From Jerusalem to You: The Amazing Spread of Christianity

By J. Samuel Hofman

From Jerusalem to You shows and tells how the Gospel spread from Jerusalem to you. With the help of thirty-six maps, you will be able to trace the exciting story of the spread of Christianity and find your place in that story.

When Jesus predicted the spread of his kingdom, he told the parable of the mustard seed and plant. Beginning as a tiny seed, it rapidly grows to be a large bush that covers the ground. It even welcomes wild birds to come and make their nests in it.

Nearly two thousand years later, we can now look back and trace the growth of Christianity from that tiny seed in Jerusalem to becoming the global tree of today with all its many branches.

We need to take our place as a leaf in that tree and then trace our heritage through its branches, trunk, and, finally, to its original seed. Only then will our life gain purpose, and only then will history have meaning.

Taking this trip through history, you will meet many courageous and dedicated followers of Jesus who dedicated their lives so that you also can be a part of Gods global kingdom. You will also hear the voice of Jesus saying, Go to the peoples of all the world and share the good news with everyone, and I will always be with you.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Oct 2, 2014
• ISBN: 9781490848709

J. Samuel Hofman

J. Samuel Hofman and his wife, Helen, served for forty years as missionaries to Mayan Indian tribes in southern Mexico. They provided teaching and literature for the church leaders in the Tzeltal and Tojolabal tribes. They are now retired and living in Holland, Michigan.

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Copyright © 2014 J. Samuel Hofman.

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

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ISBN: 978-1-4908-4871-6 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4908-4869-3 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4908-4870-9 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2014914867

WestBow Press rev. date: 09/19/2014

CONTENTS

Introduction

Chapter 1 History Is His Story

Chapter 2 The World In Which Christianity Began

Chapter 3 Breaking Out Of The Jewish Box

Chapter 4 Evangelizing The Roman Empire

Chapter 5 Persecution In The Roman Empire

Chapter 6 The Contribution Of Constantine

Chapter 7 The Barbarians

Chapter 8 The Contribution Of Monasticism

Chapter 9 The Conversion Of The Northern Europeans

Chapter 10 The Rise And Ebb Of Constantinople

Chapter 11 The Arab Invasion

Chapter 12 Church Conflicts

Chapter 13 The Conversion Of The Scandinavians

Chapter 14 The Turks Invade And The Crusaders Respond

Chapter 15 The Increase Of Papal Power

Chapter 16 The Eastern Church

Chapter 17 The Papacy Gains Power

Chapter 18 Monasticism

Chapter 19 The Early Reformers

Chapter 20 Continued Decline Of The Roman Catholic Church

Chapter 21 Forerunners Of The Reformation

Chapter 22 The Roman Catholic Church In 1500

Chapter 23 The Lutheran Revolt

Chapter 24 The Reformed Churches

Chapter 25 The Protestants In Scotland And England

Chapter 26 The Anabaptists

Chapter 27 Roman Catholic Resurgence

Chapter 28 War Between Catholics And Protestants

Chapter 29 Catholic Missionary Activity In Africa And Asia

Chapter 30 Catholic Missionary Work In The Americas

Chapter 31 Protestant Activity

Chapter 32 Activities Of The Orthodox Church, 1500–1700

Chapter 33 The Arrival Of Protestantism In North America

Chapter 34 The Evangelical Awakening

Chapter 35 The Decline Of The Catholic Church, 1750–1850

Chapter 36 The Growth Of Christianity In America, 1750–1850

Chapter 37 Preparations For World Evangelism

Chapter 38 Protestant Missionaries In Asia

Chapter 39 Protestant Missionaries In Africa, 1800–1900

Chapter 40 The Catholic Church Advances, 1850–1900

Chapter 41 New Developments In Christianity In The United States, 1864–1910

Chapter 42 Religious Activity In Latin America

Chapter 43 Worldwide Suffering

Chapter 44 The Second World War

Chapter 45 Protestant Advance In Africa

Chapter 46 The Challenge Of Asia

Chapter 47 Other Asian Nations

Chapter 48 Protestant Advance In The United States And Canada

Chapter 49 Activities Of The Catholic Church

Chapter 50 The Catholic Church In North America, 1900–2000

Chapter 51 The Catholic Church In Latin America

Chapter 52 Evangelical Advance In Latin America

Chapter 53 The Decline Of Communism

Chapter 54 The Unfinished Task

For Further Study

INTRODUCTION

In 1959, a Missionary Aviation Fellowship pilot flew us into the rugged hills of Chiapas, Mexico, to minister to the Tzeltal Mayans. Sent by the Reformed Church in America, we were to serve under the National Presbyterian Church of Mexico and to continue a work begun by Wycliffe Bible Translators in a remote area just north of the Guatemalan border.

Our assignment was to help establish a leadership training center for the Tzeltals. One of the subjects I taught was church history. The Tzeltal church leaders had lots of questions about the history of Christianity, such as:

Where is Jerusalem?

How did the gospel reach us?

Why did it take so long?

Who is Martin Luther?

Where did the name Presbyterian come from?

Who are the Methodists?

I searched for a textbook that clearly and concisely told the story of the spread of Christianity, so that I could just translate it and not spend time creating one of my own. I did not find one. There were many books on the subject, but most were too detailed and did not have maps that showed the geographical spread of Christianity. So I created a textbook in Tzeltal, which I later translated into the Tojolabal Mayan language and into Spanish and English.

After our retirement and return to the United States, I noted that there continued to be a need for this book in English. A study of the spread of Christianity is basic for an understanding of the meaning of history. It also is foundational for our commitment to continue the spread of the gospel. When we learn what God has done and is doing, we can effectively and enthusiastically participate in his plan. Our fervent prayer then will be, May your kingdom come and your will be done on earth!

So here it is: a book that will show you how the gospel traveled from Jerusalem to you. After reading this book, you will be able to trace the exciting story of the spread of Christianity, and you will find your place in that story.

1

HISTORY IS HIS STORY

Our study of history usually comes in bits and pieces, which does not give us the opportunity to see how the pieces fit together and to see the big picture of which they are a small part. This book will reveal the big picture.

It will also reveal the meaning of history. Some scholars have said that history is the story of the rise and fall of nations. Others say that history is the story of the development of the human race and the upward progress of civilization.

There is a much more important theme that gives meaning to human history. History is the story of God’s activity in the world, and traces the progress of his plan to draw all people everywhere to him. History is his story. It is the story of the kingdom of God, explaining how God is extending his rule over the individuals, families, tribes, and nations of the world.

THE BEGINNING OF HISTORY

History begins with the creation of the first humans by God and their rejection of his rule over them. This rebellion put the human race on the road to self-destruction, a road characterized by idolatry, violence, addictions, wars, hatred, greed, fear, and deception. The result has been constant tragedy and sorrow.

The Old Testament tells us of the beginning of God’s attempt to bring the lost and suffering human race back to him. God selected a man named Abraham, who lived in the city of Ur near the Persian Gulf, and told him that he and his descendants had been chosen to be God’s ambassadors to the people of the world. The rest of the Old Testament tells of how the descendants of Abraham, the Israelites, repeatedly failed to accomplish this task. Instead of urging the nations around them to worship God, they adopted the idolatry of these nations.

The results of Israel’s disobedience were defeat and disaster and exile to Assyria and Babylonia. After seventy years of exile in Babylonia, a small group of humbled Israelites, mainly from the tribe of Judah, returned to the land of Israel. They rebuilt the city of Jerusalem and waited for the arrival of a leader promised to them by God, a Messiah who would reestablish them as a nation of God’s people.

THE CENTER OF HISTORY

The arrival of this Messiah is the central moment of all history. That is why it is so appropriate that all human history is divided into BC and AD; that is, the years before and the years after the birth of Jesus, the Messiah.

Jesus’ first message was that he had come to establish the kingdom of God. His followers assumed that he was going to restore the nation of Israel and serve as its king. They anticipated that he would lead them in a war of independence, to break free from the Roman Empire. However, Jesus declared that the kingdom he was establishing was not political but spiritual. His kingdom would be the rule of God over the hearts and lives of people everywhere.

To permit a reunion of sinful people and a holy God, Jesus died a sacrificial death, thus providing forgiveness and reconciliation. Before leaving the earth and resuming his position as God, Jesus told his followers to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit to give them courage and wisdom and power. Then they were to go into all the surrounding nations to tell everyone that Jesus had opened the door to forgiveness and fellowship with God.

THE GROWTH OF THE KINGDOM

The 120 believers gathered in a home in Jerusalem, and the Holy Spirit filled and inspired them, as Jesus had promised. Thus, the Church of Jesus Christ was initiated, and its outreach began in the city of Jerusalem.

What followed is nearly two thousand years of the growth of the Christian Church. Jesus pictured the growth of his church in his parable of the mustard plant. It begins as a very small seed. But when it is planted, it grows quickly to become a large bush, to which birds come to make their nests in its outreaching branches. One hundred twenty believers in the city of Jerusalem were the tiny seed. In two thousand years, they would become two billion people in all areas of the world who profess faith in Jesus Christ. This is the central theme of history.

HISTORY’S LESSONS

The study of the spread of Christianity is very valuable. The lives and exploits of God’s servants in past centuries inspire us. As we read of their vision and dedication, their courage and faith, we are encouraged to live a similar life of commitment and outreach.

Tracing the spread of the gospel (good news) from Jerusalem to our ancestors and to us teaches us that we are members of a huge family and are participants in a mighty movement of God. We will be able to appreciate our spiritual roots and trace our spiritual genealogy. That will give us an understanding of who we are and why we are here.

As we read of the work of God’s servants in past centuries, we will learn of their successes and their failures. This will give us insight as to how we can most effectively reach out to people today.

We may also find ourselves setting aside some of our prejudices against other Christian groups. Reading of their origins and activities, we will see how God has used all of them in his great desire to reach all people everywhere.

This study will also help us focus on the remaining task. We will become aware of tribes and groups and nations that are still waiting to hear the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. This will increase our commitment to do our part in extending the kingdom of God through all the world.

Questions:

1. Do you have a map of the world in your home? Have you ever traced on a map how the gospel traveled from Jerusalem to you?

2. What is the value of learning about the history of the spread of Christianity?

3. What questions do you have about the history of Christianity for which you would like to have answers?

2

THE WORLD IN WHICH CHRISTIANITY BEGAN

THE JEWS, THE SAMARITANS, AND THE GALILEANS

The majority of the Israelites who returned from exile in Babylonia were from the tribe of Judah. So they were called the Jews, and most of them lived in the province of Judea, with Jerusalem as their central city. Their center for worship was the temple in Jerusalem, built under orders from King Herod the Great, who had been chosen by the Romans to rule over the Jews.

To the north of Judea was the province of Samaria, populated with a mixture of Israelites and immigrants from other nations who had been conquered by the Assyrians and sent to live with the conquered Israelites. Their religion was a mixture of their original belief in God and the paganism of the immigrants and the surrounding nations. The Samaritans and the Jews had a long history of animosity and violence, which began when the Jews who returned from Babylonia rejected the Samaritans’ offer to help rebuild the temple in Jerusalem.

On the north side of Samaria was the province of Galilee, which was populated with a variety of nationalities, including a strong minority of Israelites. Of the twelve disciples of Jesus, eleven were from Galilee.

THE RELIGIOUS ENVIRONMENT

The religions of the nations surrounding the Jews were characterized by idolatry and animism. The conquering Romans added the worship of their emperor to the worship of their many gods.

However, there was a spiritual discontent and an openness to new religious beliefs. Many were unsatisfied with polytheism and were attracted to the Jewish synagogues and the belief in one God, the Creator of all things. Many also sought a religion that would promote morality, disillusioned as they were by the increasing brutality and immorality of the Roman Empire.

THE POLITICAL ENVIRONMENT

All the nations surrounding the Mediterranean Sea were under the control of the Romans of Italy. Greek was the language of the scholars and the merchants; Latin was the language of the rulers. Roman army units were stationed throughout the empire to protect the frontiers and to suppress any movement for independence.

Before the Roman conquest of Judea, the Jews had enjoyed over one hundred years of independence. Many of them deeply resented the Roman occupation, and there were several outbreaks of violence, as Jewish patriots fought for independence. They were quickly squelched by the Roman army, which kept a close watch to detect any plans for revolt.

GOD’S GOOD TIMING

God chose the right place and moment for the arrival of the Messiah, resulting in the rapid growth of the church. Here are five reasons it was the right time:

1. The Jews were waiting for the arrival of the Messiah. After sixty years of Roman rule, the Jews were becoming increasingly eager for the fulfillment of God’s promise to send them a leader who would deliver them from their oppressors.

2. Jewish merchants had spread through much of the Roman Empire and had built synagogues in many cities. These synagogues had open doors for the apostles who carried the good news of Jesus the Messiah.

3. The existing pagan religions were empty and unsatisfying. People were ready to leave their idolatry and were looking for a religion that would bring them a better life on earth and the assurance of eternal life.

4. The Romans had built roads throughout the empire and controlled the entire Mediterranean Sea. Consequently, travel was quick and quite safe for the Christian evangelists.

5. The Greek language was used for communication and in education throughout the Roman Empire. This also facilitated the spread of the gospel. In later centuries, in the western part of the empire, Latin became the unifying language of the Christian Church.

Questions:

1. The Jews were anticipating the arrival of a Messiah. What did they expect him to accomplish?

2. What were the causes of the antagonism between the Jews and the Samaritans?

3. What teachings of Christianity were attractive to the adherents of the pagan religions of that time?

4. At the top of the cross of Jesus, a notice was posted. In what languages was it written? Why was it written in these languages?

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3

BREAKING OUT OF THE JEWISH BOX

PENTECOST

The Holy Spirit descended on the 120 believers in Jerusalem during the religious celebration of Pentecost. The city was filled with Jewish religious pilgrims who had come from many foreign nations, from Persia in the east to Rome in the west.

The Holy Spirit gave to the believers the ability to speak in the various languages of these people. Three thousand of them were converted to faith in Jesus in one day.

Before his departure the Lord had told his disciples that they were to be his witnesses in Jerusalem, in all of Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. However, there is no indication that the disciples accompanied any of these converts to their homelands. The disciples remained in Jerusalem, ministering to the growing church there, instead of becoming missionaries to the world.

INTO JUDEA, SAMARIA, AND EVEN ETHIOPIA

The Jewish religious and political leaders in Jerusalem began a persecution of the Christians. Stephen, a deacon, was killed by a Jewish mob, and others were imprisoned. Many of the believers fled from the city and scattered throughout Judea, spreading the gospel wherever they went.

Some fled to Damascus, the capital of Syria, and others to far-off Antioch. Philip, a deacon of the church, went to Samaria and shared the news of Jesus the Messiah with the Samaritans. They responded enthusiastically and in large numbers.

When news of the positive response of the Samaritans reached the disciples in Jerusalem, they sent Peter and John to investigate. Seeing the enthusiasm of the Samaritan believers, they declared them legitimate Christians. On their return trip to Jerusalem, they preached about Jesus in several Samaritan villages.

Philip was then directed by God to go to Gaza.