Reformation in 1400s Ethiopia: The Forgotten Story of Estifanos

[@_secret_lore]

As an Ethiopian Protestant, this history is largely suppressed and this man is seriously hated. Than you for the vid, I know some about him but not nearly enough

[@BarkotSentayehu]

Same here bud

[@TitusCastiglione1503]

I’m confused why is he hated?

[@_secret_lore]

@@TitusCastiglione1503Ethiopia is historically oriental orthodox

[@mwidunn]

"I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel-not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed" (Gal. 1:6-9, ESV).

[@_secret_lore]

@@mwidunn great verse, why are you quoting it tho?

[@truthforalltube]

Thank you, Dr. Gavin. I am an Ethiopian evangelical. You presented the story accurately. There is a huge reform going on in the Church of Ethiopia. Pray for my people.

[@Ella_1994]

እመ ብርሃን ልቡና ትስጥህ! ቤተክርስትያን ስንዱ እመቤት ናት! ያንተ ለውጥ አያስፈልጋትም!

[@_secret_lore]

@@Ella_1994 you cant shut people up for disagreeing with you anymore

[@redeemedzoomer6053]

Gavin Ortlund is so cool I might begome Baptist (jk but he did singlehandedly convince me that you can be deep in history and still be baptist)

[@princeimrahil6557]

It's almost like there are intelligent people and professors in every denomination

[@phantompenguintgl1652]

So real. His videos are amazing and extremely helpful as a Baptist who has been trying to learn more about the early church and church history in general. I actually found his page through that one video you did with him a while back, so thank you so much for helping introduce me to this amazing resource Rz

[@Yugi601]

My brother in Christ... This is nothing new 😂 But you right, Gavin is doing some amazing work

[@gardengirlmary]

​@phantompenguintgl1652 I am reading "The Aposostolic Fathers" by Rick Brennan right now. It is really good, as a Protestant I highly recommend for people interested in church history. It has all the early letters of the early church leaders after the New Testament

[@wesleybasener9705]

To be deep in church history is to cease quoting Newman

[@curiousm97]

A regular viewer from Ethiopia here. Second generation evangelical. You just encouraged me to learn more about the history of this movement. Thank you for this topic.

[@mekonnenderejetaye5565]

Hello, Dr. Gavin Ortlund. I am from Ethiopia. I greatly appreciate your videos, particularly as an evangelical Christian who wishes to explore church history more deeply. Your content has effectively addressed many of my questions regarding a Protestant perspective on church history. Additionally, I am currently reading your book,'' What It Means to Be a Protestant''. It has provided me with a profound understanding of the heart of the Reformation and has given me a solid foundation and new perspective on the subject of ''sola scriptura''. Your character as a Christian and a pastor has inspired me greatly. I wish I could write more, but I will conclude for now. Thank you for your valuable work. May God bless you abundantly.

[@benjaminwatt2436]

i'm reading it too and enjoying it thoroughly. I grew up Baptist, but the church I went to went through some ugly fighting. I ended up non-denominational. however my wife and family ended up in a healthy Baptist congregation that had a lot of Ministry available for all of us. after a time of introspection I now proudly hold myself as a Baptist and more broadly a protestant. The book has furthered my understanding of our roots and the exciting truth of our tradition as the continuation of the Church

[@tsedeketechane9875]

I am from the Ethiopian Lutheran Church Mekane Yesus, and thank you for this video.

[@BarkotSentayehu]

Antea 😂 ye baptist chanel lay min teseralek

[@tsedeketechane9875]

@@BarkotSentayehu Gavin eko abatachn😂new he is not only Baptist

[@AbebaDamesa-wc7ls]

What the hell are you doing on here By the way mekana Ortho nwe😊

[@BarkotSentayehu]

@@tsedeketechane9875 yemih 🤣 aba gavin arekew

[@BarkotSentayehu]

@@AbebaDamesa-wc7ls min ?

[@amenbekele6128]

Ethiopian Protestant here, discovered Truth Unites in my journey to be deep rooted in Church history. You have been a star in my journey Dr Gavin. May God bless you and your family! Following your work 3+ years now 😊

[@Yonathan-y4o]

I am from Ethiopia,hawassa city. My congregation is hawassa Reformed Baptist church. Very glad to watch this tremendous video off abba estifa. It's great work! Much grace❤

[@benjaminwatt2436]

I would love to hear your thoughts of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. my sister has done work in Ethiopia as a Baptist missionary and tells me the majority of the Orthodox are traditional christian, but do not seem to have a true gospel. i'd love to hear your thoughts

[@zerowork7631]

@@benjaminwatt2436 i am an ethiopian and she is correct in ethiopia orthodoxy is culture itsa way to define youre self and identify youre self with youre ancisistors than identifying for the cause of christ the Gosple is a verry protestant word and many ppl shy away from talking about it to an extent "haleluja" is seen as a protestant word and saying it makes ppl froun . many ppl are verry legalistic and buy our way to hevin .

[@earthandouterspace446]

am protestant from addis ababa , the reformed doctrine cant just thrive in ethiopia because one of the name of jesus is medhanialem which means he who is medicine for all but in reformed doctrine it's limited

[@Joe10e84]

Hawassa is a beautiful city! I've visited twice! May God bless you and your church.

[@earthandouterspace446]

@@absolutepixels3812 reformed docrines means only z Calvinist not lutheran or Pentecostal ,angilcan,methodist....and they teach that jesus died only some humans not all .which is false by z way

[@Anointed4Him]

As an Ethiopian believer I am thrilled to see you are talking about this!l

[@zerowork7631]

AN Ethiopian here Gavin i would love to thank you for showing this i once commented and aske you to do this vid . God bless you as an Ethiopian evangelical his story motivates . it SHOWS US God has touched us too

[@milkiasyeheyis5407]

I am a lutheran from Ethiopia as well. Really love your videos. Keep up the great work.

[@yadahabate]

May God The Father Bless you in The Name of Jesus My name is Jared From Ethiopia I Keep My Faith in Your Vedios ! The Histroy of Estifanos is Undeniable! I came from Ethiopian Orthodox and Become Evangelical ! We love you Brother !

[@HabeshaProdutions]

Eritrean Lutheran here, thanks for all your work Dr Ortlund. Forever grateful to you and Dr Cooper for everything you do.

[@BetelehemTamene-cd6xy]

Wow 😮 I am from the Ethopia Addis Baptist church thank you so much for the video!God bless you !

[@hannahfourtner2624]

Ethiopia is very special to me. I love hearing the story of Estifanos brought to light! Thank you for your faithfulness in advancing Gospel assurance solidly based in the Scriptures and vividly portrayed throughout history.

[@miryamfeleke]

me and my boyfriend were searching for resource to read more about this man this is so helpful thank you from Ethiopia

[@earthandouterspace446]

yhayle getachewn dekika estifanos ymil metsaf felgsh anbibi onlinem ale

[@hannatsehay6081]

Dr. Ortlund, I've been loving your apologetics and church history content for the last couple of years. I recently finished reading your book "What It Means to Be a Protestant," and now I'm super excited to see you covering the lesser-known Reformation movement in my own country. It really warms my heart! Keep up the awesome work, Dr. Ortlund-you're making a difference for evangelicals everywhere. God bless you immensely.

[@BaslealTsegaye]

Here from Ethiopia, love your videos Dr. Gavin. Your videos have always been helpful. May God abundantly bless your ministry and your family!

[@earthandouterspace446]

i am an ethiopian and as ethiopian we always qoute from from monk estifanos am proud ur making this popular

[@earthandouterspace446]

when discussing with other orontial orthodox church

[@Particularly_John_Gill]

I love hearing about obscure historical Christian events. You should make this a kind of channel series Dr. Ortlund. I’m sure if you got creative with the titles and thumbnails they would get some views.

[@amanueltessema8920]

Much love from Ethiopia. There's a huge misunderstanding and bias against calvinism in Ethiopia and I was a victim of it. I recently started going to a reformed baptist church and now I'm trying to explore and study the reformed tradition. And this is mainly because of you Gavin. I started following your work more than a year ago. I remember watching your video for the first time, it was the "praying to the saints: a protestant critique" video and I was so happy to find a protestant so articulate, educated on church history, with sharp arguments...and I remember seeing how the catholics and orthodox were swarming up on you and I was worried that you might get overwhelmed and decide to stop protestant apologetics. I was praying that God would awaken others like you to share the burden. Look where we are now. God helped you to persevere through all that and now we have a lot of young apologists inspired by your work like redeemed zoomer and Javier Perdomo. You've come a long way Gavin. I pray that God would keep you going, providing everything you need along the way. May God bless you and your family.

[@rubykagaragwa5637]

Brother this was soooo encouraging! As a Christian from East Africa I’ve always wanted to learn more about the history of the church there. Sadly I feel like “church history” is often only focused on the church in the west, mostly due to a lack of documentation like you mentioned :( But praise the Lord for what he has preserved and for the many faithful we have never heard of but will one day fellowship with and hear from in the Kingdom! God bless you Gavin!

[@MyMemphisable]

Thanks!

[@ElvisI97]

Most people often have this impression that the reformation was merely a western phenomenon. Glad to see videos like this correct that false notion. 😊

[@Pat.hibuleire]

Heretics are everywhere pal not only in Europe

[@mwidunn]

. . . Kind of like when Arianism spread out of the East and, then, everywhere throughout the Mediterranean world. Good times. (Not)

[@ethiopicmiaphysite5527]

It is certainly not a medieval ethiopian phenonema

[@BarkotSentayehu]

That's God you brought one of our saints up . He existed way before Luther and shows that the reformation is an act of God . As an ethiopian I would love to thank you

[@roses993]

I also believe that the reformation was led by God❤ blessings

[@Mob_110]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@mwidunn]

The Reformation was an act of God? Um, well, . . . : "For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds" (II Cor. 11:13-15).

[@amritaasher3855]

Great to hear about the reform movements in orient orthodoxy. We hardly hear theologians from west talk about oriental orthodoxy. So thanks for this. God bless you and your ministry Dr Ortlund. Lots of love from India (another country with oriental orthodox presence)

[@VickersJon]

“As accretions are doing their accreting” is the most Gavin Ortlund thing to say ever.

[@JoWilliams-ud4eu]

Yeah

[@daverosenstock1637]

Oh what a wonderful video! I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this video and your ministry! Thank you so much for being a faithful servant of the Lord Jesus!

[@ayenewyihune]

Ethiopian and Orthodox Christian here. Thanks for sharing, Dr. Ortlund. I have been following you for a while, and I appreciate that you try to be balanced. As for the current topic, I believe there is a chance that Aba Estifanos and his followers may have been right in many respects, because some practices in the church from that time don’t seem quite right. Even trying to protect teachings through abuse indicates a serious issue with the abuser (not the church itself, but whoever was behind that). I also think it is problematic to say that every "teaching" of the church and every book written in its name could not contain any error. That said, I still believe the EOTC is one of the most spiritual churches, with a beautiful liturgical treasure and deep spirituality.

[@benjaminwatt2436]

I wanted to encourage the audience to buy Gavin's book "what it means to be protestant" i just got it and am thouraghly enjoying it. if you enjoy his content, the book is better than the movie.

[@ethiopicmiaphysite5527]

The issue is even professor getachew haile rejected the idea that Abba stephen is a proto reformer after his reading Beamam Netsere's book on the issue ወልታ ጽድቅ. I think this video is missing a lot of considerations for example that the stephainites celebrated an annual feast for abba stephen and that they prostrated for certain saints unique to their own

[@earthandouterspace446]

endet nh? dr,haile getachw just translated the book from geez to english and amharic he is not the author,he was orthodox till he died ,please stop misrepreasentation they rather die than prostrate before any being rather than the trinity

[@girumsenay7422]

​@@earthandouterspace446 not all of them some dekika estifa monks like abba ezra did it. all monks in that order even estifanos prayed using wedase mariam. so u saying not prostrating makes u a reformer this days? 8:37 this shit is just not even true

[@earthandouterspace446]

@@girumsenay7422 ay ant dgmo,u said this is not true, where did aba ezira prayed to saints site it from their source .ur just lying

[@girumsenay7422]

@earthandouterspace446 bro literally aba ezra was the estifanite abbot that reconciled the estifanites to the church .... thier monastery is called Gundagundi mariam. read "Gedle abew we emate" and "gedle abba ezra". u can read all about this on "ወልታ ጽድቅ" a book by "በአማን ነጸረ". he have all the citation of in the book.

[@Science_explained]

Ethiopia?! That's my country, but I am only aware of a few things about Estifanos. I'm beyond excited to dive in. Blessings, Gavin!

[@natnaeltefera1386]

I am from Ethiopia thank you for the video !

[@MikiyasSolomon-t2r]

A regular viewer from Ethiopia. Love ur work Dr. Ortlund, keep it up!

[@kale6264]

So many Ethiopian viewers I’m so happy

[@brandonmay6337]

God Bless you Dr. Ortlund. I just read “What it Means to Be Protestant” and it was wonderful. I grew up Southern Baptist so I am lacking a little in the Church History department. It can be pretty hard to know where to start, are there any “Beginner”Books on church history? I was also wondering if there is something similar to The Book of Common prayer for baptists? I am trying to build a stronger prayer life at home with my wife and children, and I feel like something more structured will help. Being the head of the household I want to do my best to bring my family closer to Christ. Thank you so much for all you do. May God continue to bless you and your ministry.

[@Swannson]

I don't think you'll have much quarrel using the BCP, majority of the prayers contained aren't Catholic/Anglican particular. It's been an absolute game changer for myself and my family in establishing strong prayer life as well shaping the way we learned to pray. But pray the Great Litany, and just change a couple of the English terms about the monarchy and substitute.

[@brandonmay6337]

@@Swannson Thank you so much!! This is a great help!! God Bless!

[@keshab9533]

There is also a Lutheran prayer book. I recently picked up The book of Common prayer and Lutheran prayer book, both wonderful ❤

[@Swannson]

@keshab9533 i haven't found a Lutheran prayer book yet, know of any with some good leather on it??

[@keshab9533]

@@Swannson Amazon, eBay, maybe some vintage book stores you'll find Lutheran book of prayer by Concordia publishing house. Treasury of Daily Prayer is another family Devotional book used by Confessional Lutherans, under the same publishing house. You could also Google these.titltes and see where to find one in your local area. Happy searching!

[@justinmayfield6579]

Thank you for bringing this story to us, Gavin!

[@VoHé-c2e]

I am an Ethiopian Orthodox convert from Ethiopian Evangelicalism. Been going through Dr. Getachew Haile's works these past couple of months. Very impressive scholar!

[@luisr5577]

Never heard about Abba Estifanos. Thank you for this video!

[@FruitFlower604]

Ethiopian here. Thank you for covering this topic on your channel.

[@riverjao]

Very excited to watch this as I’m unfamiliar with it. Also, Dr. Ortlund, I’m currently in PA taking my qualifying exams for doctorate program. If you happen to see this, I sure would appreciate your prayers. I have prepared, but it’s still a lot. Thanks & many blessings!

[@TruthUnites]

just said a prayer for you

[@riverjao]

@@TruthUnitesthanks you sir!

[@riverjao]

Oh, and my dissertation is going to be on the 2016 and 2020 (and 2024?) elections and all of the “Trump prophecies” surrounding those elections. My advisor earned his PhD under Craig Keener (just figured someone like you might appreciate me sharing that with you).

[@Pat.hibuleire]

When the prophets used to bow down in front of human being they were idolaters Really Are you calling abraham david moses salomon pagans

[@justchilling704]

Hey Gavin I’m so exited about this video, I actually left a comment a few year or so ago asking you to make a video about this exact topic so you eventually making this is quite in good timing!

[@tebarektadele8554]

I am from Ethiopia... It is awesome 👍

[@spencerhughes9702]

Gavin, your videos have benefited me so immensely. Thank you for your work.

[@JustinnMossJR]

We need more figures of history to be pointed out like this!

[@Pat.hibuleire]

More division

[@tategarrett3042]

This is such a fascinating episode of church history! I knew very little about the Ethiopian Church prior to this so thank you for making this video and beginning to look at this often overlooked area of the world, and history.

[@zachhawkins2698]

Just listened to this episode of yours on the Apple podcast platform and had to come over here and drop a comment! Thank you for this fantastic video reporting such a story that brings me so much delight and joy! After recently beginning to study church history at a larger view, I’ve had a special liking of the Oriental Orthodox Church. And I am so hyped for your next video about Luther and is it Michael the Deacon?!?! Looking forward to it. …also, I may be absolutely crazy for letting these inside thoughts of mine out into the public (especially on the internet😂), but, as a single Protestant Christian guy, for whatever reason my mind thinks that it would be so cool to marry a gal from the Oriental Orthodox Christian tradition, and if she was of either the Ethiopian or Coptic Orthodox traditions then how much more glorious that would be! Haha. Anyways, thank you again Dr. Ortlund for your posts and your conduct therein. Blessings in Christ brother!

[@legodavid9260]

This is very interesting, I never knew about this. I would be very interested to see you cover more Proto-Protestant movements like the Lollards and the Petrobrusians which you haven't talked about on your channel yet. So much of church history seems to have largely fallen into obscurity, and I am so grateful that your channel can draw more attention to it and make it more widely accessable.

[@jacobjuly6010]

Inspiring! Thank you for sharing, Dr. Ortlund!

[@MrKappaKappaPsi]

Amen! Praise God for an excellent teaching.

[@lkae4]

So many beautiful martyrs who have paved the way for us. 😢😢

[@ChirpingChirping-u2z]

I recently left an IFB church and joined a Presbyterian Church. It feels likes I've been born again, again. Blessings.

[@captaintuna1323]

Hey Gavin, how do you stay so calm when researching church history? Every time I try I find my anger and grief get the better of me :/

[@devinsaettel3725]

Always a blessing to learn the church’s beautiful yet complicated history! Thank you brother as always✝️🕺

[@Pat.hibuleire]

Heresy is not church history

[@jeffk6673]

Thoroughly enjoyed this. Will definitly pick up the "Acts of Estafanos" and give it a read. I love how rich Ethiopian Church History is, though definitely underserved. Thanks Gavin.

[@mintesenotalemayehu617]

Thank you Gavin. There are also some books on this matter but Ethiopian orthodox always wants to suppress and hide the truth. Your Baptist brother from Ethiopia.

[@Blaisesongs]

Always beware when church and state join together to interpret or “enhance” Scripture or to decide canon for church. It seems to get ugly when that happens. Thanks for all your super good content, Dr Ortlund!

[@TerryWeis-s2y]

Gavin thanks..humble and faithful.

[@RubenBinyet]

Fascinating story! Thank you Gavin !

[@aaronvienot]

Thanks for this history! One thing that proves the heavenly uniting of the complete Church, over and above any system or ritual adherence, is how these historical movements to restore and revitalize the church spring up around the same time in separate regions and groups. Clear evidence of the Spirit of God at work, pushing all true believers toward the common goal of honoring Christ.

[@joshholdz9226]

Gavin! Thank you so much for your work. Yourself and Terry from "The History of The Early Church" Podcast have been incredibly inspiring and helpful. I really am thankful to Jesus for you and pray you would continue bless and be blessed in your home, your congregation and through this ministry.

[@Pat.hibuleire]

What the early church was protestants What à lie

[@Gabriel-CalinRadu]

Thanks be to God for the blessings we are receiving through you Gavin!

[@roses993]

Nice! Super informative!!! Love love the reformation❤ so thankful for the men of courage that led this much needed movement.😊 love estifanos

[@simonallchin7436]

Thankyou .I appreciate your intelligent and spiritual approach to theology ….but always centered on Christ . Qualities so much lacking in certain ( but not all) evangelical discussions !

[@YiduuGr-yf2sc]

Ethiopan here😁 you have many admirers form the mother land

[@aericabison23]

I enjoy videos like these. The fact that we have had so many reformation movements in our history seems to indicate that there is actually something wrong with the Church. It’s not perfect, it doesn’t get everything right. If we have access to more information about the various reform movements across the globe, I think it would go a long way in checking our egos (looking at my RC and EO friends). It helps show the global nature of our faith. I would love to also see you discuss the reformation that took place in the 19th century in Kerala, India.

[@BillyBob-sm3ku]

When is the video on John Calvin’s persecution of heretics coming out?

[@TruthUnites]

probably not for a while, its toward the bottom of the queue at the moment

[@thelocoshabab]

A pleasant surprise for a video! I was looking into proto-protestant groups a little while back and was similarly fascinated by the story of Abba Estifanos. Glad to see some light shone on this little area of history!

[@gardengirlmary]

This was an excellent video! I enjoy all your videos but the proto-protestant topics are my favorite. You are so encouraging!

[@brianback6136]

Let us remember how the bible discerns this type of situation: 'Gamaliel suggests that if it is of men, it will fail. But if it is of God, it cannot be overthrown.' Acts 5: 38-39

[@abenezerhailu9007]

An Ethiopian here! If the reformation had succeeded we would have Etifanosian Denomination (not Lutheran) 😅..jk Thank you so much for sharing this with the world. Blessings

[@mwidunn]

So, . . . you admit that Protestantism is rooted in a *MAN* , Martin Luther, and *NOT* in Christ. Think about that!

[@abenezerhailu9007]

@mwidunn Christ is the foundation, no doubt. This has nothing to do with valuing men. In fact, the name Lutheran is given to the sect by other people outside their circle. They didn't name themselves. It is just a contemporary lable to distinguish the sect lead by Luther from what is believed to be the true church "RCC" In the same way the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido church would have labled this group after St. Estifanos. After all, it's a fallible joke. But like you said Christ and He alone is the firm foundation of the church. All the glory be to Him alone. Your Brother in Christ

[@abenezerhailu9007]

@@mwidunn In fact, the people involved in the Reformation (in Germany) didn't call themselves "Lutherans." They think of themselves as Christians who tried to reform the corrupted contemporary church. But the Church at that time didn't want to be confronted by the truth. The "Church" (RCC) excommunicated and labeled them as "Lutherans." The same would have been the case in Ethiopia. The people who hate to conform to the scripture would have called them "Etephanites." Christ the only firm foundation that the church is founded on!

[@HearGodsWord]

A very informative video

[@benclark1482]

Came for the video and left with a new book recommendation

[@unit2394]

Very cool video. It is my understanding that there are a good number of Lutheran and Moravian Christians in Ethiopia. Also, if I remember correctly my cousin’s husband who is an ordained minister in the Free Methodist Church is doing some translations involving the Ge’ez language.

[@jrhemmerich]

Love this. God is so good and faithful in the sanctification of his people in all ages.

[@markus5237]

What a beautiful story. Glory to God!

[@BarkotSentayehu]

Almost feels luke evry ethiopian evangelical showed up thatnks gavin for sharing our side of the reformation God bless you

[@stephenwright4973]

So happy to learn of this! Truly the Lord has His remnant in all places.

[@benmeitzen4184]

This is awesome!

[@deannmiller4758]

Splendid story!!!

[@Steve-wg3cr]

Very interesting video Dr. Ortlund. Thank you for your presentation. I have never heard about this Ethiopian Reformation or their leader, Estifanos. Also didn't know about Luther's interactions with the Oriental Orthodox Church. Looking forward to hearing about that. Concerning the term "invisible church" that is sometimes used. Never cared for the term. Although some may not believe in one, institutional church, the Church should be very visible but visible in terms of proclaiming Jesus and His gospel and visible through our good works. As Jesus Himself said, "By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”(John 14:35, ESV)

[@benjaminwatt2436]

My sister has done short term mission work in Ethiopia. She told me the Ethiopian Orthodox church is very tradition and works based. So my question would be at what point does a church move out of true christianity and into a kind of psuedo-christian tradition? is that the case with Ethiopian Orthodox or does it have the saving gospel and what should the churches reaction be to these old traditions?

[@nathanmagnuson2589]

Apostolic Churches are true Christianity.

[@Pat.hibuleire]

Stop your slander

[@carstation2672]

Great video

[@anselman3156]

There is a tendency for some Protestants to romanticize various dubious movements through history as misrepresented and persecuted faithful followers of Christ and early Protestants. Such movements as the Albigensians/Cathars. I note that you skipped over the question of which day is the sabbath. What was Estifanos' teaching on that? It seems the principal issue in his persecution was in refusing to give customary honour to a Christian king. Was he going against the Biblical principle to give honour to whom honour is due? I would guess that the prostration before the king was not putting him in the position of God, and so was not idolatrous.

[@Akhgy]

That is what Protestant do, try to justify they rebellious spirit and cherry pick verse from the Bible. - when the Prophet and Patriarch give honor to the king and Christ says Give what is unto ceaser his due.. They take bowing as worship showing their lack of biblical awareness. - they are rebellious and cause division and move from tradition. Look how American is? Degeneracy because of Protestantism but it reach lands of Tradition.

[@ThesonofGODBegotten]

I’m Ethiopian evangelical I read the book about ABBA Estiphanos we call him Ethiopian Martin Luther, his reformation was against the teachings of the king Zer-Yakob and the high priests of the church which they mandatory to all orthodox believers should bow down to the cross and the picture of st Mary. Father Estiphanos and his followers they refuse to worship and bow down to the picture/idol and they gave their life only the truth of the gospel as evangelical we follow his foot steps but the Ethiopian Orthodox Church they do bow down to countless pictures right at this time look up they church and pray to them. Now the king brutally executed all the Estiphanites by cutting they tongues, hands and fingers, hanging them in streets,burring them in the ground until the neck then make cattle’s and horses run over them they dead with blood bath even river by turning to red. The king did all this barbaric slaughter on true Christian’s the Ethiopian Orthodox Church called him Saint Zer-yakob and they read the prayer he wrote about st Mary every single day until today’s the church since 16 centuries goes far far from biblical truth to man made fairytales, mythology, myth, legend, of unknown individuals. In last 40-50 years Protestant grows to 30-35 millions because Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”John 8:32

[@ottovonbaden6353]

"I do not make a quaternity of God..." Wow. That line hits hard.

[@Teddy-ke6xh]

lol stolen from a Miaphysite Father against Dyophysis Christology which all these Protestants in the comment section hold to.

[@Teddy-ke6xh]

lol stolen from a Miaphysite Father against Dyophysis Christology which all these Protestants in the comment section hold to.

[@Bradchacha]

Well, I'm not from Ethiopia but I've been here so many times I might fall to my death like the lad in Acts listening to Paul😂 Anyway, I'm from Kenya, just a neighbour but I'd love to visit Ethiopia to see much of this history I thank God for doing His work through you🙏🏾

[@thechoosen8653]

Informative video 🙏 thanks dr ortlund from Ethiopia . We need more videos on Ethiopian Orthodox tewahedo church . There are many anti gospel practices and teaching thought by eotc so Please help us and our generation 🙏

[@JoelJosephReji]

Great video! In India, there was a reform movement in the Oriental Orthodox Church (lead by Abraham Malpan) as well but this is much after the Protestant Reformation in Germany. Not sure if it is video worthy though.

[@zewisdom4822]

As an Ethiopian I tried to reach out you to inform you about them Ethiopian reformers. They were militant monastic evangelist tried to reform church. And killed brutally.

[@Jordan-eh3fv]

Hi Gavin, Love this video! I would love to see a video addressing supposed miracles in non-Protestant traditions. It’s hard to find an informed critical perspective of this. I’d also like to see what comparable miracles are in the Protestant traditions. I know RedeemedZoomer talks about John Knox’s prophecy about another reformer’s death and similar prophecies, Jan Hus’ supposed prophecy of Luther. I know of Wesley’s life there are some things there too. A lot of these supposed non-protestant miracles factor into a lot of people’s conversion to those churches. In the Eastern Orthodox Church there’s the stories of the Holy Fire, Myrrh streaming icons. In the Roman Catholic tradition there’s stories about the stigmata, Marian apparitions like Fatima, Lourdes, and Guadalupe (some Marian apparitions in Oriental Orthodox churches such as Zeitoun), Eucharistic miracles, canonization miracles, etc. What would be your response to these phenomena? Do you suspect they are genuinely from God? Pious frauds? Maybe even demonic? I’m convinced Medjugorje and La Salette is fake but would love to see a critical, sober analysis of the others. So often it’s propagandistically and uncritically told to people in order to encourage their faith. I really think we need a balanced, critical, faithful analysis by someone who isn’t an atheist or fundamentalist zealot. Thanks!

[@benjaminwatt2436]

I am always burdened by the heavy amount of violence in church history between groups that both proclaim Christ. I am a protestant and love the church. I beleive violence is unacceptable according to scripture, and we should show grace to other traditions, but it is difficult when it seems like my views of how the church should act is not historical. Why does the church have so much history of different traditions resorting to murder and damning of each other? Why did it take so long for the consences to agree with "love thy neighbor"

[@bdchatfi]

Sin. We are all sinners. Violence sucks.

[@benjaminwatt2436]

@@bdchatfi ultimately it has to be sin. I just feel it deservies a more thought out answer. it seems so strange to me that so many Christian groups all over the world felt justified in using violence when it seems to clearly wrong to me in the current time

[@Pat.hibuleire]

The church which church The mormon church

[@benjaminwatt2436]

@@Pat.hibuleire The church Christ iniciated. To be more specific anyone who holds to a true Gospel and is Trusting Christ alone for salvation. Those are the Church and have the Spirit living in them, leading them to repentence and a life worthy of Christ's calling

[@Pat.hibuleire]

@benjaminwatt2436 my mormon concur to all of that

[@jamesbarksdale978]

Fascinating!

[@Hillbillywayfarer]

Thank you for another inspirational story from church history! I’ve been slowly reading through “Church History in Plain Language” by Bruce Shelly. Although it’s more of an overview than a deep dive into a particular era, I’m finding it so fascinating, though equally discouraging and encouraging. It’s seems as though there is nothing new under the sun. The same heresies, prejudices, and sins keep coming back to wreak havoc on the church, although often disguised in a cloak of the current culture. But the stories of these courageous saints, who risked so much for the truth give me hope. I just pray for clarity and courage to do whatever the Lord would have me do to be a light in this dark world.

[@dvd1989]

Of course, thank you for the video! But also the book recommendation.

[@MaranataJesus-bg2bk]

I am ethiopian this story true ! Read a book called " be hig amlak " or በህግ አምላክ.

[@jenniferboht961]

I love these videos…I’m just concerned that the Catholic Church will try to silence him

[@mmv10]

yes more church history

[@MrNobodylj]

Marthoma denomination in india, their history also seems like reformation happened within the oriental orthodox tradition but then like the Lutherans stopped…. Specifically Abraham Malpan …and his efforts in India Kerala

[@julesgomes2922]

It is such a treat to learn that the Reformation was not just a 16th century Western phenomenon! Thank again for your splendid contribution to this topic, Dr Ortlund! 🎉🎉🎉