BARBARIAN INVASIONAt the close of the fourth century the Roman Empire was on the verge of collapse due to the repeated attacks along its boarders by warring groups known by the Romans as barbarians. These repeated and unrelenting attacks eventually led to the downfall of the Roman Empire. Many thought of the barbarians as looters with their minds set on destruction, but many were ambitious wanting to settle within the borders of the Empire in hopes of repeating the success of Rome.
MINISTRY TO THE BARBARIANS
Even though the Roman Empire fell, the church remained strong in the midst of trying circumstances. Many Christians believed that God used the barbarians to punish the sins of the Roman Empire. They also saw this invasion as an opportunity to advance the Christian faith. For the next few centuries, missionaries traveled to areas in eastern and western Europe to spread the Gospel.
NOTABLE MISSIONARIES IN THE EARLY CHURCH
St. Patrick was a notable missionary in the 5th century who traveled to Ireland. He was considered “the apostle to the Irish,” and for 30 years spread the Gospel and started churches throughout this country. Many Celtic tribes in northern Europe were converted as a result of his ministry.
Boniface was another notable missionary who ministered to the pagans in Germany during the 8th century. Historians Matthew Price and Michael Collins explain, “Boniface and his fellow missionaries also attempted to teach a Christian way of life to the pagan people: The importance of differentiating right from wrong, the coming judgment, the need to fast, and the giving of money to the poor” (86).
MISTAKES OF THE EARLY MISSIONARIES
What many Christians of the early church failed to understand was the need to shape the message of Scripture in such a way that it is understood by people with differing worldviews. Because many Christians were not knowledgeable of the beliefs and practices of these people groups, they allowed them to embrace the Christian faith while still keeping their pagan beliefs and practices. What resulted was a belief system that was unbiblical. Another mistake made by some was that they shaped the message too much. As a result, they altered or eliminated aspects of the Gospel that was necessary.
Pope Gregory, who sent a missionary monk named Augustine to England during the 7th Century, gave the missionary good advice when sharing the Gospel with pagan Anglo-Saxons from eastern Europe. He told him to only accept the practices that he felt to be compatible with Christianity—citing the Apostle Paul who said, “Test everything; hold fast what is good” (1 Thess. 5:21).
CONCLUSION
Although their efforts were flawed, the missionaries during these centuries were correct in their thinking that God wants to be known by all people no matter their dress, customs or language. God has made it clear in His word that He does not show partiality, but wants to be known by all people. After the conversion of Cornelius the Gentile, Peter affirmed, “I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality, but in every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right is welcome to Him” (Acts 10:34-35).
