The First Hymn

Acclaimed composers Chris Tomlin and Ben Fielding reimagine an ancient hymn as a contemporary worship piece in the feature-length documentary, The First Hymn. Hosted by Australian historian John Dickson, the film follows the hymn's journey from its desert origins to its modern revival, culminating in a live worship concert. The journey begins in the ancient ruins of Oxyrhynchus, Egypt, when archaeologists unearthed a papyrus scrap containing the earliest known Christian hymn, complete with both its lyrics and musical notation. Analyzed at Oxford University, the discovery challenges traditional views of church history by revealing the rich musical practices of early believers.