Question:

I have a question for you.  What is the significance of the "Jesus fish" that many people have on their cars?  Is this something that, as a Christian, I should have on my car? Is this an effective witnessing tool?

Answer:

The fish is an ancient Christian symbol known from the 1st century catacombs in Rome. The first literary reference to a fish as a Christian symbol is from Clement of Alexandria  During times of persecution, many early Christians would scratch a fish symbol on the ground, or on rocks, or doorposts, as a means to distinguish friend from foe. The Greek word within the fish is "ICHTHUS" which means "fish" in Greek. It's also an acronym for the phrase Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior.

It does tell many folks that you claim Christ.  However, many cars past me by, exceeding the Speed Limit with the "ICHTHUS" on the back, which is a very poor testimony.  But if you drive as Christ would drive, not knowingly, nor intentionally breaking the laws of the land, then you can give a good testimony to Christ, for, "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves."  [Romans 13:1-2]  

Added to Bible Bulletin Board's "Tony Capoccia's Questions and Answers" by:

Tony Capoccia
Bible Bulletin Board
Box 119
Columbus, New Jersey, USA, 08022
Websites: www.biblebb.com and www.gospelgems.com
Email: tony@biblebb.com
Online since 1986