A Few Key Points from Europe’s Christian History

Europe has had almost 2000 years of Christian history, from the 1st century to today.  There have been many high and low points but God has been faithful!  Here is a simple summary:

Our history begins of course in Israel, with the patriarchs and the prophets; the life, death and resurrection of Jesus the Messiah; and the birth of the church in Jerusalem.

Acts 13

In Antioch, the Holy Spirit calls Saul (Paul) and Barnabus to be set apart to take the gospel to the Gentiles.  They set off on the first missionary journey, going first to Cyprus.

Acts 16:9

Following a dream, the Apostle Paul crossed from Asia Minor to Macedonia to bring the gospel to Europe

Acts 16:13

Paul planted the first European church in Lydia’s house in Philippi.

Acts 28:1-11

Paul was shipwrecked on Malta. Afterwards he landed in Sicily and then made his way to Rome.

Over the next few centuries Christianity spread around the Roman empire, with many martyrs.

AD 312

Emperor Constantine converted and made Christianity legal throughout the empire. Over the next few centuries, many councils were held to agree orthodox (correct) doctrine.

400s onwards

Celtic Christianity flourished in Ireland, Wales and Scotland, and many missionaries were sent out

800s

Cyril & Methodius translated the Bible into Slavonic, which greatly helped the growth of the church in Bulgaria, Serbia & Russia. Over the next few centuries, Orthodox churches were established in the Slavic countries

988

Vladimir, ruler of Kiev, was baptised, marking a significant step in the growth of the gospel in Russia and Ukraine

1054

The final sad split between the eastern church centred on Constantinople and the western church centred on Rome

1095 – 1272

The Crusades to the Holy Land

1100s – 1400s

Orders of friars (missionary monks) played a big part in strengthening church life, mission and preaching campaigns – the Carmelites, Augustinians, Dominicans & Franciscans.

1100s – 1400s

Precursors to the Reformation: Peter Waldo & the Waldensian church in Italy;  John Wycliffe’s Bible translation in England; Jan Hus’ reform movement in Bohemia & Moravia, Czech

1386

The Lithuanian ruler Jagiello was baptised – the last region of Europe to convert from paganism to Christianity

1448

The Russian church became independent of Constantinople

1500s

A much-needed time of reform – the ministry of Martin Luther, the Reformation, the Huguenots in France, Jean Calvin in Geneva, Zwingli in Zurich, England & Scotland convert to Protestantism, the Counter-Reformation, Ignatius Loyola and the Jesuits

1700s

The Herrnhut community in Saxony, Germany, Count Zinzendorf, 24-7 prayer maintained for over 100 years and many, many Moravian missionaries sent out

1700s & 1800s

Evangelical awakenings, George Whitefield, John & Charles Wesley, 1859 revival in Wales, UK

1904

Revival in Wales and the spread of Pentecostal churches

1968 – now

A decline in church attendance in many countries, growth of materialism and individualism. Political correctness as a new force

1960s

The charismatic renewal begins

Today

God is at work in Europe today!!