Find Out the Historic Significance of Chris Tomlin & Ben Fielding's “The First Hymn (Live)” Here

Today GRAMMY-Award and Dove-Award-winning songwriters Chris Tomlin and  Ben Fielding share "The First Hymn (Live)." This collaboration brings to life the oldest known Christian hymn, dating back approximately 1,800 years. 

The hymn, originally discovered on a papyrus fragment known as P.Oxy 1786 in the ancient Egyptian city of Oxyrhynchus in 1918, contains both lyrics and musical notation. Chris Tomlin and Ben Fielding have adapted this ancient piece into a modern worship song, preserving its original essence while making it accessible to contemporary audiences. ​

The lyrics invoke a cosmic stillness, calling all creation to silence in reverence of the Holy Trinity. This theme resonates with the ancient motif of universal awe before the divine.​

Accompanying the song's release is a feature-length documentary directed by historian Dr. John Dickson. The film traces the hymn's journey from its origins in Egypt to its modern resurrection, highlighting the collaborative efforts of historians and musicians. ​

The documentary premiered on April 14 at Biola University's Talbot School of Theology in Los Angeles and was followed by a live performance at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C., on April 15.

Watch & Listen

• Live Performance Video​

• Official Lyric Video​

• Documentary Trailer​

For more information and to explore the project's background, visit the Undeceptions podcast.

 

 

 

 

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