What is the history of the “Brethren”?
This question is beyond the scope of this FAQ. Some of the books mentioned in Section 17 of this FAQ will answer this question. In short, during the first part of the 1800’s, some Christians began to feel uncomfortable about denominationalism, a clerical hierarchy and certain “compromises” creeping into their churches. They resolved to simply read their Bibles and to try to gather in the same simple manner as Christians did in the New Testament. As some of these Christians began to travel and preach, they found believers in other cities and countries who were doing the same thing. Early gatherings were established in Dublin and Plymouth, from which the term Plymouth Brethren was obtained. Through zealous evangelistic work and church planting, churches were established all over England, Scotland, Europe and North America.
