A feature-length documentary tracing what is described as the oldest known Christian hymn from an ancient Egyptian papyrus fragment to a modern worship recording will be shown in cinemas in the United States on March 24 and 26, with producers highlighting its historical and theological significance for global Christian audiences.
“The First Hymn,” produced by the team behind the Undeceptions podcast, follows the discovery of an ancient papyrus fragment in Egypt containing the remnants of an early Christian hymn and documents efforts to adapt the text into a modern worship song.
The film features Grammy Award-winning worship artist Chris Tomlin and Australian songwriter Ben Fielding collaborating with historian John Dickson to bring the ancient lyrics to contemporary audiences.
According to promotional materials, the documentary traces the hymn’s origins in the early centuries of Christianity, examining its theological content and historical context. The papyrus fragment, discovered in Egypt, is presented as containing words that reflect beliefs held by early Christians prior to later denominational divisions.
Tomlin previously told The Christian Post that the lyrics date back to the early centuries in church history. “These lyrics are literally 1,800 years old,” he said. “They were written by a small band of believers who probably lost their lives for their faith. And now, we get to sing them again.”
He also emphasized the communal nature of the project. “It’s not my song, it belongs to the Church,” Tomlin said. “Just think about that: 1,800 years ago, people were singing these same words. There’s no other music with this kind of history. Country can’t touch it. Hip-hop can’t touch it. The music of the Church has been echoing since the beginning.”
“We’re just the next in line carrying the torch forward,” he added.
Fielding said in a statement that the goal was to reintroduce the hymn to the contemporary church, describing the opportunity to sing words written nearly two millennia ago as significant for modern congregations.
The project documents Dickson’s research into the text and the process by which Tomlin and Fielding composed and recorded a modern musical setting of the ancient words. The film includes a live performance of the hymn, which also appears on Tomlin’s latest album.
The theatrical release will include an exclusive introductory message from Tomlin and Fielding created for cinema audiences, distributors said. A trailer has been released, and tickets are available through Fathom Entertainment and participating theater box offices.
Additional information about the film is available at thefirsthymnmovie.com.
