.jpg)
AN OVERVIEW OF PREVIOUS ATTEMPTS AT CHRISTIANIZING AFRICA.
The Pre Christian contact vs the Christian contact.
What is Pre-Christian Contact?
This refers to the period before the arrival of Christianity in Africa. Key events like Abraham's journey to Egypt and Joseph's story (being sold into Egypt) set the foundation for future connections between Africa and the Bible, especially through Jewish communities in Egypt.
What is Christian Contact?
This refers to the spread of Christianity in Africa after the time of Jesus. Important events include the flight of baby Jesus to Egypt, the presence of Africans at Pentecost (Acts 2), and the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch by Philip (Acts 8). These events marked the beginning of Christianity taking root in African regions like Egypt and Ethiopia.
PRE-CHRISTIAN CONTACTS WITH AFRICA
1. ABRAHAM'S Journey to Egypt
Abraham, the patriarch of the Hebrew people, is an important figure in the Bible. His journey to Egypt is one of the earliest connections between Africa and the biblical story. After receiving God's call to leave his homeland in Ur and settle in Canaan, a severe famine forced Abraham to travel to Egypt (Genesis 12:10). In Egypt, Abraham, fearing for his life because of his wife Sarai’s beauty, told Pharaoh that she was his sister. Pharaoh took Sarai into his palace, but God intervened by sending plagues upon Pharaoh's household. When Pharaoh discovered the truth, he returned Sarai to Abraham and allowed them to leave Egypt with great wealth. This journey marked Egypt (Africa) as an early point of contact in the biblical narrative, even before the rise of Christianity.
2. JOSEPH'S Story in Egypt
Joseph, the great-grandson of Abraham, was another key figure in pre-Christian contact with Africa. His brothers sold him into slavery because of their jealousy over their father Jacob's special affection for him. Joseph was taken to Egypt, where he was bought by Potiphar, an official in Pharaoh’s court (Genesis 37-41). Despite being falsely accused and imprisoned, Joseph’s ability to interpret dreams gained him favor in Pharaoh’s eyes. He eventually became Pharaoh's second-in-command and helped prepare Egypt for a famine.
During the famine, Joseph’s brothers traveled to Egypt to buy food, unaware that their brother had risen to power. After revealing his identity, Joseph forgave them and invited his entire family to move to Egypt. This marked the beginning of the Israelites' presence in Egypt, which would later lead to their enslavement and the Exodus story.
In these two key stories, Abraham’s visit to Egypt and Joseph’s rise to power in Egypt, we see Africa as an early setting in the biblical narrative, long before the establishment of Christianity. These events set the stage for later Christian contact and connections to Africa, especially through Egypt and the surrounding regions.
FIRST CHRISTIAN CONTACTS WITH AFRICA
THE BABY JESUS
Jesus' contact with Africa is a topic of great interest and significance in understanding the historical and cultural aspects of Jesus' life and teachings. While the New Testament primarily focuses on Jesus' ministry in the region of ancient Palestine, there are accounts and historical evidence suggesting that Jesus had indirect connections with Africa.
One of the earliest recorded instances of Jesus' contact with Africa is the story of the Wise Men or Magi who traveled from the east to pay homage to the newborn Jesus. The Bible indicates that these Wise Men came from the east, and some scholars argue that they might have originated from Africa. The region of ancient Ethiopia, for example, had a long-standing tradition of wise men or priests who were renowned for their astrological and mystical knowledge. It is believed that the Wise Men may have come from this region, establishing a direct connection between Jesus and Africa.
Furthermore, there is a significant event in Jesus' life that can be linked to Africa: the Flight into Egypt. According to the Gospel of Matthew, Joseph, Mary, and the infant Jesus fled to Egypt to escape King Herod's decree to kill all male children in Bethlehem. This episode suggests a geographical proximity between Palestine and Egypt, thus exposing Jesus to the Egyptian culture and way of life during his early years. Egypt, as a nation located in northeastern Africa, stands as a testament to Jesus' connection with the African continent.
Another important aspect to consider is the spread of early Christianity beyond Palestine and its incorporation into different regions, including Africa. After Jesus' death and resurrection, his disciples acted as his ambassadors, spreading the Gospel to various parts of the Roman Empire. This missionary endeavor inevitably led to Christianity reaching Africa. Traditionally, it is believed that the apostle Mark, one of Jesus' closest associates, traveled to Alexandria, Egypt, and founded the first Christian community there. This implies that Jesus' message reached Africa even during his lifetime, albeit indirectly through his disciples.
Moreover, historical records mention significant Christian communities established in different parts of Africa, such as Carthage (modern-day Tunisia) and Alexandria. The early African Church played a vital role in preserving and spreading Christian teachings, engaging in theological debates, and producing influential Christian theologians and thinkers. These African Christian communities celebrated the Eucharist, practiced baptism, and formed their own distinct Christian identity. Though these communities were far removed from Jesus' physical presence, they were a vital part of the wider Christian movement influenced by his life and teachings.
In addition to the historical evidence, it is essential to acknowledge the symbolic significance of Jesus' connection with Africa. By being born in Bethlehem, one of the significant crossroads of the ancient world, Jesus' message transcended national and ethnic boundaries. His story resonated with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds, including Africans, who found comfort, hope, and salvation within his teachings.
While the New Testament focuses primarily on Jesus' ministry in Palestine, there are indications and historical evidence suggesting his indirect contact with Africa. The visit of the Wise Men, the Flight into Egypt, and the spread of Christianity to the African continent highlight the connection between Jesus and Africa. Whether through geographical proximity, missionary endeavors, or the establishment of early Christian communities, Africa played a significant role in preserving and spreading Jesus' message. This connection continues to shape the religious, historical, and cultural heritage of both Africa and the Christian faith.
THE ETHIOPIAN EUNUCH
The story of the Ethiopian Eunuch is an important event in the early history of Christianity and its first contact with Africa. It is recorded in the New Testament of the Bible, specifically in the Book of Acts, chapter 8, verses 26-40.
The Ethiopian Eunuch was a high-ranking official in the court of the Queen of Ethiopia, which at that time referred to the Kingdom of Kush, an ancient civilization in the region that is today known as Sudan. He was in charge of the treasury and had traveled to Jerusalem to worship.
On his way back to Ethiopia, the Eunuch was reading a passage from the Book of Isaiah, specifically the prophecy of the suffering servant (Isaiah 53:7-8). He was trying to understand its meaning but was encountering difficulties.
It is at this point that Philip, one of the early followers of Jesus, is miraculously directed by an angel to approach the Ethiopian. Philip sees the Eunuch riding in a chariot and hears him reading from the scriptures. Philip asks the Eunuch if he understands what he is reading, to which the Eunuch replies, "How can I unless someone guides me?" (Acts 8:31).
Philip, then invited to join the Eunuch in the chariot, explains to him the meaning of the prophecy from Isaiah, connecting it to Jesus. He preached the Gospel to the Eunuch and shared the good news of Jesus Christ. Along the way, they come across a body of water, and the Eunuch requests to be baptized. Philip baptizes him, and after the Ethiopian Eunuch emerges from the water, Philip is whisked away by the Spirit of the Lord, and the Eunuch continues on his journey with great joy.
This encounter between Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch has significant implications. It represents the expansion of Christianity beyond its Jewish roots and into Africa. The Eunuch's conversion signifies the inclusion of non-Jewish people into the early Christian community, highlighting the universality of the faith. It also demonstrates the power of spreading the word of God through personal encounters and discipleship.
The Ethiopian Eunuch's story has resonated throughout history and serves as a reminder of Christianity's diverse and inclusive nature. It marks the beginning of a long and rich Christian heritage in Africa, which continues to this day.
Now, we have seen that Africa especially the North was a christian territory. Infact, it's recorded that Africa (Egypt) had over 300 bishops before the introduction of Muslim in north Africa. But what led to the sudden disappearance of Christianity in north Africa, turning into a Muslim territory. Read more here (the reasons)