Page 45 - LD215 History of the Church in Africa A4 final

African Christian Heritage

illustrated. He used Joseph’s journey to Egypt in Africa as a strategic part
of His plans for His people.

Egypt was like a bridge between the Middle East and Africa. Mokhtar
points to the presence of ivory, obsidian, and ebony at Egyptian
archaeological sites as an indication of an active and regular trade
contact between Egypt and African lands south of the Sahara (15–61).

Space does not permit us to review the long history of Egyptian
dynasties. We will note that Alexander the Great conquered Egypt in
the fourth century B.C. and that Rome conquered Egypt in the first
century B.C. Alexander founded the city of Alexandria, which still exists
today. When Alexander died at an early age, four of his generals divided
his empire. Ptolemy gained control of Egypt and developed Alexandria,
which eventually became the second city of the Roman Empire. Isichei
notes that Alexandria’s “lighthouse was regarded as one of the seven
wonders of the world, but the title was perhaps more appropriate for
the scholars of the Museum, one of whom accurately calculated the
circumference of the world” (13).

The Romans took possession of Egypt in 30 B.C. when Cleopatra
committed suicide by embracing a cobra, the symbol of the ancient
Pharaohs. Egyptians were famous for their farming along the Nile River
and provided much-needed food for the Roman Empire. In this, they
remind us of the manner in which Joseph and the Egyptians provided
grain during a time of severe famine as recorded in Genesis 41–50.

Africa in New Testament Times

As noted in chapter two, Romans, Greeks, and Jews helped prepare
the way for the coming of Christianity. In addition to the Egyptians,
these three groups were present in Egypt in preparation for the spread
of the gospel. The Greeks contributed their language that was used by
the intellectuals and city dwellers. Egyptian (or Coptic) was the language
used by the common people in the rural areas. Although a poll tax was
levied by the Roman government, the Greeks and the Romans were
exempt. As a result, the Jews and the Egyptians bore the burden that
caused anger and hardship. In the midst of these circumstances, in the
fullness of time, Christianity came to Egypt.

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