You’ve seen the fish symbol.  Sometimes it is on the leather covering of someone’s Bible.  Sometimes it is found affixed to the rear of someone’s automobile.  You’ve seen it; but, what does it mean?  Where did this symbol come from?

The fish symbol is ancient.  This symbol is found inscribed on the walls of the catacombs.  It appears frequently, they tell me.  Sometimes the letters ichthus (the Greek word for ‘fish’) also is found inscribed. Tertullian referred to Jesus as “our fish.” According to one ancient story, when a Christian met a stranger in the road, the Christian sometimes drew one arc of the simple fish outline in the dirt. If the stranger drew the other arc, both believers knew they were in good company” (Wikipedia, referencing Christianity Today).

It is an acronym.  Watch this: (1) “i” (iota) stands for iesous or Jesus.  (2) “ch” (chi) stands for Christos or Christ.  (3) “th” (theta) and “u” (upsilon) stands for theon ‘uios or God’s Son.  (4) “s” (sigma) stands for soter or Savior.

These people, who left this art work, believe that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God, and the Savior.  Such deep faith led them to worship and practice Christianity even under extreme difficulties.

Consider the following Bible passages: 1. “You shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). 2. “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). 3. “…our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us” (Titus 2:13-14).

How is your faith?