Sunday School Review: Basic Church History: Nicaea through the Middle Ages, Part 12

Introduction

Whether you’ve walked through these studies with us in person or you’re joining us for the first time from home, I’m so glad to have you here. Today, we’re stepping into another fascinating chapter of church history – one filled with political upheaval, the rise of powerful leaders, and the church’s evolving role in medieval Europe. So, let’s dig in together and uncover how God’s providence guided the church through tumultuous times.

If you’re new here and missed last week's review, you can find it here.

Political Fragmentation After the Fall of Rome and the Rise of the Lombards

When the Western Roman Empire fell in 476 AD, the world that had once been unified under Roman rule descended into political chaos. Various barbarian tribes, including the Goths, Vandals, and Franks, carved up the remnants of the empire. Amid this fragmentation, a new force emerged: the Lombards.

In 568 AD, the Lombards invaded Italy, establishing their rule over much of the peninsula. This was a grim moment for the church in the West. Rome, once the center of a vast empire, was now vulnerable, its influence waning. The Lombards—pagan at first and later adopting Arian Christianity—posed a threat to both the political and spiritual authority of the church. The pope in Rome found himself navigating a precarious path between diplomacy and survival.

Yet, even in these uncertain times, the church endured. The chaos of political fragmentation could not undo the promise of Christ: "I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" (Matthew 16:18).

The Rise of the Franks and Pepin the Short

While Italy struggled under the Lombard threat, a powerful new kingdom was taking shape to the north. The Franks, a Germanic tribe, were consolidating power in what is now modern-day France and Germany. Their conversion to Christianity under Clovis I (r. 481–511 AD) set the stage for a close relationship between the Frankish rulers and the church.

Clovis’ conversion was a turning point for the Franks and for European history. According to tradition, Clovis’ wife, Clotilde, a devout Christian, persistently encouraged him to embrace the faith. In 496 AD, during a critical battle against the Alemanni, Clovis prayed to the God of the Christians for victory. When his forces triumphed, Clovis kept his vow and was baptized by St. Remigius, the bishop of Reims, along with 3,000 of his warriors. This event marked the beginning of a Christian Frankish kingdom and solidified the alliance between the Franks and the Roman church. Clovis’ embrace of Nicene Christianity (as opposed to the Arianism followed by many other Germanic tribes) made the Franks natural allies of the papacy.

A few generations later, a shrewd and ambitious leader named Pepin the Short came to the forefront. By the mid-8th century, the Merovingian kings had become mere figureheads, with real power lying in the hands of the mayors of the palace. Pepin, who held this office, recognized the opportunity to claim the throne outright. In 751 AD, he sought the blessing of Pope Zachary to legitimize his rule. The pope, needing a strong protector against the Lombards, agreed, declaring that the title of king should belong to the one who wielded actual power.

With the pope’s support, Pepin was anointed king by St. Boniface, marking the beginning of the Carolingian dynasty. In return, Pepin pledged to defend the papacy, a promise he fulfilled by defeating the Lombards and granting the pope control over central Italy in the Donation of Pepin (756 AD). This act laid the foundation for the Papal States and marked a significant step in the intertwining of church and state.

The Ascendance of the Pope as a Political Ruler

With the establishment of the Papal States, the pope was no longer just a spiritual leader; he was a temporal ruler as well. This dual role brought new challenges and opportunities. The church now wielded political power, and the papacy became a key player in the geopolitical landscape of medieval Europe.

The rise of the pope as a political figure was not without controversy. Balancing spiritual responsibilities with temporal power was a delicate task. Yet, in this period of political fragmentation, the papacy’s influence provided a semblance of stability and unity for the Western church.

The Rise of Charlemagne

Enter Charlemagne, the son of Pepin the Short and one of history’s most remarkable rulers. When Charlemagne became king of the Franks in 768 AD, he inherited not just a kingdom, but a mission to unite and defend Christendom.

Charlemagne’s reign was marked by relentless military campaigns, expanding his territory to include much of Western Europe. His victories over the Lombards, Saxons, and other tribes earned him the title of "Father of Europe." In 800 AD, on Christmas Day, Pope Leo III crowned Charlemagne as Holy Roman Emperor. This coronation symbolized the fusion of church and state, a partnership that would shape European history for centuries.

Charlemagne saw himself as a protector of the church, and his rule brought a period of relative peace and stability. He worked to spread Christianity, often by force, but also by reforming the church and supporting its mission.

The Carolingian Renaissance

Charlemagne was not only a warrior and a statesman but also a patron of learning and culture. Under his leadership, Europe experienced a revival known as the Carolingian Renaissance. Recognizing the importance of education and the preservation of knowledge, Charlemagne invited scholars from across the continent to his court, including the renowned English monk Alcuin of York.

This period saw significant reforms in education, religious practice, and administration. Monasteries became centers of learning, where monks meticulously copied ancient manuscripts, preserving classical texts that might have otherwise been lost. The development of Caroline minuscule, a clear and legible script, improved literacy and made texts more accessible.

Charlemagne’s reforms also standardized church practices, ensuring that worship and doctrine remained consistent across his empire. By promoting education among the clergy and the nobility, he laid the groundwork for future intellectual and cultural growth. The Carolingian Renaissance was a beacon of light in a time often seen as dark and chaotic, a testimony to the enduring power of faith and learning.

The Fragmentation of Charlemagne’s Empire

After Charlemagne’s death in 814 AD, his vast empire began to unravel. His grandsons divided the territory through the Treaty of Verdun in 843 AD, creating the regions that would eventually become modern France, Germany, and Italy.

This fragmentation weakened the central authority that Charlemagne had worked so hard to build. Invasions from the Vikings, Magyars, and Muslims further destabilized the region. The dream of a unified Christendom under one ruler faded, but the church remained a constant presence, offering spiritual guidance and a measure of stability in uncertain times.

The Church and Its Continuing Relationship with the Franks

Throughout these turbulent centuries, the relationship between the church and the Franks remained strong. The Frankish kings protected the church, and in return, the church provided moral and spiritual legitimacy to their rule. This partnership shaped the medieval world, influencing politics, culture, and the spread of the gospel.

Even as the political landscape shifted, the church’s mission endured. The alliance with the Franks ensured that the faith would continue to spread, that learning would be preserved, and that the light of Christ would shine in an often dark and fragmented world.

Conclusion: God’s Providence in Uncertain Times

The period we’ve explored today—from the fall of Rome to the rise and fragmentation of Charlemagne’s empire—reminds us of the church’s resilience. Political powers rise and fall, kingdoms fracture and reform, but God’s providence remains steadfast. The church, upheld by Christ’s promise, continues to endure.

Thank you for joining us in this study. I invite you to continue with us as we explore the next chapter in Basic Church History: Nicaea through the Middle Ages. There’s much more to discover, and I look forward to walking this journey with you.

Until next time, may God’s grace sustain you, and may your faith remain firm.

Questions for Reflection

1. The fall of Rome and the rise of the Lombards created political fragmentation that threatened the church’s stability. How does the church’s endurance during this period reflect Christ’s promise in Matthew 16:18, and how can this encourage us in times of uncertainty today?
2. Pepin the Short’s alliance with the papacy marked a significant intertwining of church and state. How should we evaluate the benefits and risks of such partnerships in light of Scripture, particularly passages like John 18:36 and Philippians 3:20?
3. Charlemagne’s coronation as Holy Roman Emperor by Pope Leo III symbolized the fusion of church and state. What lessons can we draw from this about the church’s role in politics, and how can the church remain faithful to its mission while engaging in societal leadership (Matthew 5:13–16)?
4. The Carolingian Renaissance emphasized education, cultural preservation, and church reform. How can the modern church prioritize and support learning and spiritual growth in a way that equips believers to serve Christ effectively (2 Timothy 2:15; 2 Peter 3:18)?
5. The relationship between the church and the Franks ensured the spread of the gospel and cultural stability during a turbulent time. How can partnerships between church and other institutions be used wisely today to advance the gospel while maintaining the church’s reliance on God’s power rather than human alliances (1 Corinthians 1:18–25)?

Resources

Bruce L. Shelley, Church History in Plain Language (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995).

Justo L. González, The Story of Christianity, Vol. 1: The Early Church to the Dawn of the Reformation (New York: HarperCollins, 1984).

B.K. Kuiper, The Church in History (Grand Rapids:L Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2001).

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.