Preaching in Samaria

So when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.  - Acts 8.25

Peter and John were very busy preaching the gospel from city to city. They were seeing people saved and clearing up a a lot of misunderstanding. A man named Simon had wanted to capitalise on the gospel but had eventually come to see his need of Christ.

Peter and John returned to Jerusalem, but on the way they preached. And notice where they preached - 'in many villages of the Samaritans.'

When we read this we need to remember the relationship that the Jews had with the Samaritans. They were, if not enemies, at least uncomfortable rivals. Even speaking to Samaritans was looked down upon, but Peter and John were there when Jesus scandalised them by talking to the Samaritan prostitute at the well.

Bias, racism, prejudice, and discrimination are ugly truths. I had a great Twitter discussion with an atheist friend last night. Part of the thread was about laws that try stop discrimination. My friend presented the thought that anti-discrimination laws might prevent extremist societies. I am not so sure and tweeted that I think man will always find a way to discriminate and that we have a rotten track record on our side. I don't think laws will ever stop it. Something inside has to change before laws can work.

Something inside overcame the racist thoughts of these two Jews. Something made them care about the Samaritans. In this case it was Jesus. He could have taken the easy way to the north a couple of years earlier, but he 'had to' got through Samaria and talk that prostitute in the heat of midday to offer her everlasting water. When disciples saw that it broke down that barrier against the Samaritans and sent them back there to preach the gospel.

Jesus is no ‘respecter of persons.’ All are the same in His sight. How tragic it is when Christians allow barriers of prejudice and hatred to cloud their view of the world. Peter and John went right into ‘enemy territory’ to a people they were supposed to hate, and shared with them the news that God loved them and Jesus died for them.

The love of Christ is the ultimate answer to hatred and prejudice. May we let it work in our lives.