Echoes of the Ancient New Testament Cities: Alexandria

Matthew J. Elliott

AI Illustration of Alexandria

It has been over two years since I released my novel, The Cyprus Journal, featuring John Mark as the main character. As I dove into history, researching everything I possibly could to bring that novel to life, I discovered historical information about a journey that the character could have taken to the city of Alexandria. 

Everything within me wanted to tell that story right then and there, but for one reason or another, I ended up focusing that story on his Journey’s to Cyprus. I still plan to go back there some day, but because there was no historical fact-checker confirming this story actually took place, I believe it may be more of a fictional possibility. 

Alexandria is one of those cities that simply fascinates me. It feels like a place where cultures meet, ideals collide, and faith finds its foundational beat. There is a lot of history behind this city, but for the sake of this series, I think it's best to stay within the New Testament timeline.  I have briefly spoken about this city before over the years as a blogger for this community, but I have never dove deep enough into the history surrounding Alexandria until... well… today, or the day you are reading this article. 

The first biblical hint of Alexandria's connection to Christianity appears at Pentecost. Oddly enough, this little story shows up in my upcoming book titled A Broken Embrace. Among the crowd hearing Peter’s sermon were visitors from Alexandria. (Acts 2:5-12). Many scholars believe this included Jews from Alexandria. 

Inside the Library of Alexandria - Britannica

Why? Well, because Alexandria had one of the biggest Jewish communities outside of Judea. If this is true, then it would have been these visitors who carried the message of Jesus back to Alexandria before any missionary found their way there. 

The city of Alexandria is only mentioned four times in scripture, and only in the book of Acts. That doesn't give us a lot of scriptural background, but it does give us enough to dig deep into historical resources to learn more. The clearest biblical narrative for the city of Alexandria is Apollos. (Acts 18:24-28). 

Luke describes him as mighty in the Scriptures and as a man shaped by the intellectual culture of his city. Apollos is the first named Christian from Alexandria, and is a reminder to us all that the gospel did not only grow because of fishermen and tax collectors, but also among scholars and deep thinkers. This also tells us something important about the city. Christianity in Alexandria likely began within the Jewish community, then gradually expanded outward as Gentiles encountered its message. 

Scripture never tells us the story of a missionary journey to Egypt, but that does not mean it did not happen. Alexandrian Jews regularly traveled to the city. We first hear about that during Stephen’s story. (Acts 6:8-10). Ships sailed constantly between Alexandria and the port cities of the coast of Cyprus, Judea, and Italy. Some of the stories we remember about people traveling on ships during the missionary journeys were about traveling on Alexandrian Ships. (Acts 27:1-6; 28:11-15)

Most historians agree that Christianity arrived in the city very shortly after Pentecost and between 30-40 AD. They believe it began quietly without the drama we see in the Acts of the Apostles. I like that idea. Small groups meeting in homes. Scriptures being openly taught. Faith growing in the margins of a city known for its libraries, philosophical schools, lighthouses. Sounds kind of nice. While it wasn’t always that way. It is believed that this is how it all began. 

Now to the reason I brought John Mark into this article in the first place. While this is a story that I could not back up with historical fact, it is a tradition shaped by centuries of Egyptian Christian Memory. The story goes that John Mark, the man who abandoned Saul and Barnabas, went back to Jerusalem after the first missionary journey and then, years later, before the council of elders, traveled to Alexandria on a mission assigned to him by Peter and James.  

Alexandrian Cobbler (Shoemaker)

There, he met a humble cobbler named Anianus, whose hand was wounded while repairing John Mark's own Sandal. As payment for the repair, John Mark tended to his needs and shared the gospel from the cobbler's home. According to this tradition, that home became the first gathering place for Alexandrian believers. 

Is this a viable answer to how the church began? I can’t completely claim that, but I can claim that regardless of the truth behind it, there is absolutely a deep meaning to it. According to the traditional view, this story was passed down for ages, and it reflects a deep truth about the gospel movement. God often begins great works through quiet encounters and ordinary people. Whether or not John Mark personally founded the church in Alexandria, this story captures the heart of the early church. 

Between 38 and 66 AD, Alexandria erupted into sporadic violence, culminating alongside the Judean revolt. This instability fractured local communities. Early believers, still viewed within the broader Jewish community, navigated a city where their identity carried life-or-death risks. Even as the church grew, this crisis touched every household. The resilience forged at its birth rooted believers in faith through these trials with Rome. 

The birth of the church may have included the story of the cobbler, and it may not have. One thing for certain is that it was shaped by men and women we will never know. Alexandria teaches us that the gospel needs willing hearts, open homes, and the courage to follow Christ in a world that does not always understand. Those seeds grow in unexpected places, through unexpected people, and through movements that shape history.

 ~ Biography ~

Matthew James Elliott (M.J. Elliott) is a passionate writer who loves to encourage and inspire others. He served in various ministry roles for over 15 years, which gave him a unique perspective on people and Biblical History. Matthew holds a degree in Biblical Studies from Oklahoma Wesleyan University, with a focus on Pastoral Care, Christian Education, and Worship.

Matthew is married and has three wonderful children who bring him immense joy and inspiration. One of his favorite things to do with them is to share stories they can someday learn from. When writing a story, he aspires to minister to others with love, equip them with encouragement, and use the gift God has given him as a writer to help readers experience God in a real and meaningful way.

Find Matthew on Amazon, Goodreads, Facebook, BookBub, and His Website. He has written Devotionals, An Episodic Series, Novellas, and Commentaries for The Gospel Daily.

~ Highlighted Release ~

It has been a while since I highlighted this release, but starting 10/14, it will be on sale. If you want a reminder, I will be announcing the discounted price in my monthly newsletter.

One Young Man. His Significant Story. A Witness of the Early Church.

Many knew him as the young cousin to Barnabas the Encourager, the son of Mary who offered her home to honor the Savior and those who followed Him, or even the man who abandoned Paul on his First Missionary Journey, but there is more to his story. His story is one of new beginnings, a promise fulfilled, and a man who overcame fear of the unknown.