Jews and Samaritans in the Gospels and Acts

Abstract

This study provides a historical analysis of the relations between Jews and Samaritans from the early biblical period up until the time of Jesus in the first century AD. Both Jews and Samaritans made up the ancient biblical Israel. However, rivalry and animosity affected the relationship between these two groups. In line with this development, Samaritans were hated and despised by Jews. Their hostile relations were constituted by ethnic, religious, cultural, political and social matters. Generally, Jews considered Samaritans not to be full-fledge Israelites. Therefore, for Jews, Samaritans were heretics and a schismatic group. Samaritans faced stigmatization from Jews. However, Jesus has a positive evaluation of the Samaritans as well as a friendly disposition toward them as are portrayed in the Gospels, especially in Luke and John. He demonstrates love and regard for Samaritans, and makes an inclusive approach toward them. Moreover, the inclusive and reconciliatory approach of Jesus is portrayed as continuing in the Acts of the Apostles, as the early Jewish missionaries in obedience to Jesus’ injunction (Acts 1:8) take the gospel message to Samaria, which was welcomed. Therefore, my thesis states that in relation to the Jewish-Samaritan historical conflict, the approach of Jesus as depicted in the Gospels and the attitude of the early Jewish Christians as presented in the Acts of the Apostles, were non-discriminatory, non-prejudicial, tolerant and inclusive. These texts present a vision that promotes reconciliation, fosters love and resists discrimination, which should be a paradigm for the human community. This study demonstrates that this love should go beyond the boundaries of ethnicity and past conflicts. This study provides overviews and analyses of the passages in the Gospels and Acts bearing pertinent information on the Samaritans. These scriptural texts are mainly: Matt 10:5b-6; Luke 9:51-59; 17:11–19; and 10:25-37; John 4:4-42 and 8:48; Acts 1:8; 8:1–25; 9:31; and 15:3. This study devotes particular attention to the exegesis of the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37 as the text that occupies the center of overall consideration here. This is to understand its purpose and nature in the entire narrative of Luke and as it pertains to the teachings of Christ on the call to break down barriers to love. The objective is also to draw attention to its relevance for contemporary times where discrimination, prejudices, ethnic and racial differences divide the world. Generally, my study gives significant attention to the socio- religious and narrative functions of the passages under consideration, especially that of the parable of the Good Samaritan. My research work employs the historical-critical method, together with textual, compositional, literary and narrative approaches. This study challenges a world divided by conflicts to overcome divisive structures by building bridges of true love and reconciliation which promote good human relationships and facilitate the common good. It highlights a mission of one humanity to the broken, the crushed and the oppressed of contemporary human society. The analysis of the relations between Jews and Samaritans vis-à-vis the teaching and approach of Christ indicates that people should rise beyond social boundaries, class division and a narrow understanding of “neighbor,” in the response to one love for humanity. Genuine human relationship should not be based on affiliation by blood, religion, race, ethnic group, socio-cultural ties, political group, and so forth. This contributes to paving a way to seek healthy collaboration, and lasting, peaceful co-existence. This work seeks to challenge for a reconsideration of the building of a less discriminatory society and embodying tolerance in a multi-cultural world, where cultural, social, political and religious differences are respected together with the treatment of human persons with dignity and love.