professor at Wheaton College, Illinois, the film explores the origins and rediscovery of this musical treasure and its resonance for today’s global church. Dickson is widely recognised for communicating profound historical and theological insights to broad audiences, including through books such as Bullies and Saints and Is Jesus History? The documentary also draws on the insights of leading scholars and theologians from prestigious institutions, with their contributions providing essential historical, musical, and theological context for understanding the significance of the hymn. The First Hymn offers rich insight into the world of early Christianity, demonstrating how worship music was not only a spiritual expression but also a tool for shaping theology, evangelism, and identity within the Roman Empire.