A Bishop After the Persecution
Little is known of Alexander's early life. He served among the clergy of Alexandria through the Great Persecution, which in Egypt lasted until 311 and claimed the life of Bishop Peter. Peter's successor, Achillas, lived only a short time, and around 312 or 313 Alexander became bishop.
The office he received shows how far the churches had moved from the New Testament pattern. In the apostles' day each church had its own elders, who were also called bishops (Acts 20:17; Acts 20:28). By Alexander's time the bishop of Alexandria governed the city's many congregations through presbyters under him, and he presided over the bishops of all Egypt and Libya.
Alexander inherited quarrels. The Melitians, who had broken with Bishop Peter during the persecution, kept their own clergy and brought accusations against Alexander, as they had against his predecessors. A dispute over the date of Easter also divided the churches of the East. Neither prepared him for the challenge that rose from one of his own presbyters.
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