The fish was an early symbol of Christian faith. It is thought that the early Christians chose it for several possible reasons:
- the Greek word for fish (ICHTUS), fits nicely as an acrostic for "Jesus Christ, God's Son, Savior"
- Persecutors of Christians would be oblivious to the fish as a Christian symbol.
- Jesus' linked His ministry with fish: he chose several fishermen as disciples and declared he would make them "fishers of men."
During the persecution of the early church, it is said that if a Christian met a stranger, he would draw a single arch in the sand. If the other person was a Christian, he would understand the meaning of the arch, and would complete the drawing of a fish with a second arch, identifying himself as another Christian.. But if the second person was not a Christian, he would not understand the half-symbol and could not complete the fish. The Christian would know not to reveal himself as a Christian and possibly be subjected to persecution.
Related Bible Verse:
As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." At once they left their nets and followed him. (Mark 1:16-18)
Loved the little history lesson. Thanks! And the stone fish are beautiful.
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Thanks, Dawn! I've always thought the story was so interesting of how the early Christians identified themselves to each other by drawing a fish in the sand/dirt. Glad you enjoyed it, too!
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