Topical Bible: Faith: Samaritans

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The Samaritans were a distinct ethnic and religious group during the time of the New Testament, with roots tracing back to the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Their faith and practices were closely related to Judaism, yet distinct in several key aspects, leading to significant tension and animosity between Jews and Samaritans.

Historical Background

The origin of the Samaritans is traditionally linked to the Assyrian conquest of the Northern Kingdom of Israel in 722 B.C. The Assyrians deported many Israelites and brought in foreign settlers, who intermarried with the remaining Israelites. This mixed population developed a unique religious identity, centered around Mount Gerizim, which they considered the true holy site, as opposed to Jerusalem.

Religious Beliefs and Practices

The Samaritans accepted only the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Old Testament) as their Scripture, rejecting the rest of the Hebrew Bible. They maintained a form of worship that was similar to Judaism but distinct in its emphasis on Mount Gerizim as the chosen place of worship. This belief is highlighted in the encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well, where she states, "Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews say that the place where one must worship is in Jerusalem" (John 4:20).

New Testament References

The New Testament provides several insights into the relationship between Jews and Samaritans, as well as the faith of the Samaritans themselves. In the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), Jesus uses a Samaritan as an example of neighborly love, challenging the prejudices of His Jewish audience. This parable underscores the moral and spiritual worth of the Samaritans, despite the prevailing animosity.

In John 4, Jesus' interaction with the Samaritan woman at the well is a significant moment that reveals His mission to transcend ethnic and religious boundaries. Jesus declares to her, "But an hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such as these to worship Him" (John 4:23). This statement emphasizes the inclusivity of the Gospel and the call to genuine faith beyond traditional confines.

The Spread of the Gospel

The Book of Acts records the spread of the Gospel to the Samaritans, marking a pivotal moment in the early Christian mission. Philip the Evangelist preached in Samaria, and many Samaritans believed and were baptized (Acts 8:5-12). This event was significant enough that the apostles Peter and John were sent to Samaria to pray for the new believers to receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:14-17). The acceptance of the Samaritans into the early Christian community demonstrated the breaking down of barriers and the fulfillment of Jesus' command to be witnesses "in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8).

Cultural and Religious Tensions

The animosity between Jews and Samaritans was deeply rooted in historical, cultural, and religious differences. The Jews viewed the Samaritans as ethnically impure and religiously heretical. This tension is evident in the Gospel accounts, where Jews often avoided traveling through Samaria and expressed disdain for Samaritans (John 4:9).

Despite these tensions, the New Testament narrative highlights the transformative power of faith in Christ to overcome historical enmities. The inclusion of Samaritans in the early church serves as a testament to the unifying message of the Gospel, which calls all people to faith in Jesus Christ, regardless of their ethnic or religious background.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 4:39
And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Whether Reasons in Support of what we Believe Lessen the Merit of ...
... thereof; and in this way human reason does not exclude the merit of faith but is ...
3], ad 1). We have an indication of this in the words of the Samaritans to the ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether reasons in support of.htm

The Second Sign in Galilee.
... This higher faith He had found among the Samaritans. Many of them believed,
as John is careful to note, because of His conversation. ...
/.../dods/the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol i/xi the second sign in.htm

Growing Faith.
... The Samaritans were hated by Jew and Gentile alike as belonging to neither, ground ...
of love's true touch, out of such surroundings grows a faith, through the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on johns gospel/growing faith.htm

Intercourse of Jesus with the Pagans and the Samaritans.
... astonishment in the woman, the Jews generally forbidding all intercourse with the
Samaritans. ... to this sentence, as the immortal expression of its faith and its ...
/.../renan/the life of jesus/chapter xiv intercourse of jesus.htm

"Except Ye See Signs and Wonders"
... The Saviour contrasted this questioning unbelief with the simple faith
of the Samaritans, who asked for no miracle or sign. His ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 20 except ye see.htm

In Jud??a and through Samaria - a Sketch of Samaritan History and ...
... Even in the Rabbinic tractate on the Samaritans [1945] it is admitted, that in ... reception
into the Synagogue, when they shall have given up their faith in Mount ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter vii in judaea and.htm

At Jacob's Well
... While referring to the fact that the faith of the Samaritans was corrupted with
idolatry, He declared that the great truths of redemption had been committed to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 19 at jacobs well.htm

John Chapter iv. 43-54
... after the Samaritans, who had believed His word, before whom He wrought no miracles,
whom He without anxiety quickly left, strong in faith, because by the ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate xvi john chapter iv.htm

John iv. 21, 22
... anything, suffer shipwreck; as also Paul saith, "Who concerning faith have made ... rouses
her soul by showing that neither Jews nor Samaritans possessed anything ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxxiii john iv 21.htm

John iv. 40-43
... Yet the very coming and beseeching Him was a mark of faith. ... Either He useth the words
as approving of [932] the Samaritans because they believed without signs ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxxv john iv 40-43.htm