Faith Hidden in Stone: Christian Epigraphy, Discreet Identity, and Material Resistance before Constantine

This research article examines the discreet theological language of early Christian epigraphy before Constantine. It focuses on funerary inscriptions, graffiti, symbolic vocabulary, Roman burial conventions, and the Abercius Inscription.

The article argues that early Christian inscriptions should not be understood as evidence of a centrally organised system of cryptography. Instead, they formed a flexible epigraphic culture in which believers used familiar Roman forms while redirecting their meaning towards Christ, resurrection, baptism, Eucharistic fellowship, divine peace, and eternal life.

These inscriptions represented a form of material resistance. They did not normally promote political conspiracy or armed opposition. Their resistance lay in the reordering of death, memory, authority, identity, and belonging within the Roman Empire.

The study also highlights the contribution of ordinary believers, families, mourners, artisans, women, children, travellers, and local Christian communities to the material formation of early Christian theology.

Originally published in Faith • Civilization • Theology.

Author website: https://danieljamesgrace.com

ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9259-8032