Ichthus, as we have explained, being the initials[1] of the words of this formula.
There is no doubt that from the earliest times the fish was an acknowledged symbol of our Lord. It became at once a sacred "tessera" or sign—quite unintelligible to the pagan and official world, but to the believer a most precious symbol, containing with striking brevity and yet with striking clearness, a complete précis, so to speak, of the creed, a profession of facts as far as related to the Saviour.
The catacombs are full of Christ. It was to Him that the Christians of the age of persecution ever turned: it was on Him they rested—in gladness and in sorrow; in sickness and in health; in the days of danger—and these were sadly numerous in the first two centuries and a half—and in the hour of death. It was from His words they drew their strength. In the consciousness of His ever-presence in their midst, they suffered gladly for His sake. With His name on their lips they died fearlessly, joyfully passing into the Valley of the veiled Shadow. On the tablet of marble or plaster which closed up the narrow shelf in the catacomb corridor where their poor remains were reverently, lovingly laid, the dear name of Jesus was often painted or carved.
The catacombs are full of Christ. We have spoken several times of the paintings on the walls and ceilings of the corridors and chambers. There is great variety of these, the Old and New Testament supplying the majority of subjects. But by far the favourite subject of representation—certainly the leading type of Christian art in the first days—was the figure of the "Good Shepherd." It does not only appear in the City
1 The initial letters of the Redeemer's names and principal titles (in Greek)
made up the word [Greek: ichthus] or fish. Thus:
[Greek: IÊSOUS] = Jesus.
[Greek: ChRISTOS] = Christ.
[Greek: ThEOU] = of God.
[Greek: UIOS] = Son.
[Greek: SÔTÊR] = Saviour.
