The importance of the Law for ancient Jewry and early Christianity is attested to repeatedly in the art and epigraphy of the catacombs. Scrolls represented the Law for both Jews and Christians, and signified the wisdom of philosophers and scholars for the pagan Graeco-Roman world. Observant Jews living in the wisdom of the Torah and faithful Christians living in Christ looked forward to sharing the joys of the afterlife with the Lord in the company of righteous followers and students who would perpetuate his teachings.

A Covenant with God and Its promise
156. Ezra (or possibly Moses) looks up from his reading of an imposing Torah scroll. Wall painting, Dura Europos Synagogue (244–245).