Egypt

Friday, June 10, 2016

Christianity came to Egypt, possibly through the Egyptian visitors in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2: 10). History indicates that Mark (who wrote the Gospel of Mark) also evangelized that region around A.D. 70.

Soon afterwards, the theological school of Alexandria was established. The New Testament was then translated into the dialects of the people. The Egyptian church started sending missionaries to evangelize other nations. For example, Pantaenus went to India in A.D. 190, and Maurice went to Switzerland in A.D. 287. The weight and influence of the Alexandria school proved very critical in fighting heresies such as Arianism (the forerunner of present-day Jehovah’s Witnesses).

By the fourth century, a majority of Egyptians were Christians. But with the Islamic Arabic invasion in the seventh century, the Egyptian church suffered greatly. Consequently, today Christians are only a minority in that nation.

In 2011, revolution flared in Egypt and spread from there to several other Arab nations. This newly unleashed dynamic will likely keep the whole region churning for years to come.

Prayer

All hail to the only true God, whose Word shall stand for ever and ever. You pronounced a blessing on Egypt (Isaiah 19:23-25; 49:12), and we claim it in the name of Christ the Lord. For the sake of the cross, cause many Egyptians—Muslims, Copts and others—to put their faith in Jesus Christ.

Recently, Egyptians in large numbers cried out for freedom. I pray that they will seek your face to set them free by the power of the cross.

The enemy has trapped them in long-held traditions and habits and well-established institutions. Set them free, O God in heaven above!

Reveal to them Christ, the only Lord and Savior. Challenge them to toss aside anything that hinders them from coming to you in throngs.

I entreat you, O Lord, to be the rock and fortress, the shelter and refuge for your children in Egypt. Amen.

Promise

The Lord will make himself known to the Egyptians. They will acknowledge the Lord…. Blessed be Egypt my people (Isaiah 19:21, 25).