Re-Written “The First Hymn” Holds Enduring Truths

1800 years ago, the first Christian hymn was written.

Key points:

Discovered on papyrus in 1918 on the mounds of an ancient Egyptian rubbish dump, the words of the early church were there alongside some of the earliest known fragments of the New Testament.

Australian historian Prof. John Dickson has long been fascinated by the discovery, with his new documentary The First Hymn tracking its finding and the process of inviting songwriters Chris Tomlin and Ben Fielding to recreate the original song.

Grammy-winner Ben Fielding has written some of most recognisable songs in contemporary Christianity, including What a Beautiful Name, Mighty to Save and Who You Say I Am, but stepping back in time was special.

The First Hymn tracks the process of inviting Chris Tomlin and Ben Fielding to recreate an ancient hymn.

“Imagining what it would have been like in the room in the 3rd century, hearing the early church sing [is] fascinating,” Ben told Hope 103.2’s UNDISTRACTED podcast.

“The musicologists that have studied this papyrus said that it has the melodic structure of what they would call a ‘tavern song’, or pub song, of the day.

“There was something in the heart of the hymn writer that wanted to engage the people of the time.”

The papyrus carries 80 percent of the melody and lyrics which read:

Let all be silent:
The shining stars not sound forth
All rushing rivers stilled,
As we sing our hymn
To the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
As all Powers cry out in answer,
Amen. Amen.
Might, praise, and glory forever
To God, the only Giver of all good gifts.
Amen. Amen.

John Dickson notes the hymn “seems deliberately constructed to move people away from local deities to – as Christians saw it – the one true Lord of the universe”.

“That one true Lord, as the hymn proclaims, isn’t Zeus or any of the other pagan gods, but the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The only Giver of All Good Gifts,” John said.

When you consider how long ago this hymn was written and the enduring Christian message it declares, Ben thinks it’s “wildly encouraging” to witness how worship then and now echoes the same “song of heaven”.

“The songs that we sing, and the art that we create, exists to bring [God] into focus,” Ben said.

“Since The Fall there’s always been God’s attempt to get through to His people and to creation to remind them of His reality.”

Whether 1800 years ago or today, worship is a way to educate people about God through scripture and encourage them in their current social context.

“Joy [in worship] is a protest,” Ben said.

“Because if we’re honest, we find ourselves in our community so dissatisfied with our pursuits and the things that we’ve put our hope in.

“[But] a worship song can be a signpost to a better way.”

In recent years the variety of worship music coming out the church has expanded exponentially. Largely, due to the “scattering” of many of the artists – including Ben – who wrote prolifically under Hillsong Music brands but moved on in the wake of Hillsong’s scandals.

“That one true Lord, as the hymn proclaims, isn’t Zeus or any of the other pagan gods, but the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.”

Ben Fielding and Rueben Morgan write as CXMMNXS (Commons), Brooke Ligertwood is a solo artist, as is TAYA, Matt Crocker, Aodhan King, Joel Houston and many others from the Hillsong eco-system.

“I get excited about it as a creative,” Ben said.

“It gives more room for people to express their distinct and unique take on worship [and] gives more communication and expression for the church.

“You don’t have to sing every song a particular person writes, so there’s a lot more nuance for people to draw from.”

Seeing something good come out of what’s been a redefining season for the broader Pentecostal church, speaks to the unchanging nature of God touched on in The First Hymn.

Listen to the full interview with Ben Fielding in the player above, or find UNDISTRACTED with Laura Bennett wherever you get your podcasts.

“There have been moments in the last few years that have been really difficult,” Ben said.

“[And] it looks like there’s parts of the church that are being broken apart [but] but now you’re starting to see seeds grow, and germination.

“I feel like there’s so much more life [now] and it looks really healthy and I‘m grateful for it.”

“It gives me perspective that God’s ultimately in control [and] He’s still building His church and building the lives of those who love Him.”

The First Hymn song is out now.

The First Hymn documentary will be available to watch in Australian cinemas in July, and global video-on-demand in August 2035.

Listen to the full interview with Ben Fielding in the player above, or find UNDISTRACTED with Laura Bennett wherever you get your podcasts.

Featured image: all photos supplied by Ben Fielding and used with permission.