About this episode

Dr. Charles Cosgrove discusses the Oxyrhynchus Hymn, the earliest known Christian hymn with musical notation.

Ever wondered what the first Christian praise and worship service sounded like? Join us as Dr. Charles Cosgrove unveils the mystery of the Oxyrhynchus Hymn, the earliest known Christian hymn with musical notation!

People in this episode

Host: Bart Ehrman

Guest: Dr. Charles Cosgrove

Topics covered

• Christian music
• hymn
• worship service
• historical music
• early Christianity

Keywords

• Christian hymn
• Oxyrhynchus Hymn
• early Christian music
• praise and worship
• musical notation

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Oxyrhynchus Hymn

More episodes of Misquoting Jesus with Bart Ehrman

• Why No One Can Prove the Resurrection · June 2, 2026 · 45 min
• Before Genesis: What the Old Testament Borrowed from Mesopotamian Stories · May 26, 2026 · 40 min
• 5 Evangelical Truisms that Aren't True · May 19, 2026 · 42 min
• Is the Trinity Really in the Bible? · May 12, 2026 · 43 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Misquoting Jesus with Bart Ehrman podcast page.