Edessa: Aramaic Tradition and The Way of Yeshua

Historical Background

Edessa, modern-day Şanlıurfa in Turkey, was a key center for early Aramaic followers of Yeshua, known as "The Way." Its tradition was rooted in Aramaic, distinct from Greek influences.

Edessa was founded during the Hellenistic period but maintained a strong Semitic cultural identity.
It became a hub for Aramaic followers of Yeshua, preserving Semitic roots.
The city's faith was Aramaic-based, not Greek, emphasizing cultural purity.

Edessa's location outside the Roman Empire made it a safe haven for early Aramaic believers.

The Aramaic Tradition in Edessa

Edessa's religious practices were conducted in Syriac Aramaic, a dialect of Aramaic, setting it apart from Greek-dominated regions.

Syriac Aramaic was the primary language for worship and scripture.
Texts like the Peshitta originated or were preserved here.
The tradition emphasized Aramaic over Greek, maintaining authenticity.

Edessa's Aramaic heritage preserved traditions closer to Yeshua's Semitic teachings.

Yeshua's Disciples Flee to Edessa

Disciples like Thaddaeus (Addai) brought Yeshua's teachings to Edessa, making it a sanctuary for early followers.

Thaddaeus preached in Edessa and converted King Abgar V.
Disciples fled Jerusalem's persecution to Edessa.
The city's independence protected the Aramaic tradition.

Edessa became a hub for the disciples' Aramaic teachings.

"The Way" – Not Initially Christian

Early believers in Edessa followed "The Way" of Yeshua, not the later term "Christian."

"The Way" was the original name for Yeshua's followers.
It focused on Yeshua's Aramaic teachings without institutional labels.
"Christian" emerged later in Antioch.

Reference: Acts 9:2 – "The Way" as the early designation for followers.

Edessa's faith was "The Way," Aramaic and pure, distinct from later Christianity.

Catholic Takeover and Shift to Christianity

Edessa remained Aramaic until Catholic influence grew centuries later.

Roman and Byzantine pressures increased in the 4th–5th centuries.
By the 1100s, Greek texts and Catholic practices dominated.
This marked the transition from "The Way" to Christianity.

The Catholic Church's influence, hundreds of years later, changed Edessa's Aramaic tradition.

The Hebrew Gospel of Matthew in Edessa

Tradition suggests the Hebrew version of Matthew's Gospel was written or preserved in Edessa.

Matthew likely wrote his Gospel in Hebrew for Jewish audiences.
Edessa's Aramaic environment made it ideal for such texts.
Early writers mention a Hebrew Matthew used in the East.

Reference: Papias of Hierapolis (2nd century) on Hebrew Matthew.

Edessa may have been where the Hebrew Matthew was composed or safeguarded.

Paul's Absence in Edessa Scrolls

Paul, a Roman citizen, is not mentioned in Edessa's early scrolls, emphasizing its independence from his influence.

Paul (Saul) persecuted "The Way" (Acts 9:1–2).
He never met Yeshua during His ministry (Acts 9:3–6).
Edessa's tradition focused on apostolic teachings, not Paul.

Reference: Acts 22:28 – Paul declares his Roman citizenship.

Edessa's Aramaic scrolls reflect "The Way," free from Paul's Roman-influenced teachings.