Archaeologists have uncovered a 1,500-year-old mosaic in Galilee revealing what may be Jesus’ words to Peter, shedding new light on Peter’s early leadership in the Church and astonishing scholars, believers, and local communities alike.

Archaeologists working near the shores of the Sea of Galilee have made a discovery that is sending shockwaves through both religious and historical communities: a 1,500-year-old mosaic bearing what appears to be the words Jesus spoke to Simon Peter, long hidden beneath the ruins of a Byzantine church.

The excavation, conducted in the ancient site of El-Araj—widely believed to be the biblical town of Bethsaida where Jesus called his first disciples—revealed a complex of structures that hint at the importance of the location as an early Christian pilgrimage site.

The team, led by Professor Mordechai Aviam of Bar-Ilan University and Dr.Steven Notley, uncovered the foundation of a 6th-century Byzantine church measuring approximately 1.

5 dunams, complete with ancillary rooms that may have served as a guesthouse and bath for visiting pilgrims.

The mosaic itself, found intact in the church’s sanctuary, contains an inscription in ancient Greek that refers explicitly to Peter as “the chief of the apostles” and “keeper of the keys to the kingdom of heaven,” echoing the language of Matthew 16:19.

According to Dr.Notley, the inscription is “a theologically precise declaration of Peter’s role that would have been understood by believers of the time as a direct echo of Jesus’ teaching.”

The discovery raises significant questions about early Christian perceptions of leadership and authority.

Scholars have long debated whether Peter’s primacy in the Church was a later theological development or recognized by contemporaries of Jesus.

This mosaic provides tangible evidence suggesting that early Christians venerated Peter’s unique position almost a century after the crucifixion.

“This is not just a decorative piece,” said Professor Aviam.

“It reflects a conscious effort by early Byzantine Christians to affirm Peter’s authority, likely reinforcing communal identity at a time of widespread church building across the Eastern Roman Empire.”

Local accounts add a human dimension to the excavation.

Residents of nearby villages recalled walking over the site for decades without knowing its historical significance, which had been buried beneath layers of soil and olive groves.

The mosaic itself, composed of tiny colored tesserae, displays intricate geometric patterns alongside the inscription, demonstrating a level of craftsmanship that has remarkably survived over fifteen centuries of exposure and neglect.

Historical sources suggest that the site may have been mentioned by early pilgrims, including Bishop Willibald in the 8th century, who described visiting Bethsaida and staying in a church dedicated to Peter and Andrew.

Until now, those accounts were largely dismissed as anecdotal, but the new findings lend substantial credence to their authenticity.

For the Christian community, the discovery has profound spiritual implications.

Many believers interpret the mosaic as physical confirmation that Peter’s role, as the first among apostles and the entrusted holder of divine authority, was recognized in the decades following Jesus’ ministry.

“Encountering what may be the actual words attributed to Jesus, preserved in stone, evokes awe and reflection,” said one theologian.

While the mosaic is remarkable, scholars caution against assuming it contains the verbatim words of Jesus.

Instead, it likely represents a formalized interpretation of his teaching about Peter, inscribed to solidify ecclesiastical hierarchy and community identity.

Nonetheless, the find opens a new window into understanding how early Christians memorialized their leaders and teachings in the material culture of their sacred spaces.

Plans are already underway for further excavations at El-Araj, including geophysical surveys to explore areas beyond the church complex.

Researchers aim to uncover additional mosaics, inscriptions, and architectural evidence that can shed light on the site’s evolution over the Byzantine period and its role in early Christian worship and pilgrimage.

In addition to academic interest, the discovery has captured public imagination.

Pilgrims, tourists, and history enthusiasts are drawn to the site, eager to witness firsthand a tangible link to one of the foundational figures of Christianity.

As the mosaic is carefully studied, conserved, and documented, it promises to reshape not only scholarly understanding of early Church history but also the way millions of believers around the world connect with their spiritual heritage.

The unearthing of the mosaic at El-Araj underscores the enduring power of material culture to illuminate historical truths, bridging the millennia between the first followers of Jesus and the present day.

It reminds us that even after centuries of obscurity, hidden stories can emerge to transform our understanding of faith, leadership, and the earliest days of Christianity.