By the end of the first century AD, Christianity had become established throughout the eastern Mediterranean world and had even gained a significant presence in the city of Rome, the capital of the Roman empire. As the church at Rome became increasingly powerful, tensions began to develop between the Christian leadership at Rome and at the great cities of the eastern Roman empire, such as Alexandria and Antioch. By the fourth century, the Roman empire had effectively split in two. The western empire was now ruled from Rome, and the eastern from the great new imperial city of Constantinople. This foreshadowed the later schism between the western and eastern churches, centered on these respective seats of power.
In the course of this expansion, a number of regions emerged as significant centers of theological debate. Three may be singled out as having especial importance, the first two of which were Greek-speaking and the third Latin-speaking.
The city of Alexandria, in modern-day Egypt, which emerged as a center of Christian theological education. A distinctive style of theology came to be associated with this city, reflecting its long-standing association with the Platonic tradition. The student will find reference to “Alexandrian” approaches in areas such as Christology (the area of theology dealing with the identity and significance of Jesus Christ) and biblical interpretation (see pp. 115–16, 220–1), reflecting both the importance and the distinctiveness of the style of Christianity associated with the area.
The city of Antioch and the surrounding region of Cappadocia, in modern-day Turkey. A strong Christian presence came to be established in this northern region of the eastern Mediterranean at an early stage. Some of Paul's missionary journeys took him into this region, and Antioch features significantly at several points in the history of the very early church, as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles. Antioch itself soon became a leading center of Christian thought. Like Alexandria, it became associated with particular approaches to Christology and biblical interpretation. The term “Antiochene” is often used to designate this distinct theological style (see pp. 115–16, 200–1). The “Cappadocian fathers” were also an important theological presence in this region in the fourth century, notable especially for their contribution to the doctrine of the Trinity.
Western North Africa, especially the areas of modern-day Algeria and Tunisia. In the classical period, this was the site of Carthage, a major Mediterranean city and at one time a political rival to Rome for dominance in the region. During the period when Christianity expanded in this region, it was a Roman colony. Major writers of the region include Tertullian (c.160–c.220), Cyprian of Carthage (died 258), and Augustine of Hippo (354–430).
Map 1.1 The Roman empire and the church in the fourth century.
With the passing of time, some other cities around the Mediterranean – such as Rome, Constantinople, Milan, and Jerusalem – also became significant centers of Christian life and thought.
