A Brief History Of Christianity In Africa

By Carl Davis

Dive into a captivating exploration of the profound and often overlooked history of Christianity in Africa with " A Brief History of Early Christianity in Africa." Embark on a transformative journey through the continent's spiritual evolution, as this meticulously researched masterpiece unveils a chronicle of faith, resilience, and cultural exchange that has shaped Christianity as we know it today.
In Lecture One: The Spirit Comes to Africa, the stage is set for an awe-inspiring tale of divine encounters. Feel the pulse of ancient traditions as African soil becomes a sacred vessel for the seeds of Christianity and witness the transformative power of the Gospel as it takes root and spreads across the land. Through vivid storytelling, the author unveils the stories of the early African converts, their struggles, and their unwavering devotion.
Lecture Two: Latin-African Christians introduces us to a crossroads of civilizations, where African and Latin traditions intertwine to create a unique Christian identity. Experience the vibrant fusion of cultures, the exchange of ideas, and the birth of new spiritual expressions that marked this pivotal era. Through meticulous research and passionate prose, the book unveils the untold narratives of these Latin-African Christians who contributed to the rich tapestry of Christianity.
Lecture Three: Greek-African Christians delves into the intellectual currents that surged through ancient Africa, giving rise to a synthesis of Greek philosophy and African spirituality. Explore the lives and contributions of brilliant theologians and scholars whose profound insights continue to influence Christian thought to this day. As you journey through this intellectual awakening, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the intellectual and spiritual legacy of Greek-African Christians.
In Lecture Four: The Spirit of the Martyrs and the Desert People, the pages come alive with the indomitable spirit of martyrs and desert dwellers who, in their devotion, reshaped the course of Christianity in Africa. Be inspired by their unwavering faith, courage, and sacrifice, as they navigate the challenges of persecution and spiritual solitude. Through their stories, the book captures the essence of the African Christian spirit that emerged from the crucible of hardship.
Lecture Five: The Theology of the Holy Spirit serves as the culmination of this remarkable journey, inviting readers to explore the profound theological insights that emanated from Africa. Discover how the African context gave rise to unique perspectives on the Holy Spirit's role in shaping Christian doctrine and practice. As you delve into the theological depths, you'll gain a fresh understanding of the intricate relationship between faith, culture, and spirituality.
" A Brief History of Early Christianity in Africa" is more than a historical account; it's an invitation to immerse yourself in the heart and soul of Christianity's African heritage. With each lecture, you'll uncover a mosaic of stories, beliefs, and experiences that resonate across time and space. Through meticulous research, eloquent storytelling, and a passionate reverence for its subject, this book stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith and the remarkable legacy of Christianity in Africa. Join us on this unforgettable odyssey and discover the untold chapters of a spiritual epic that has shaped the course of humanity.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Carl Davis
• Release date: Jan 18, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224426973

Carl Davis

Carl Davis holds a Doctorate in Missiology based upon research of Organizational Growth in the Post Modern Society. I started my work life serving in the South African Defence Force – first at the Recruiting Division, then moving to a Medical Command where I served as a Generalist Personnel Officer. For the last two years of my service, I was tasked with the Personnel management of the Integration process, inclusive of entrance and exit strategies. After honorable discharge after more than 10 years in the South African Defence Force, I took up the post of Managing Director of a Non-Government Organization, established to uplift impoverished communities in and around Potchefstroom, while also appointed as a part-time lecturer of undergraduates (specifically on leadership). Three years later I was appointed as Rector, managing an Educational Institute with 4000 students spread over 36 African countries. While in this position I had the opportunity to lecture extensively abroad and published various articles on leadership; with specific emphasis on motivation and group dynamics. I am a strong believer in utilizing a blended and integrated approach in all of the training (including the new material which I developed) I developed which included – Leadership (within a Faith based community), andragogy, and Cultural Diversity management. I am also a graduate of the University of Stellenbosch's Facilitative Leadership Programme (BUVTON), consulting and facilitating with organizations that are "stuck" (- Alice Mann 1998- ) specifically in the process of change management.

Book preview

Chapter One

The Spirit comes to Africa

From Pentecost to Nubia

The Holy Spirit, we believe, was poured out on humankind on the Day of Pentecost in the year 30 AD.  Shortly after that the Spirit was exported to Africa.  Africa was first to receive the Spirit after Palestine.

The Spirit led Philip to approach a high official from Ethiopia (which was Nubia) and this official came to believe in Jesus Christ.  He was baptized with water and, of course, received the Spirit (Acts 8:26-38). 

He went back to his home in northwest Africa and, we presume, spread the good news of Jesus Christ in what was then called Nubia. 

Unfortunately, we do not know how well the official was received with his new message and how successfully he proclaimed it.  For the next 500 years we do not hear anything from the Christians in Nubia. 

It is only in the sixth century that we read that missionaries came to Nubia and that many people were converted to Christianity.  During a time when the Islam was conquering Christian territories elsewhere in Africa, Christianity flourished in Nubia. 

From the so-called Middle Ages come wonderful stories of the spirituality of the Christians in Nubia who led simple lives fully devoted to God and especially to God's Spirit.

John Mark comes to Africa

According to tradition , Christianity came to Egypt at a very early stage through the work of the evangelist John Mark. 

John Mark did not go to the rich and important people with his message.  He went to a cobbler in Alexandria who accepted the message that Jesus Christ could save the world.  The cobbler and his entire household were baptized and received the Spirit.  And thus, Christianity was founded in Egypt. 

John Mark preached powerfully amongst the people and prophesied to them how the Spirit expected them to live.  Before long he and his fellow-believers had established five churches in Egypt. 

The powerful people did not like this.  In the year 68 AD a large group of newly converted Christians gathered at the great church in Alexandria to celebrate Easter.  People who were hostile to Christianity and who were incited by Roman officials, entered the church, dragged John Mark out of the church, pulled him with a rope through the streets, and murdered him.

However, the Christians in Egypt believed God's Spirit to be in their midst and by the year 200 AD there were many local churches in Egypt. 

The Christians in Egypt had known fierce martyrdom by then, and much more was to come.  But now a new light shone forth from Egypt:  the time of the theologians had dawned upon them. 

We will study these theologians, and especially their theology and experience of the Holy Spirit, in Chapter 3.

What did Africa look like during the time of Jesus Christ?

During the time when Jesus lived in Palestine, Africa was not known as a continent in the way we know it today.  The Roman Empire was very powerful at this time and controlled most of the area around the Mediterranean Sea, also Palestine. 

As we know, Jesus' crucifixion was executed by Roman officials in Palestine.  The Romans ruled over several provinces on the African side of the Mediterranean Sea which included Egypt as well as five other provinces. 

These five provinces are indicated on the map.  They are from east to west:

Cyrenaica.

Symon of Cyrene, who carried Jesus' cross (Matt 27:32), came from this country.  Today the modern country of Libya will be found here.

Tripolitana.

Africa.

This Roman province , called Africa, is for our purposes the most important.  The capital of this province was the city of Carthage. Tertullian and Cyprian, two of the most important African theologians of early Christianity, came from Carthage. 

Tertullian is well-known in church history for leading a life driven by the Spirit and writing a theology in which the Spirit took precedence.  We shall meet him again in Study Unit 2.  The province of Africa was more or less situated where we find Tunisia today.

Numidia.

It covers roughly the eastern half of modern Algeria.  Here we find the city of Hippo Regius where the famous church father Augustine presided as bishop for 35 years.  We shall meet him again in Chapter 5.

Mauretania.

You do not have to remember the names of these provinces, but we hope that, with the map guiding you, you will be able to form a picture of what Africa looked like during the time of Jesus Christ's ministry on earth - and immediately after His death, when the Spirit came to Africa. 

When we talk of Africa in this course, we refer to the whole of North