In a recent video, biblical researcher and filmmaker L.A. Marzulli shared what he called “huge” news about a discovery beneath the Church of the Holy Sepulchre that could provide archaeological evidence for a specific New Testament verse.
“Ancient garden found at Jesus Christ’s burial site, verifying the biblical account,” Marzulli announced. “Archaeologists digging beneath the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem have unearthed a finding that provides strong evidence for a significant detail of a New Testament—the presence of a garden near the site of the crucifixion and burial of Jesus.”
According to Marzulli, the findings bolster John 19:41, which says, “Now in the place where he was crucified, there was a garden.” Researchers reportedly found remains of olive trees and grape vines dating back 2,000 years, confirming the botanical nature of the area described in the Gospel.
Breaking News. Spirit-Filled Stories. Subscribe to Charisma on YouTube now!
“It’s pointing to the fact that there was a garden there,” Marzulli said. “The excavation which began in 2022 is the most extensive archaeological excavation at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in nearly 200 years. Wow.”
While Marzulli acknowledged that opinions differ on the exact location of Jesus’ crucifixion and burial, he expressed confidence in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. “You can see the actual place where the cross was and then the burial tomb,” he said. “So the crucifixion is here at the church and the burial tomb is below it. So it all fits the biblical narrative.”
The announcement coincides with the upcoming release of his latest film, Holy Shroud, Holy Fire, where Marzulli explores potential connections between the Shroud of Turin and biblical manifestations of divine fire. “I really believe that this is it,” he said. “I believe the shroud is absolutely authentic, 110%.”
He referenced biblical accounts as potential precedents. “Before you dismiss the holy fire, let me remind you about this,” Marzulli said. “When Moses sees the burning bush that burns but does not burn, how does that work? When that pillar of fire goes before the Israelites, what’s that about? When the tongues of flame appear over the apostles at Pentecost, what is that?”
For Marzulli, the evidence is mounting. “I think this is forensic proof of the greatest event in history—the resurrection.”
The excavation at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is expected to resume after Easter celebrations conclude, with researchers continuing to digitally reconstruct the site using ground-penetrating radar and 3D mapping.
“This is really cutting-edge science, at least at the moment,” Marzulli said.
The film Holy Shroud, Holy Fire is currently available for pre-sale.
Join Charisma Magazine Online to follow everything the Holy Spirit is doing around the world!
James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.
