Final answer:
The baptism of the Ethiopian official by Philip helped Christianity deepen its roots in Ethiopia, mainly through the efforts of Frumentius, who was appointed as the first bishop.
Step-by-step explanation:
After Philip baptized the Ethiopian official, Christianity began to spread more rapidly in Ethiopia, influencing its relationship with its neighbors and eventually shaping its culture. Frumentius, who played a pivotal role in this spread, was shipwrecked and later brought to the royal court of King Ezana of Aksum, a former polytheist.
Through Frumentius's influence, Ezana converted to Christianity and sent Frumentius to Alexandria to appoint a bishop for Ethiopia. Named bishop by Athanasius, Frumentius, also known as Selama, founded Ethiopia's first Christian monastery. Christianity's reach expanded as missionaries established monasteries in rural areas. Inscriptions from the era show translations of biblical passages into the local language of Ge'ez, illustrating the integration and localization of Christian beliefs.
The intersection of Christianity with local traditions led to unique practices within the Ethiopian Church. Resistance to external religious influences was evident when the adoption of Catholicism by some rulers led to civil unrest, particularly during Emperor Susenyos's reign in the 17th century. Ethiopia's religious landscape was further shaped by internal and external pressures, including invasions and the presence of missionaries, highlighting the complex evolution of religious identity within the empire.