In a groundbreaking discovery that has left theologians and historians scratching their heads, recent archeological evidence suggests that the Apostle Peter was holding an axe when Jesus famously asked Zacchaeus to come down from the sycamore tree.
The discovery was made by a team of archeologists who were excavating what is believed to be the ancient city of Jericho. Among the artifacts unearthed was a remarkably well-preserved axe, complete with an inscription that reads, “Property of Peter, Fisherman and Apostle.”
“We were stunned,” said Dr. Archeo Logist, the lead archeologist on the dig. “This find challenges everything we thought we knew about the early days of Christianity. Why was Peter carrying an axe? Was he planning to chop down the tree? The implications are mind-boggling.”
Theologians have been quick to weigh in on the discovery. “This could explain a lot,” said Reverend Ima Believer. “Perhaps Peter was just being practical. Maybe he thought Zacchaeus would come down faster if he saw someone ready to chop the tree down. Or maybe Peter was just really into woodworking. Who knows?”
Other people who are more into Bible interpretation and archeology argued that Peter carrying an axe was not something unexpected. “Consistent with his character, Peter had an axe with him and was just buying time to see if Zacchaeus needed some motivation to come down. He had even taken the first swing and was willing to spur the short tax collector to action. Taxes are sweet, and tax collectors rarely come down without a little nudge.”
