Samaritans

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1. Name / Role

Samaritans

2. Category

Nations / Peoples

3. Time Period / Biblical Context

The Samaritans appear primarily in the New Testament, particularly in the Gospels and Acts, but their origins and significance are rooted in Old Testament history. Their distinct identity emerged after the Assyrian conquest of the northern kingdom of Israel in 722 BC, which led to the mixing of Israelite remnants with foreign settlers in Samaria.

4. Origin / Background

Following the Assyrian exile of northern Israel, foreign populations were brought into Samaria, and the resulting intermarriage between Israelites and these settlers formed the Samaritan people (2 Kings 17:24–41). Samaritans developed a rival form of Judaism centred on Mount Gerizim instead of Jerusalem. They accepted only the Pentateuch (first five books of Moses) and rejected later Jewish writings and traditions.

5. Primary Role / Function

The Samaritans functioned as religious rivals, ethnic outcasts, and bridges for Jesus’ teaching on inclusivity and mercy. They were despised by many Jews as heretics and half-breeds, leading to deep-seated ethnic and religious hostility. Despite this, Jesus deliberately ministered to Samaritans, using them to illustrate true worship, compassion, and faith.

6. Key Characteristics / Traits

  • Ethnically mixed, part-Israelite and part-foreign
  • Worshipped Yahweh, but with distinct beliefs and practices
  • Temple on Mount Gerizim rather than Jerusalem
  • Rejected by mainstream Judaism as impure and heretical
  • Often portrayed in Scripture as spiritually open and responsive to truth

7. Symbolism / Spiritual Significance

Samaritans symbolise religious division, social marginalisation, and God’s inclusivity. They are central to Jesus’ teachings on love across boundaries, particularly in the parable of the Good Samaritan. Their presence challenges ethnic prejudice and reveals God’s heart for reconciliation and restoration beyond traditional boundaries.

8. Notable Figures / Examples

  • The Good Samaritan – Parable figure who exemplified true neighbourly love (Luke 10:25–37)
  • The Samaritan Woman at the Well – Received Jesus’ revelation of Himself as the Messiah (John 4)
  • The Grateful Leper – A Samaritan healed by Jesus who returned to thank Him (Luke 17:11–19)
  • Samaritan Converts – Responded to the gospel through Philip’s ministry (Acts 8:4–25)

9. Related Bible References

  • 2 Kings 17:24–41 – Origin of the Samaritans
  • Ezra 4:1–5 – Opposition from Samaritans to rebuilding the Temple
  • Luke 9:51–56 – Samaritan village rejects Jesus
  • Luke 10:25–37 – Parable of the Good Samaritan
  • John 4:1–42 – Jesus and the Samaritan woman
  • Luke 17:11–19 – Ten lepers healed, only the Samaritan returns
  • Acts 8:4–25 – Philip preaches in Samaria, many believe

10. Summary / Reflection

The Samaritans occupy a complex but theologically rich space in Scripture. Once viewed as traitors and heretics, they become key recipients of Jesus’ ministry and models of faith and compassion. Through encounters with Samaritans, Jesus dismantled social and religious boundaries, emphasising that true worship and godly living are matters of the heart rather than geography or ethnicity. Their inclusion in the gospel narrative reminds believers of God’s call to embrace the outsider and the redemptive power of crossing historical divides.

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