How Did the Gospel Get to Afghanistan?
Out of 38.7 million people, less than 0.3% of the population in Afghanistan claim to be Christians. As we consider the Church today, we can gain insight by looking back to see how and when the gospel was first brought to Afghans. So, how did Afghanistan get to this point?
HOW WAS THE GOSPEL BROUGHT TO AFGHANISTAN?
The Afghan Church has roots going back to the early church. In Acts 2:9, Parthians were present at Pentecost. The Parthian Empire included parts of modern-day Afghanistan, which means Afghans could have been introduced to the gospel at Pentecost. Some also believe that the Apostle Thomas brought the gospel to Afghanistan as he passed through on his way to India.
Over the next couple of centuries, Christianity continued to spread, as communities and monasteries were established along major trade routes, including the Silk Road. Believers along trade routes shared the gospel with Afghan merchants and travelers. By the 5th and 6th centuries, the Church became more established within Afghanistan, as Christians built churches and monasteries in Afghan cities like Herat.
But during the 7th century, the Arab Conquests led to the introduction of Islam and Islamic rule in Afghanistan. This led to the quick decline of Afghan Christian communities, as Islamic laws prohibited conversion and public worship. By the Middle Ages, open Christianity had almost completely disappeared from Afghan society, and persecution made it nearly impossible for the Church to survive.
WHAT DOES THE CHURCH LOOK LIKE TODAY?
Today, Christianity accounts for less than 0.3% of the population. About 99.7% of the population identifies as Muslim.
For centuries, Christians have been a vulnerable religious minority within the country. When the Taliban regained control over Afghanistan in 2021, their situation became more perilous. The Taliban’s strict enforcement of Sharia law makes conversion from Islam illegal and punishable by death.
This meant Afghan Christians—nearly all of whom are converts from Islam—faced an immediate threat. Many went into deeper hiding, destroyed evidence of their faith, and cut off contact with foreign Christian organizations to avoid being discovered. Some fled the country, while others sought refuge in neighboring nations—often still at great risk.
Still, a small group of Christians remains in Afghanistan, and they report Afghans coming to faith in Christ, even since the Taliban regained control.
HOW CAN YOU PRAY FOR THE CHURCH IN AFGHANISTAN?
As believers face intense persecution, pray for God to equip Afghan Christians with courage, strength, and wisdom to navigate difficult situations and to protect them from harm. Every gospel conversation can be dangerous, even with friends and family. Pray for Afghan Christians to have boldness and discernment in sharing their testimony and for their witness to draw others to Jesus.
Pray for Radical’s efforts to evangelize and disciple Afghans through digital platforms. Pray for Bibles and other discipleship resources to help believers mature in their faith. Pray for opportunities for Christian fellowship among Afghan believers enduring isolation.
Even when the spread of Christianity seems all but hopeless, God has the power to make his name known. Despite persecution, praise God for ongoing discipleship and growth, and pray for more Afghans to hear and embrace the gospel.
