# First Christian congregation in Europe (c. 50)

URL: https://christianity-history.com/timeline/50-first-christian-congregation-in-europe
Location: Philippi, Macedonia
Themes: Mission

On his second journey Paul preaches at Philippi, where Lydia, a merchant of purple cloth, becomes the first recorded European convert. At this point in the timeline (c. 50), the Bishop of Rome was Saint Peter (c. 30 – c. 64). Dates for the earliest bishops of Rome are traditional and uncertain.

## Why it matters
First Christian congregation in Europe mattered because it carried Christianity to new peoples and regions, changing the map of world Christianity.

Pope at the time: [Saint Peter](https://christianity-history.com/popes/saint-peter)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — Lydia of Thyatira](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lydia_of_Thyatira)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — First Christian congregation in Europe](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=First+Christian+congregation+in+Europe)
- [Wikipedia — Apostolic Age (period overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apostolic_Age)