A Few Keypoints 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

Artesian well, Mt Pleasant, MI USA
Artesian well, Mt Pleasant, Deerfield Park, MI USA. Photo: Karen “Agatelady” Brzys

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

480 – 1386
The church slowly spread from the boundaries of the Roman empire northwards to reach all of Europe. It spread typically in three ways: a) by converting the local chieftain or king who then influenced his people; b) through the service of many monks who worked faithfully to establish new communities in remote areas;  c) through martyrdom: many laid down their lives for the good news, which impressed and softened the hearts of the people

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
Image spring of waterThe 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!!

This is a simple summary, please let me know your comments!