Film · 2025 · 1h 27m

The First Hymn

Name: The First Hymn
Genre: Documentary
Released: 2025-07-31
Duration: 1 h 27 min
Cast: John Dickson, Chris Tomlin, Ben Fielding, Stephanie Boonstra

Documentary

Create a free account Add it to your list, track every episode, rate it.

Synopsis

In the ancient ruins of Oxyrhynchus, Egypt, archaeologists unearthed a papyrus scrap containing the earliest known Christian hymn, complete with both its lyrics and musical notation. Analyzed at Oxford University, this discovery challenges traditional views of church history by revealing the rich musical practices of early believers. Hosted by Australian historian John Dickson, the feature-length documentary “The First Hymn” chronicles the hymn’s journey from its desert origins to its modern resurrection, as acclaimed composers Chris Tomlin and Ben Fielding transform the ancient melody into a contemporary worship piece, culminating in a live concert performance.