The Egyptians, one of the most ancient and influential civilizations in history, played a significant role in both the Old and New Testaments. Egypt was a place of both refuge and oppression for the Israelites, and by the time of the New Testament, it was a Roman province with a large Jewish population. The most notable New Testament reference to Egypt is when the Holy Family fled there to escape King Herod’s massacre (Matthew 2:13-15), fulfilling prophecy and highlighting Egypt’s ongoing role in God’s providential plan.
In addition to this, Egypt was home to Alexandria, one of the greatest intellectual and cultural centers of the ancient world, which played a crucial role in early Christianity. Understanding the Egyptians in the New Testament era provides insight into their political, religious, and cultural significance in the early Church and beyond.
Words: 1208 / Time to read: 6 minutes
Historical Background and Origins
Egypt’s history dates back thousands of years to the time of the pharaohs. By the first century AD, Egypt had undergone significant changes:
- In 332 BC, Alexander the Great conquered Egypt, introducing Greek culture and language.
- Following Alexander’s death, the Ptolemaic dynasty ruled Egypt, blending Greek and Egyptian traditions.
- In 30 BC, Rome annexed Egypt, making it a key province of the empire.
- Alexandria, Egypt’s capital under Roman rule, became a center of scholarship, trade, and philosophy, housing one of the largest Jewish communities outside Israel.
Egypt was a highly strategic region in the Roman world, controlling the grain supply for the empire, making it one of Rome’s most valuable provinces.
Geography and Political Influence
Under Roman rule, Egypt retained its significance as a vital economic and cultural center. Key locations mentioned in the Bible include:
- Alexandria – A Greek-speaking city with a large Jewish population, known for the Septuagint translation of the Hebrew Scriptures.
- Memphis and Thebes – Ancient Egyptian cities that remained significant in trade and administration.
- The Nile Delta – A fertile region essential for Egypt’s economy and agriculture.
The governor of Egypt was directly appointed by the emperor, emphasizing Egypt’s importance to Rome. Egypt’s strategic position also made it a crossroads for trade, philosophy, and religion, influencing Jewish and Christian thought.
Religious Beliefs and Practices
Egyptian religion remained a blend of ancient paganism and Greco-Roman influences. Their major gods included:
- Isis – A mother goddess worshiped across the empire.
- Osiris – A god of the afterlife, associated with resurrection.
- Horus – A sky god, sometimes identified with Roman gods.
Additionally, Hellenistic religious influences merged with Egyptian beliefs, leading to new mystery religions and cults. Many Egyptians also participated in emperor worship, which was required under Roman rule.
By the first century, Judaism had a strong presence in Egypt, particularly in Alexandria, where Jewish scholars translated the Septuagint, the Greek version of the Old Testament, which was widely used by early Christians.
The Egyptians in the Bible
Although the New Testament contains fewer direct references to Egypt than the Old Testament, Egypt still appears as a place of refuge, judgment, and prophecy:
- The Holy Family’s flight to Egypt (Matthew 2:13-15).
- Jews from Egypt heard Peter’s sermon at Pentecost (Acts 2:10).
- A believer from Alexandria, Apollos, became a key early Christian leader (Acts 18:24-28).
- Egypt is mentioned in end-times prophecy (Revelation 11:8).
The New Testament references to Egypt emphasize God’s sovereign use of Egypt in His redemptive plan.
Interactions with Jesus and His Disciples
1. The Holy Family’s Flight to Egypt (Matthew 2:13-15)
After Jesus’ birth, King Herod sought to kill all male infants in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:16-18). An angel appeared to Joseph, telling him to flee to Egypt with Mary and the baby Jesus. This event:
- Fulfilled prophecy – “Out of Egypt I called my son” (Hosea 11:1).
- Echoed Israel’s history – Just as Israel was delivered from Egypt, so Jesus would be the ultimate deliverer.
- Demonstrated God’s protection – Egypt, once Israel’s oppressor, became a place of safety for the Messiah.
The return of the Holy Family to Israel after Herod’s death symbolized a new era of salvation.
2. Egyptian Jews at Pentecost (Acts 2:10)
When the Holy Spirit descended at Pentecost, Jews from Egypt were present among those who heard the Gospel in their own language. This event marked the beginning of the Church, with Egypt playing a role in its expansion.
3. Apollos, the Egyptian Preacher (Acts 18:24-28)
Apollos, a Jew from Alexandria, was a powerful preacher in the early Church. He:
- Was well-versed in Scripture.
- Preached about Jesus, though he initially only knew John’s baptism.
- Was taught more fully by Priscilla and Aquila, strengthening his faith.
Apollos’ story highlights Alexandria’s role as a center of Jewish and Christian scholarship.
Interactions with the Apostles and Early Church
After Jesus’ resurrection, Egypt became a key region for Christian expansion:
- Christianity spread rapidly in Egypt, especially in Alexandria.
- Many early church fathers, such as Clement of Alexandria and Origen, came from Egypt.
- Egypt became a center of Christian learning and monasticism, influencing later Church history.
Despite initial Roman persecution, Christianity flourished in Egypt, producing some of the earliest Christian writings and theological debates.
Significance in Church History and Prophecy
Egypt continued to play an important role in Christianity:
- The Coptic Church traces its origins to Mark the Evangelist, who is believed to have founded the Church in Alexandria.
- Monasticism flourished in Egypt, with leaders like Anthony the Great and Pachomius shaping Christian ascetic practices.
- Some scholars believe Egypt is referenced in end-times prophecy (Revelation 11:8), linking it symbolically to the spiritual corruption of the world.
Despite later Islamic conquests, Christianity persisted in Egypt, remaining a vital part of Christian history.
Spiritual Lessons and Application
- God can use any nation for His purposes – Egypt, once an enemy of Israel, became a place of protection for the Messiah (Matthew 2:13-15).
- God’s plan includes all people – Jews and Gentiles in Egypt heard the Gospel at Pentecost (Acts 2:10).
- God calls the educated and the humble – Apollos, a well-educated Egyptian Jew, became a key preacher (Acts 18:24-28).
- Faith flourishes even in opposition – Christianity thrived in Egypt despite Roman persecution, proving that God’s kingdom is unstoppable (Matthew 16:18).
Conclusion: God’s Sovereignty Over Nations
Egypt, a nation with deep biblical significance, was used by God in both judgment and salvation. From Pharaoh’s oppression in Exodus to Jesus’ refuge in Egypt, the nation played a crucial role in God’s redemptive plan.
As Isaiah prophesied:
“Blessed be Egypt my people, Assyria my handiwork, and Israel my inheritance.”
(Isaiah 19:25)
This verse reminds us that God’s salvation extends to all nations, including Egypt, proving His sovereignty over history.
All Scripture quoted from:
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
