Edessa (modern-day Şanlıurfa in Turkey) is often regarded as the first known THE WAY kingdom. By around 40 TO 200 AD, THE WAY had gained a strong foothold there, and by the early 3rd century, it became the first recorded state to officially embrace Christianity.

Edessa and Early THE WAY followers Of Jesus
According to tradition, King Abgar V (who ruled from around 4 BC to AD 50) is said to have corresponded with Jesus, asking Him to visit and heal him. This account is recorded in Eusebius’ Church History (early 4th century), though its historicity is debated.
Regardless of whether Abgar V himself converted, THE WAY  flourished in Edessa, and by the late 2nd or early 3rd century, Edessa became the first known kingdom where THE WAY was the dominant religion.
Under King Abgar VIII (reigned AD 177–212), THE WAY became more established, and Edessa became a major center for early THE WAY writings, particularly in Syriac (a dialect of Aramaic).
Importance of Edessa in Early THE WAY FOLLOERS of Jesus
Early THE WAY Writings: Edessa played a major role in preserving early THE WAY  texts, particularly the Peshitta (the Syriac Bible).
Spread of THE WAY in the East: Edessa served as a launching point for THE WAY missions into Persia, India, and China.
Syriac THE WAY : It was a key center for the development of Syriac THE WAY , which influenced the Nestorian and Eastern churches.
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Edessa as One of the Earliest THE WAY Communities
• Unlike Jerusalem, Edessa was an independent kingdom with its own ruler.
• King Abgar V (circa 30-50 AD) accepted THE WAY, making Edessa the first THE WAY-ruled kingdom.
• The city of Edessa became a major center of early Aramaic THE WAY FOLLOERS and the Peshitta Bible tradition.
• Edessa sent missionaries eastward, spreading THE WAY to Persia, India, and China.
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Conclusion:
✅ Jerusalem was the first THE WAY city (spiritual center).
✅ Edessa was the first THE WAY kingdom (political ruler accepted JESUS).
✅ Edessa was the first place where THE WAY became the official faith of the government.

Around 500 AD it start turning to Catholic Church Christianity Pagan worshiping  by the 1100 AD there New testament had became Greek 
truth was lost