Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Joel Richardson tells the story of King Abgar of Edessa, one of the more touching footnotes in early church history. Scholars still debate how much of it is historically accurate, but it's a remarkable story either way.
Blog: King Abgar’s letter to Jesus: Edessa’s ancient Christian claim livingpassages.com/king-abgars-letter-to-jesus-edessas-ancient-christian-claim
Continue watching: Which Kingdom Called Itself Christian First? (Not Rome) youtu.be/0Yv7_5C7s7E
Which kingdom called itself Christian first? It wasn't Rome — Rome wouldn't tolerate this faith for another 300 years. The answer starts with a letter, addressed to Jesus, and — if a disputed ancient record is right — a letter sent back.
This is the story of King Abgar of Edessa: the letter he supposedly sent to Jesus, the reply Jesus sent back, and the healing that (according to legend) turned his kingdom toward the gospel a century before Armenia and longer still before Rome.
We separate the legend from the historical record — what the church historian Eusebius actually wrote, why the Western church later rejected the letters as apocryphal, why ordinary people kept carving them into doorways anyway, and what real evidence survives for Edessa's Christian turn around AD 200.
📍 Şanlıurfa, Turkey — once Edessa, capital of the kingdom of Osroene
📜 Sourced from Eusebius's Ecclesiastical History, the Doctrine of Addai, and the Decretum Gelasianum
We visit Sanliurfa (Edessa) on our Eastern Turkey tours!
livingpassages.com/christian-tours/eastern-turkey
#ChurchHistory #KingAbgar #Edessa #EarlyChristianity #BiblicalHistory
Explore Biblical History with Living Passages!
Join us on transformative Christian cruises and Biblical tours! Discover our upcoming journeys at:
🌐 Website: livingpassages.com
👣 Christian Tours: livingpassages.com/christian-tours
⚓ Christian Cruises: livingpassages.com/christian-cruises
Contact Our Travel Experts:
📞 Call: 1-888-771-8717
📧 Email: info@livingpassages.com
Stay Connected for Exclusive Updates!
Facebook: facebook.com/livingpassages
Instagram: instagram.com/livingpassages
Twitter: twitter.com/livingpassages
Pinterest: pinterest.com/LPassages
_______________________________________
Experience the Bible Like Never Before!
Walk in the footsteps of Jesus, Paul, and Moses with our Christian cruises, Biblical tours, and Exodus tours. Visit awe-inspiring sites like Mount Sinai in Saudi Arabia, the Split Rock of Horeb, and the Red Sea Crossing, bringing Biblical history to life. Sail the stunning Mediterranean, uncovering hidden Biblical sites rarely seen by others. Or embark on a South African safari, encountering majestic wildlife while exploring the Bible’s account of creation. Our expert-led tours feature top scholars in Biblical archaeology and history, delivering inspiration at every step.
With over 25 years of expertise, Living Passages crafts unforgettable Christian group travel experiences. We secure exclusive access to authentic Biblical locations, book premium accommodations, and ensure your journey is safe, seamless, and spiritually enriching.
Ready to Journey with Us?
Discover our latest Christian tours, cruises, and Exodus tours, including Mount Sinai in Saudi Arabia, at: livingpassages.com
📞 Call our travel experts at 1-888-771-8717 for personalized guidance!
The Only Time Jesus Is Said to Have Written a Letter ✍️
#KingAbgar #Edessa #ChurchHistory #BiblicalHistory #Osroene #ShroudOfTurin #Mandylion #EarlyChristianity #JesusChrist #Eusebius #HolyLand #ChristianHistory #BibleHistory #AncientHistory #LivingPassages
Joel Richardson tells the story of King Abgar of Edessa, one of the more touching footnotes in early church history. Scholars still debate how much of it is historically accurate, but it's a remarkable story either way.
Blog: King Abgar’s letter to Jesus: Edessa’s ancient Christian claim livingpassages.com/king-abgars-letter-to-jesus-edessas-ancient-christian-claim
Continue watching: Which Kingdom Called Itself Christian First? (Not Rome) youtu.be/0Yv7_5C7s7E
Which kingdom called itself Christian first? It wasn't Rome — Rome wouldn't tolerate this faith for another 300 years. The answer starts with a letter, addressed to Jesus, and — if a disputed ancient record is right — a letter sent back.
This is the story of King Abgar of Edessa: the letter he supposedly sent to Jesus, the reply Jesus sent back, and the healing that (according to legend) turned his kingdom toward the gospel a century before Armenia and longer still before Rome.
We separate the legend from the historical record — what the church historian Eusebius actually wrote, why the Western church later rejected the letters as apocryphal, why ordinary people kept carving them into doorways anyway, and what real evidence survives for Edessa's Christian turn around AD 200.
📍 Şanlıurfa, Turkey — once Edessa, capital of the kingdom of Osroene
📜 Sourced from Eusebius's Ecclesiastical History, the Doctrine of Addai, and the Decretum Gelasianum
We visit Sanliurfa (Edessa) on our Eastern Turkey tours!
livingpassages.com/christian-tours/eastern-turkey
#ChurchHistory #KingAbgar #Edessa #EarlyChristianity #BiblicalHistory
Explore Biblical History with Living Passages!
Join us on transformative Christian cruises and Biblical tours! Discover our upcoming journeys at:
🌐 Website: livingpassages.com
👣 Christian Tours: livingpassages.com/christian-tours
⚓ Christian Cruises: livingpassages.com/christian-cruises
Contact Our Travel Experts:
📞 Call: 1-888-771-8717
📧 Email: info@livingpassages.com
Stay Connected for Exclusive Updates!
Facebook: facebook.com/livingpassages
Instagram: instagram.com/livingpassages
Twitter: twitter.com/livingpassages
Pinterest: pinterest.com/LPassages
_______________________________________
Experience the Bible Like Never Before!
Walk in the footsteps of Jesus, Paul, and Moses with our Christian cruises, Biblical tours, and Exodus tours. Visit awe-inspiring sites like Mount Sinai in Saudi Arabia, the Split Rock of Horeb, and the Red Sea Crossing, bringing Biblical history to life. Sail the stunning Mediterranean, uncovering hidden Biblical sites rarely seen by others. Or embark on a South African safari, encountering majestic wildlife while exploring the Bible’s account of creation. Our expert-led tours feature top scholars in Biblical archaeology and history, delivering inspiration at every step.
With over 25 years of expertise, Living Passages crafts unforgettable Christian group travel experiences. We secure exclusive access to authentic Biblical locations, book premium accommodations, and ensure your journey is safe, seamless, and spiritually enriching.
Ready to Journey with Us?
Discover our latest Christian tours, cruises, and Exodus tours, including Mount Sinai in Saudi Arabia, at: livingpassages.com
📞 Call our travel experts at 1-888-771-8717 for personalized guidance!
The Only Time Jesus Is Said to Have Written a Letter ✍️
#KingAbgar #Edessa #ChurchHistory #BiblicalHistory #Osroene #ShroudOfTurin #Mandylion #EarlyChristianity #JesusChrist #Eusebius #HolyLand #ChristianHistory #BibleHistory #AncientHistory #LivingPassages
