Christianity was born in the Middle East, yet today it is often seen as a Western religion. The region where Jesus walked, where the apostles preached, and where the early Church took root has a history rich with faith, struggle, and resilience. This is the story of Christianity in the Middle East—a story of triumph, persecution, and survival.
The Birthplace of Christianity
Christianity emerged in the first century A.D. in Roman-occupied Judea. Jesus of Nazareth, His disciples, and the early followers of “the Way” spread the gospel throughout the region. Cities like Jerusalem, Antioch, and Damascus became key centers of Christian thought and leadership. Antioch, in particular, was where believers were first called Christians (Acts 11:26).
The Early Church and Expansion
In the second and third centuries, Christianity grew despite Roman persecution. Many of the Church Fathers, including Tertullian and Origen, lived and wrote from the Middle East. Alexandria in Egypt became a theological powerhouse, and the schools of Edessa and Nisibis shaped early Christian doctrine.
Christianity and the Byzantine Empire
With Emperor Constantine’s conversion in the fourth century, Christianity gained official status in the Roman Empire. The Middle East became home to major theological debates, such as the Council of Nicaea (325 A.D.) and the Council of Chalcedon (451 A.D.), which shaped Christian doctrine. The Byzantine Empire solidified Christianity’s presence, building churches and establishing Christian governance.
Islam’s Rise and Christian Decline
The 7th-century expansion of Islam under Muhammad and his successors dramatically changed the region. Many Christian communities fell under Muslim rule, leading to periods of coexistence, taxation (jizya), and, at times, persecution. Yet, Christianity persisted. The Eastern Orthodox, Coptic, and Assyrian churches maintained their traditions, even as the region became predominantly Muslim.
Ottoman Rule and Further Challenges
Under the Ottoman Empire (1299–1922), Christians were classified as dhimmis (protected but second-class citizens). While they had certain freedoms, they also faced restrictions and occasional violence. The decline of the Ottoman Empire led to significant massacres, including the Armenian, Assyrian, and Greek genocides in the early 20th century.
Modern-Day Persecution and Hope
Today, Christians in the Middle East face severe challenges. The rise of extremist groups, government oppression, and economic hardships have led to mass emigration. Countries like Iraq and Syria have seen dramatic declines in their Christian populations. Yet, the Church remains. Small but faithful communities continue to worship, and new believers are emerging, even in the most unexpected places.
Why This History Matters
The Middle Eastern Church is the root of global Christianity. Its story is not just one of the past but of the present and future. Understanding its history helps believers worldwide stand in solidarity with persecuted brothers and sisters and pray for revival in the land where Christianity began.
The Middle East may not have the Christian presence it once did, but the light of Christ still shines. And as history has shown, no empire, persecution, or hardship has ever extinguished it.
The Basin and Towel 