2,000 years ago, Jesus Christ had not yet manifested himself as the Mesiah. The only "Christians" at that time were his mother, Mary, St. Joseph, St. John the Baptist, and possibly St. Ann, St. Joachim (Mary's parents), St. Elizabeth, and Zachariah (John the Baptist's parents). (Aside: I wonder why we don't call him St. Zachariah. Hmmmm...)
I just don't like sloppiness in reporting. It should read "For almost 2,000 years...."
Not even close. Islam is only 1400 years old.