Music link:     https://youtu.be/C7PnZWJ2HCE

From Google:

AI Overview

Icons did not cause major controversy in the Christian church during the first through third centuries because they did not yet exist in the form, quantity, or theological status that later triggered disputes.

The famous "Iconoclastic Controversy" (the violent debate over religious images) did not occur until the 8th and 9th centuries. During the first three centuries, the situation was characterized by gradual development and local variation rather than widespread conflict.

1. Minimal Use of Images (1st to Early 2nd Century)

In the earliest decades of Christianity, there was very little religious art.

• Jewish Roots: Early Christians largely inherited the Jewish prohibition against graven 

images (the Second Commandment).

• Survival Mode: Before the Edict of Milan (313 AD), Christianity was an illegal, often persecuted underground movement. The focus was on survival and oral tradition rather than building or decorating permanent churches.

2. Symbolic and Catacomb Art (Late 2nd to 3rd Century)

As the church grew, Christians began using art, primarily in underground burial chambers (catacombs) and private house-churches (like the famous Dura-Europos house-church, dated to around 235 AD).

• Nature of the Art: This early art was symbolic and narrative, not the stylized, venerated "icons" of later Orthodox tradition. Common symbols included the fish (Ichthys), the anchor, the Good Shepherd, and the Chi-Rho. Wall paintings depicted biblical stories of deliverance, like Noah’s Ark, Jonah and the whale, or Daniel in the lions' den.

• No Veneration: These early paintings were used for education, comfort, and identifying burial sites. Christians during this period did not bow before, kiss, or pray to these images. Because the images were not treated as holy objects themselves, they did not spark theological outrage.

3. Early Theological Hesitation

While there was no widespread controversy or systemic "iconoclasm" (destruction of images) in the first three centuries, several early Church Fathers expressed strong caution or outright opposition to religious art, fearing it looked too much like pagan idolatry.

• Tertullian and Clement of Alexandria: Writing in the late 2nd and early 3rd centuries, both argued against making material representations of the divine, advising Christians to focus on spiritual realities instead.

• The Canon of Elvira (c. 305 AD): Just at the turn of the 4th century, a local council in Spain explicitly stated: "Pictures ought not to be in churches, lest what is worshipped and adored be painted on walls." This indicates that as art became more common on church walls, some leaders began to push back.

Summary of Differences

To understand why the first three centuries were relatively quiet compared to later history, consider this direct comparison:

Metric / Feature         1st – 3rd Century Art                                      8th – 9th Century Icons

Primary Location        Secret catacombs, private homes                         /     Public 

cathedrals, imperial monasteries

Artistic Style                Simple symbols (fish, anchor) and biblical storytelling  /    Formal, stylized portraits of Christ, Mary, and Saints

Church Practice               Educational and decorative                         /     Veneration (kissing, bowing, burning incense)

Level of Controversy       Low (minor local hesitation by some theologians) / Extreme (imperial decrees, riots, excommunications)

Recently, I was on "You Tube," and saw a sort of controversial subject being talked about. 

It dealt with a woman who has claimed that she has been inspired by God as a little girl to paint a portrait of Jesus. 

What, "Rang a bell with me," was that when I heard the painting had been lost for sixteen years or something, I questioned the whole story.

But "Hey," that's just me I've always been sort of a skeptic with many "Christian stories." 

There is a denomination that grew out of the popularity of a "man of God." This man walked in many mighty miracles, but then he had like a 'breakdown.'

He eventually broke. He had just overworked himself and the result was his "breakdown." But he would minister as thousands of people came to him for healing, but he wouldn't rest or quit until he had prayed for every last person, sometimes until three in the morning. 

And my mentor stated that you could have taken his coat and rung out a quart of water or so. You see, he preached many a night out in the elements of harsh weather, as well.

He eventually broke. He had just overworked himself and the result was his "breakdown." 

Nevertheless, many of his followers began to believe that he was an Elijah. You see, he certainly walked in the power of Elijah, but when he started believing it his ministry was shipwrecked. 

Anyway, you can still walk into one of his churches, the main one is in Indiana and there on the wall is the portrait of the man which was made famous as he was photographed with a Halo of Fire around his forehead. 

Well, I was reminded of this and then thought, "Well, perhaps I could go to the gospels and see if there are any passages of where Jesus had asked his disciples if they could take a "Selfie" with him?"

I couldn't find any, so next I decided to go to the Old Testament to see if it mentions anything of "selfies" in that book. 

I still couldn't find any, but I did find this passage of scripture from Deuteronomy:  

Deuteronomy 5:7-10     New Living Translation

7 “You must not have any other god but me.

8 “You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind, or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. 9 You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected—even children in the third and fourth generations of those who reject me. 10 But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those[a] who love me and obey my commands. 

Lastly, I am just going to say that if someone claims to be a Prophet, a commissioned 'dream interpreter," a God gifted phenomenon, then their message should be a pointing to the Lord Jesus Christ for Repentance or in a way that consistently gives the glory back to God.

 If in an hour-long discussion or interview has happened and the subject keeps coming back to that person, then I would be very doubtful that the ministry had originated from God, as so many claim today. 

You see, there are still churches today who believe strongly that no images whatsoever belong in a home or in a church or even in the kitchen where they hold the Sunday Potlucks, so why would God commission an artist to paint a portrait of Jesus?

To me, that would be as if God was sowing a divisive argument to be waged in his body. 

God is not the author of division, but of unity. 

At the top of this paper, I copied an AI insert from "Google," concerning past conflicts of the churches concerning portraits. 

Also, if Jesus wanted his portrait sold around the world for a nickel a piece wouldn't the same Jesus have encouraged his disciples to take up drawing? 

Jesus is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow!

One of the scriptures that I pulled up the other night was:

Deuteronomy 5:7-10     New Living Translation

7 “You must not have any other god but me.

8 “You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind, or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. 9 You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected—even children in the third and fourth generations of those who reject me. 10 But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those[a] who love me and obey my commands. 

Could I tell you why God had placed that commandment in the Bible?

You see, it had to do with Man's nature. You see, most people are "worshipping something," Although few will admit it, they are. This is because God created man as a "spirit," 

And you see that 'spirit,' in man needs sustenance it needs to be connected like a branch is to a tree. So, when man is out on his own he is lacking the sustenance which helps feed him life.  

I suppose in a sense 'spirits of men' are like babies. Well, I don't know a whole lot , about them, but I don't ever recall anyone telling an anecdote when little baby billy was taught to suck on mommies' teats. 

Have any of you ever spoke to your child and explained how they need to learn to suck on mommies teets? 

No, all babies just know, "This is mommy and she's got the goods and I'm a gonna get some. "

Are you tracking with me?

Seriously, just as babies know where their source of nourishment is, so does man. 

You see, there is something wrong if you don't inherently know that you were created from God. Yet because of PRIDE many men will not acknowledge the fact. Nonetheless, they still have that innate desire to "worship," something. 

To most men in our modern age it is money, men will worship anything that brings that "sustenance," to them. You see, it satisfies for a short time, so it can easily replace the "worship," of God.  Nevertheless, once you have experienced a "Born Again," encounter with God then many will move the worship of money to a backseat. 

Nonetheless, there are many who simply move it to the side and are usually holding it in their hidden pockets when they come before God. 

I believe they have a name...something like "Preachers" or "Fox newscasters and hosts."  

Or in some cases even P

Anyway, my point here is that God put that commandment in the Bible because he knew that if he left man on his own with no direction then most likely they would turn a religious relic into something it was not. 

Take for example this "portrait" of Jesus supposedly painted by a little girl of eight who had visions or dreams of a Savior. One of the Proofs used to authenticate its original claim that it is the exact true and unmistakenly exact image and picture of Jesus was because a little boy who had claimed to have come back from the dead stated that that was exactly how Jesus looked. 

WOW! I'm now convinced. 

No, in the Catholic church where they venerate Saints before an individual can be called a "Catholic Saint," is to go through a rigorous type of testing. You see, each witness of the person's Sainthood is supported by the mouth of more than one individual. 

Well, the same is true in the Baptist church or in the Methodist church or any other. If you are in the business of religion the Congregants or Saints have to support each other's claim. And I am not saying that these are crooks, but they could very well be confused individuals who are naturally supporting each other in the business of selling their stories. 

But you see, just as the Catholic Church elevates individuals to Sainthood, so have the religious in America has elevated this woman's story. I mean, personally, i couldn't care if she is claiming that it was a frog who told her the identity of the man? 

Do you see what I am saying?

I just offended a number of people who are holding this woman up as if she is some great and special individual. I watched the interview from Fox and what I noiced right away is that SHE was the focus. Every time they got off of one subject she was asked another question as pertaining to her life. 

Well, I learned a long time ago that if the man or woman is a real prophet then the glory should go to the Lord, else it is not for real in the kingdom of God. 

God does not authorize or gift any individual, that they may steal the glory from God. 

John Bevere wrote an excellent book on what a true prophet is or isn't. One of the incidents that he mentions is the encounter when John the Baptist told those who had inquired of him, 

27 John replied, “No one can receive anything unless God gives it from heaven. 28 You yourselves know how plainly I told you, ‘I am not the Messiah. I am only here to prepare the way for him.’ 29 It is the bridegroom who marries the bride, and the bridegroom’s friend is simply glad to stand with him and hear his vows. Therefore, I am filled with joy at his success. 30 He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.

31 “He has come from above and is greater than anyone else. We are of the earth, and we speak of earthly things, but he has come from heaven and is greater than anyone else. 32 He testifies about what he has seen and heard, but how few believe what he tells them! 33 Anyone who accepts his testimony can affirm that God is true. 34 For he is sent by God. He speaks God’s words, for God gives him the Spirit without limit. 35 The Father loves his Son and has put everything into his hands. 36 And anyone who believes in God’s Son has eternal life. Anyone who doesn’t obey the Son will never experience eternal life but remains under God’s angry judgment.”

But you see what I am trying to say is that the reason why God placed that scripture in Deuteronomy is, so individuals and the church do not replace the individual person of Jesus with a religious relic or a "supposed super Saint." 

You see, in the Bible all who were "born again," were considered "Saints." 

So, what have the good Christians done upon hearing the colorful story of this particular painting. They have elevated it to "Special Status," so at present I believe that I read it was  " valued at $850,000 dollars.  

I hope you are following me, but this is why God commanded that no graven images of any God be venerated. God knew what was in man and He knew that Man would be pulling stunts like this. 

How does this give God glory?

"Why can't we just say there was a little girl who many believe to be an artistic prodigy who had images or visions in her imagination that were similar to what the church has recognized to be similar of the Lord when he ministered on Earth."  

Of course, there will be the sticklers though, "Well, listen bub this girl claims that it is the exact replica of Jesus Christ, it's his picture man, it's his picture, where do you think she came up with those images or likenesses?"

Earlier today I ask "Google:"

 
AI Overview

There is no exact or official count for the number of images and pictures of Jesus Christ created over the last two thousand years, though historians estimate the total is in the billions. 

Exact Total Unknown:

 Because artwork, icons, frescoes, stained glass, statues, prints, and digital illustrations have been produced continuously across global cultures for centuries, a precise numerical total does not exist.

• Billions Produced:
•  Scholars and historians note that more portraits and depictions of Jesus exist than of any other individual in human history. 
• No Contemporary Portraits: 
• There are no surviving portraits or physical descriptions of Jesus drawn or written by his contemporaries or during his lifetime. 
• Earliest Known Depictions:
  • The earliest known satirical drawing is the Alexamenos graffito (roughly 100–300 AD, often dated around 200 AD) carved into a wall in Rome, which depicts a cruciform figure with a donkey's head.
  • The oldest surviving Christian religious artwork (such as the Good Shepherd or Adoration of the Magi) dates to the 3rd century in Roman catacombs and early Christian sites. 
• Cultural Adaptation: Artists across history have portrayed Jesus through the lens of their own cultures and eras, resulting in diverse representations ranging from early Byzantine icons to Renaissance-era European features. 

So, of the billions of pictures of Jesus we have here an exact copy or picture image of the Lord. 

Interesting...

Well, let me make one last statement, if I was an American Christian or a televised convert I believe that I would find some much more interesting fodder to play with. 

If I hadn't mentioned the fact, "America is going to hell and most believe that they are "SAVED." 

The REASON?

Mostly, because they have made their God out of money and religious articles that they worship, such as cars, jets mansions and least of all, let's not forget the "Saints,"......No, not the Catholic ones, but the mega ones or the charismatic ones, or the Pentecostal ones, or the just plain ignorant ones of whom there are too many to count. 

Postscript:   Lastly, let me say this. I studied under a man named Kenneth Hagin and the man had a number of face-to-face encounters with the Lord Jesus Christ. This was a man of great integrity and has easily a few million followers who would testify that his teachings in which he had told of getting some directly from the mouth of Jesus has sustained them and their ministries for decades. 

If you want to worship ART, go to the museum, if you want to listen to some firsthand accounts of someone who spoke directly with the Lord then listen to his tapes on "You Tube." 

*****