In recent months, viral headlines have suggested that Mel Gibson uncovered “hidden truths” about Jesus within the Ethiopian Bible—claims framed as a discovery that could redefine Christianity. These dramatic narratives often connect the story to Gibson’s plans for a sequel to The Passion of the Christ. However, a careful review of historical scholarship, church tradition, and verified public statements reveals a very different reality.
There is no confirmed evidence that Mel Gibson discovered new biblical manuscripts in Ethiopia or uncovered previously unknown teachings about Jesus. What is factual—and long established—is that the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church maintains a broader biblical canon than most Western Christian traditions. This 81-book canon has been preserved for centuries and has been known to scholars for generations. It is not a newly surfaced or secret text.
Understanding this distinction is essential for separating documented religious history from sensational online claims.
The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church and Its 81-Book Canon
The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church is one of the oldest Christian communities in the world. Christianity became established in the Kingdom of Aksum in the fourth century during the reign of King Ezana. Since then, the church has maintained distinctive theological traditions, liturgy, and scriptural collections.
Unlike most Protestant churches, which recognize 66 books in the Bible, and the Roman Catholic Church, which recognizes 73 books, the Ethiopian Orthodox canon includes 81 books. This larger canon contains:
The standard Old Testament and New Testament books recognized by other Christian traditions
Deuterocanonical books also accepted in Catholic tradition
Additional texts such as 1 Enoch, Jubilees, and 1–3 Meqabyan (distinct from the Greek books of Maccabees)
These books were not hidden in remote monasteries awaiting rediscovery. Many of them have been translated, published, and studied extensively by scholars in Europe and North America for over two centuries.
The Book of Enoch, for example, was preserved in the Ge’ez language in Ethiopia and became widely known in the West in the eighteenth century after manuscripts were brought to Europe. Portions of Enoch were later found among the Dead Sea Scrolls, confirming its antiquity and importance in early Jewish literature.
There is no credible historical evidence that Western Christianity “suppressed” these texts. Rather, different Christian communities developed slightly different canons during the early centuries of the church.
Did Mel Gibson Make a Discovery?
Mel Gibson is known internationally for directing and producing The Passion of the Christ (2004), a film depicting the final hours of Jesus’ life. He has publicly discussed plans for a sequel centered on the resurrection of Jesus. Major entertainment outlets have reported on his continued interest in that project.
However, there are no verified statements from Gibson, the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, or reputable academic institutions confirming that he uncovered new or previously unknown Ethiopian manuscripts. No archaeological announcements, peer-reviewed publications, or official press releases support the claim of a groundbreaking discovery.
The Ethiopian Bible has long been recognized as part of Christian history. It has not been “unearthed” in recent years, nor is it newly accessible to scholars.
Why the Ethiopian Canon Differs from Western Bibles
The formation of the biblical canon was a gradual historical process. Early Christian communities circulated many writings: Gospels, letters, apocalyptic texts, and theological reflections. Over time, church leaders discerned which texts were widely accepted for teaching and worship.
By the fourth century, the core New Testament canon was largely recognized across most Christian communities. However, regional variations persisted. Different churches included additional writings based on local tradition and theological emphasis.
Ethiopia’s geographic and cultural context contributed to its distinct canon. The Ethiopian Church developed largely independent of Roman and Byzantine ecclesiastical structures. As a result, it preserved texts that were valued in early Christianity but later excluded from Western canons.
This is not evidence of conspiracy. It reflects the diversity of early Christian development.
What Do the Additional Books Say About Jesus?
Viral posts often imply that the Ethiopian Bible contains radically different accounts of Jesus that contradict the four canonical Gospels. Scholarly evidence does not support this claim.
The additional books in the Ethiopian canon do not present a secret biography of Jesus or overturn foundational Christian doctrines.
1 Enoch predates Christianity and focuses on apocalyptic visions, angels, and divine judgment. It influenced Jewish and early Christian thought but does not provide a new narrative of Jesus’ life.
Jubilees retells portions of Genesis and Exodus with expanded details.
1–3 Meqabyan present moral and theological teachings distinct from the Greek Maccabees but do not redefine Christology.
The central narrative of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection remains consistent in Ethiopian Christianity with other major Christian traditions.
The Appeal of “Hidden Scripture” Narratives
Stories suggesting that ancient texts were deliberately excluded from the Bible resonate with modern audiences for several reasons:
They suggest secret knowledge
They challenge institutional authority
They invite reevaluation of long-held beliefs
They create dramatic tension between tradition and revelation
However, credible scholarship does not support the idea that foundational Christian teachings were secretly removed or suppressed. Canon formation involved debate, theological discernment, and regional differences—not clandestine erasure.
The Ethiopian Church has always publicly acknowledged its broader canon. There has been no hidden vault of forbidden manuscripts.\
Mel Gibson’s Sequel and Theological Themes
Gibson has spoken in interviews about his intention to explore the resurrection in a sequel to The Passion of the Christ. He has described the project as ambitious and spiritually complex.
But there is no verified indication that the screenplay is based on newly discovered Ethiopian texts. His previous film relied primarily on the canonical Gospels and Catholic devotional tradition.
It is common for online platforms to link major religious topics to well-known public figures in order to generate attention. That does not automatically make the connection factual.
The Ethiopian Bible in Academic Study
The Ethiopian biblical tradition has been studied extensively by historians and theologians. Universities and research institutions have published translations and analyses of Ethiopian manuscripts.
Scholars recognize the Ethiopian canon as part of the broader tapestry of Christian history. Rather than undermining Christianity, it demonstrates the global and diverse nature of the faith.
The existence of multiple canons within Christianity is widely acknowledged. Orthodox, Catholic, and Protestant traditions each developed distinctive scriptural boundaries while maintaining shared core beliefs about Jesus.
Faith, Diversity, and Historical Context
The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church represents one of the world’s oldest continuous Christian traditions. Its preservation of ancient manuscripts is an important cultural and religious achievement.
However, presenting this tradition as a shocking revelation risks misrepresenting both Ethiopian Christianity and Western scholarship.
Faith traditions evolve across cultures. Differences in canon reflect historical pathways, not suppressed truths.
Conclusion
The Ethiopian Bible is a well-documented 81-book canon preserved by the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church for centuries. Its additional texts, including 1 Enoch and Jubilees, have long been available to scholars and do not introduce hidden doctrines about Jesus.
There is no credible evidence that Mel Gibson discovered new Ethiopian manuscripts or uncovered secret teachings that redefine Christianity. While he continues to develop projects related to biblical themes, those efforts are not tied to a newly revealed Ethiopian Bible.
Rather than a hidden revelation, the Ethiopian canon highlights the historical richness and diversity of global Christianity. Responsible discussion of this topic requires reliance on documented scholarship, official statements, and careful distinction between historical fact and viral speculation.
The enduring interest in ancient texts reflects a universal desire to understand faith more deeply. But that search for understanding is best served by verified evidence, transparent scholarship, and respect for established religious traditions.