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Beginning the Journey (for new Christians).
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1, 2, and 3 John
1
& 2 Thessalonians
1 & 2 Timothy
1 Peter
2 Peter, Jude
1 Corinthians
2 Corinthians
7 Last Words of Christ
Abraham
Acts 1-12:
The Early Church
Apostle Paul
Christmas Incarnation
Church
Christ Powered Life (Rom 5-8)
Colossians
Conquering Lamb of Revelation
Daniel
David, Life of
Galatians
Gideon
Grace
Great Prayers
Glorious Kingdom, The
Early Church: Acts1-12
Elijah
Ephesians
Hebrews
Holy Spirit, Disciple's Guide
Isaiah
James
Jacob
Jesus and the Kingdom
John's Gospel
John's Letters
Joshua
Lamb of God
Listening for God's Voice
Lord's Supper
Luke
Mark
Moses
Names of God
Names of Jesus
Philippians
Psalms
Rebuild & Renew: Post-Exilic Books
Resurrection
Revelation
Sermon on the Mount
Songs of Ascent
(Ps 120-135)
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Dove as a Christian Symbol
![]() Inscription of Bincentia, flanked by theChi-Rho symbol, basket (indicating good works), and dove with olive branch; Catacomb of S. Sebastiano, Rome. Showing inscription |
Early Christians often had a dove on their tombs as a symbol of the peace and happiness of the soul. The olive branch symbol comes from the story of Noah, who after the flood dispatched a dove to find dry land and finally returned with an olive branch in its mouth (Genesis 8:11).
Occassionally in the earliest Christian art the dove is used as a symbol of the Holy Spirit. Of course, later it was very common.
- Sarcophagus in Santa Maria Antiqua, Rome (c. 270 AD) shows a baptism scene overlooked by a dove, obviously representing the Holy Spirit.
- Fresco of doves decoration arching over tomb area. Catacombs.
- Fresco of doves, vase, and palm branches, catacombs.
- Small clay lamps with Christian symbols were found in the catacombs also.
- Fresco of doves, peacock, partridge? with a bowl of fruit, Catacombs of St. Sebastian, Rome, decoration of a columbarium, third century. Another.
![]() The inscription in pace ("in peace") with the dove and orante describe the peaceful state of the dead in Christ. |
![]() Two anchors a dove with an olive sprig in its mouth (top left), with an olive tree (right). |
Copyright © 2023, Ralph F. Wilson. <pastorjoyfulheart.com> All rights reserved. A single copy of this article is free. Do not put this on a website. See legal, copyright, and reprint information.
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In-depth Bible study books
You can purchase one of Dr. Wilson's complete Bible studies in PDF, Kindle, or paperback format.
- 28 Advent Scriptures
- 1, 2, and 3 John
- 1 Peter
- 2 Peter & Jude
- 1 & 2 Thessalonians
- 1 & 2 Timothy
- 1 Corinthians
- 2 Corinthians
- Apostle Paul
- Abraham, Faith of
- Christ Powered Life (Romans 5-8)
- Christmas Incarnation
- Colossians and Philemon
- Conquering Lamb of Revelation
- Daniel
- David, Life of
- Early Church: Acts 1-12
- Elijah
- Ephesians
- Galatians
- Gideon
- Glorious Kingdom, The
- Grace: Favor for the Undeserving
- Great Prayers of the Bible
- Hebrews
- Holy Spirit, Disciple's Guide
- Isaiah
- Jacob, Life of
- James
- Jesus and the Kingdom of God
- JesusWalk: Beginning the Journey
- John's Gospel
- Joshua
- Lamb of God
- Listening for God's Voice
- Lord's Supper
- Luke's Gospel
- Moses the Reluctant Leader
- Names and Titles of God
- Names and Titles of Jesus
- Philippians
- Rebuild & Renew: Post-Exilic Books
- Resurrection and Easter Faith
- Sermon on the Mount
- Psalms
- Seven Last Words of Christ
- Songs of Ascent (Ps 120-134)
- Revelation
My books are available in paperback and Kindle from Amazon.
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