What do we know about the church in Alexandria (Egypt)?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

An Alexandrian church is not in Scripture, though there are a couple of references to Alexandria. One is Apollos, a Jew who would become a powerful apologist for Christianity—he was a native of Alexandria (Acts 18:24). Another is a reference to other Alexandrian Jews, albeit in the unfavorable light of being part of the mob that stoned Stephen (Acts 6:9). Extra-biblical material suggests that Mark started this church, which cannot be supported from Scripture itself.

Historically, the Alexandrian church has a strong pedigree, having been the home of three famous figures in church history: Clement of Alexandria (second century), Origen (third century), and Athanasius (fourth century). Clement was famous for his attempt to synthesize Greek philosophy (particularly Platonism) with Christian theology. Origen is a controversial figure who created the first systematic theology and devised a four-level allegorical structure for interpreting Scripture, but also taught doctrines considered heterodox, such as the pre-existence of the soul. Athanasius famously stood against Arius by defending Jesus’ full deity, leading to the Nicene Creed.

The Alexandrian church is often contrasted with the church in Antioch because the Alexandrian school of thought was known for its allegorical interpretations of Scripture, whereas the Antiochian church was known for its more historical, literal interpretation. Today, both of those schools of interpretation remain influential in shaping differing views on biblical interpretation.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• The church in Alexandria is not mentioned in the Old Testament.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• The Bible does not mention the Alexandrian church or provide any insight into how it may have been founded. However, the region was known, as evidenced by two references to it. One such reference is to Apollos. Of him we read, “Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures” (Acts 18:24). While he, at first, didn’t fully understand the gospel, once Priscilla and Aquila taught him (Acts 18:26), he became a powerful apologist for the Christian faith among the Jews (Acts 18:27–28). This shows that even before Paul’s missionary journeys, something of the gospel had already begun to arrive in places such as Alexandria.
• Another reference to Alexandria is, unfortunately, a bad reference. However, it also shows that the Alexandrians were aware of Jesus. That reference is earlier in Acts 6, where we read, “And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people. Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of those from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and disputed with Stephen” (Acts 6:8–9). That dispute would later turn to murder, with the “Alexandrians” (Jews from Alexandria) partaking in it.
• Beyond these two references, no other connections can be made to biblical times and the Alexandrian church, which grew in prominence in the second, third, and fourth centuries. Some extra-biblical works have suggested that Mark founded the church in that region. However, all extra-biblical works must be approached with caution, as it can be difficult to distinguish fact from tradition or speculation.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Historically, the Alexandrian church was a major center of theological influence, and its strands continue today in theological interpretations that seek deeper spiritual meaning in texts.

While its allegorical approach to Scripture has sometimes been of questionable, even dangerous, value, it has also helped uncover legitimate, intentional connections between previously unappreciated passages. Therefore, Christians today benefit from what is gleaned through a deeper reading of Scripture.

At the same time, they are also a cautionary tale against looking for mystery where there is none. A major negative effect of their approach was that the literal meaning was dismissed as too common to be valuable. Since all of Scripture is profitable (2 Timothy 3:16–17), if one ignores the plain meaning and must rely on someone with special insight or wisdom to know the secret truth behind it, then it ceases to be profitable. It becomes another esoteric, religious text.

Today, the lesson is to appreciate the deeper wisdom of Scripture while also appreciating its simplicity and accessibility for all believers.

UNDERSTAND

• The Bible never directly mentions the church in Alexandria, though Alexandria itself appears in Acts through Apollos and Jews involved in Stephen’s persecution.
• Alexandria became one of the most influential centers of early Christian theology, producing major figures like Clement, Origen, and Athanasius.
• The Alexandrian church became known for allegorical interpretation of Scripture, which brought both valuable theological insights and serious doctrinal dangers when the plain meaning of Scripture was ignored.

REFLECT

• How do you stay open to correction and deeper biblical understanding, even when you already feel knowledgeable about Scripture?
• In what ways could the desire for “deeper” or more complex interpretations distract you from the plain truth of God’s Word?
• In what ways does the tension between allegorical and literal interpretation of Scripture affect the way you read and apply the Bible, and how do you navigate that tension in your own study?

ENGAGE

• What are the strengths and dangers of allegorical interpretation when studying the Bible?
• How can believers engage culture and philosophy thoughtfully without allowing them to distort the gospel message?
• What lessons should modern churches learn from the theological influence and doctrinal errors that emerged from Alexandria?