Racism

Genesis 1:26

"And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth."

 

All of us are descended from Adam and Eve and equally made in God’s image. This concept is called the Imago Dei (image of God), and it is established in the Bible’s very first chapter.

 

1 Samuel 16:8

"Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, Neither hath the LORD chosen this."

 

James 2:1

"My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons."

 

Whether we favor people based on wealth or race, discrimination of any kind stands in blatant contradiction with the Good News revealed through Jesus Christ.

 

John 4:9

"Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans."

 

John 4:27

"And upon this came his disciples, and marvelled that he talked with the woman: yet no man said, What seekest thou? or, Why talkest thou with her?"

 

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."

 

Samaritans had a half-Jewish ancestry and believed in God, but some of their beliefs about God were unorthodox. Centuries before Jesus, the Samaritans tried to prevent the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem during the time of Ezra (see Ezra 4). In response, the Jews shunned them, and hatred between the two groups had festered for centuries. When Jesus spoke to the Samaritan woman at the well, she questioned why Jesus would even talk to her. Jesus’ disciples were shocked as well! But Jesus made a point of crossing that racial divide with all its cultural and theological messiness.

 

Luke 10:33

"But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,"

 

Jesus confounded his listeners by making a despised Samaritan the hero of one of his most famous parables.

 

Ephesians 2:14

"For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;"

 

Colossians 3:10-11

"And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: [11] Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all."

 

In the early church, the great racial controversy of the day was between Jews and Gentiles (non-Jews). Over and over, Scripture makes it clear that racism is in violent contradiction with Christ’s desire for unity in his church.

 

John 8:39

"They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham."

 

Romans 2:28-29

"For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: [29] But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God."

 

Galatians 3:7

"Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham."

 

Many Jews in the first century placed their confidence in their race and heritage, rather than in God himself. They were proud to be descendants of Abraham and felt entitled to God’s blessings. That racial pride caused them to miss the heart of God’s good news: it is a gift offered to all, accepted only by faith.

 

Acts 11:1-3

"And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. [2] And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him, [3] Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them."

 

Acts 15:5

"But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses."

 

Acts 15:19

"Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God:"

 

Galatians 3:8

"And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed."

 

The early Jewish believers carried on the traditions God gave their ancestors, including circumcision and Jewish dietary laws. Many assumed that in order to honor and obey God, non-Jews would have to become Jewish and follow their religious laws. But God’s desire was not for the entire world to become Jewish. His desire was for the entire world to know him through his Son, Jesus.

 

John 10:14-16

"I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. [15] As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. [16] And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd."

 

Romans 1:16

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek."

 

Galatians 3:8

"And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed."

 

Jesus was sent to the Jews first, but not because he didn’t care about non-Jews (Gentiles). God promised to Abraham long ago that, through his descendants, the Jews, all nations would be blessed (Genesis 22:18). In John 10, Jesus described how he was the good Shepherd, and he used that imagery to foretell how he will bring even Gentiles into his flock and unite all peoples as one.

 

Galatians 2:11-13

"But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. [12] For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. [13] And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation."

 

Peter knew that Gentile believers were his brothers and sisters in Christ. However, it had long been Jewish custom to refuse to eat meals with Gentiles. When certain Jewish believers pressured Peter, he stopped eating meals with Gentile believers—and soon, other Jews withdrew as well. Paul publicly denounced this racism as a contradiction of the message of the gospel.

 

1 Corinthians 9:20-21

"And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; [21] To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law."

 

As an evangelist, Paul understood the difference between cultural traditions and Christian truth. He followed the Jewish law when witnessing to Jews—not because God required it, but because it showed respect and consideration for the consciences of the Jews he witnessed to. When Paul witnessed to the Gentiles, he didn’t follow Jewish laws. That way, the gospel was plain and clear, without any cultural obstacles. The one thing Paul never changed was his obedience to the law of Christ. His evangelism methods never required him to sin. We should all follow Paul’s example in preaching a gospel that is both accessible to all peoples and true for all time.

Exodus 1:11-14

"Therefore they did set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh treasure cities, Pithom and Raamses. [12] But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel. [13] And the Egyptians made the children of Israel to serve with rigour: [14] And they made their lives bitter with hard bondage, in morter, and in brick, and in all manner of service in the field: all their service, wherein they made them serve, was with rigour."

 

Exodus 1:22

"And Pharaoh charged all his people, saying, Every son that is born ye shall cast into the river, and every daughter ye shall save alive."

 

Racial trauma is trauma that happens because of someone’s connection to a particular race, such as the trauma the people of Israel experienced in Egypt. Trauma can result from a single event, such as losing a child. Trauma can also come from repeated events, such as being treated as inferior and overworked day after day. Such traumas affect each person who experiences them in different ways, and those traumas can create wounds that are passed on for generations.

 

Exodus 14:12

"Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness."

 

Numbers 14:3-4

"And wherefore hath the LORD brought us unto this land, to fall by the sword, that our wives and our children should be a prey? were it not better for us to return into Egypt? [4] And they said one to another, Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt."

 

Trauma can warp our perceptions related to who we are. Sometimes, we put ourselves in situations where that trauma can continue because it feels natural and familiar to us. After the people of Israel were freed from slavery, they didn’t know how to live in their freedom. They doubted that they could become anything different, even after God had led them safely out of Egypt. Racial trauma can become paralyzing, and unhealthy racial stereotypes become a part of one’s identity. This is called “internalized racism.”

 

Luke 13:1

"There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices."

 

Acts 1:6

"When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?"

 

Racial trauma can come from our own personal experience, but it can also come vicariously through the trauma of others. Trauma can be triggered, such as by watching a video or hearing someone else’s story. A trigger prompts mental and emotional reactions related to a trauma. Any trauma, including racial trauma, can be passed across generations. Even something that happened decades or centuries earlier can be deeply ingrained in a current generation’s psyche.

 

Matthew 10:2-4

"Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; [3] Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; [4] Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him."

 

Everyone’s trauma, including racial trauma, is unique and experienced in different ways. Matthew’s response to the oppression of the Romans was to join them in oppressing his own people in order to gain wealth and security. Simon, in contrast, became a zealot—a fierce Jewish nationalist who resorted to violence to oppose Roman rule. When they met Jesus, both Matthew and Simon radically rethought how they had been responding to their people's trauma.

Galatians 3:28

"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus."

 

Colossians 3:11

"Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all."

 

Race is more than skin tone. It’s a culture. It’s a context. Some well-meaning people claim they are colorblind and don’t see race. Unfortunately, that mindset often leaves a message of “I don’t acknowledge the significance of your culture. I just enjoy it when you fit into my culture.” People in the early church came from wildly different cultural experiences. A Roman soldier had a very different life than a Jewish woman. A Greek scholar had little in common with a “barbarian” from Scythia (modern-day Ukraine). Paul’s letters don’t deny the cultural differences within the body of Christ. Instead, Paul acknowledges those differences, yet highlights how we are still one body, together.

 

Luke 10:30-33

"And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. [31] And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. [32] And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. [33] But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,"

 

When someone is very different from us in appearance and in culture, we might feel anxious about interacting with them. It is easy to pass by such people in our daily lives. In the case of the good Samaritan, that man had very good reasons to be anxious. Jews hated Samaritans! Yet the good Samaritan still went out of his way to care for the injured Jewish man. Our racism might not be rooted in hatred, but simply in anxiety and unfamiliarity. A good way to overcome racism is by tolerating our own discomfort and crossing the road to interact with people different from us.

 

Acts 10:15-29

"And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. [16] This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven. [17] Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate, [18] And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there. [19] While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee. [20] Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them. [21] Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come? [22] And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee. [23] Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him. [24] And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends. [25] And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. [26] But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man. [27] And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together. [28] And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean. [29] Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?"

 

Peter grew up in a Jewish culture that forbade eating with Gentiles. It took multiple visions and repeated prompting from the Holy Spirit to prepare Peter to meet with Cornelius, the first Gentile convert. We, too, may need several promptings and experiences to become comfortable interacting with people of another race. Seek out such experiences: Watch a movie, read a book, join a bowling league with people of a different race, or visit a church that’s primarily of a different race than you. Stepping outside our comfort zones can have great benefits—just ask Peter.

 

Acts 15:5-11

"But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses. [6] And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter. [7] And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. [8] And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; [9] And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. [10] Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? [11] But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they."

 

One way we might unintentionally slight people of other races is by expecting them to fit into our own culture’s norms. Many Jewish believers thought that Gentiles had to become Jewish in order to be good Christians. Peter, Paul, James, and other early church leaders firmly opposed this, and for good reason. When we force brothers and sisters in Christ to conform to our culture in order to fellowship with us, we are hindering the growth of the body of Christ.

 

1 Corinthians 9:20-22

"And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; [21] To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. [22] To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some."

 

Forcing others to adopt our culture is a form of racism; so is our refusing to adjust to someone else’s culture. When we respect and appreciate others—their heritage, their food, their customs, their way of life—that shows we care about them. And when people feel cared for, that opens their hearts to our witness about Jesus.

 

Leviticus 19:33–34

"And if a stranger sojourn with thee in your land, ye shall not vex him. [34] But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God."

 

Matthew 28:19

"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:"

 

Sadly, it can be easy to donate to mission work for people in a distant culture, yet feel uncomfortable or even hostile when people from that same culture move in down the street. Our money and our prayers can make a great difference in peoples’ lives, but our love is put to its truest test when we live it out face to face.

Romans 12:9

"Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good."

 

Trying to be politically correct and avoid offense is too low a bar. To overcome our ingrained racial biases, we must intentionally choose to love and appreciate those who are different from us.

 

Proverbs 12:1

"Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish."

 

Matthew 5:23-24

"Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; [24] Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift."

 

Accepting correction is wise. However, seeking out correction is wiser. Don’t just rely on others to call out your racist tendencies—actively learn how you can do better. Ask questions. Read articles. Watch interviews. Ponder Scripture. Then take what you learn and live it out. This approach is called a “growth mindset,” and it’s a healthy habit for many situations in life.

 

Romans 12:16

"Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits."

 

Racial harmony starts with getting to know people. Spend time with people of other races. Listen and learn in humility. Such friendships help our hearts and minds to grow beyond our prejudices.

 

Acts 20:21

"Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ."

 

1 Corinthians 9:20-21

"And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; [21] To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law."

 

It’s okay to acknowledge racial and cultural differences. In fact, it’s helpful. Paul counted Jew and Gentile as equal brothers and sisters in Christ, yet he also adapted to their different cultural contexts. For instance, he followed Jewish ceremonial laws when he was in a Jewish culture, and he ate meals with Gentiles when he was in a Gentile culture. If we claim to be colorblind and refuse to acknowledge the differences of other cultures, we will never get to know or understand each other at a deeper level.

 

Esther 3:5-6

"And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence, then was Haman full of wrath. [6] And he thought scorn to lay hands on Mordecai alone; for they had shewed him the people of Mordecai: wherefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews that were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, even the people of Mordecai."

 

Haman’s hatred of Mordecai led him to seek the destruction of all Jewish people. We must be careful never to make assumptions about a group of people based on our feelings about one person in that group. We often form opinions about an entire group of people (a racial group, a nationality, an occupation, members of a church denomination or even a club at school) based on the actions of one individual. Everyone should be approached as an individual, a person loved by God. We need to constantly check ourselves for blind spots and biases.

 

Colossians 3:11

"Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all."

 

Ephesians 2:19-21

"Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; [20] And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; [21] In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:"

 

While understanding differences is important, understanding what we have in common bonds us together: a shared hobby, a similar sense of humor, a relatable parenting experience—or, most significantly, the same hope in Christ! When we identify these points of connection, we are able to build bonds while still respecting our differences.

 

Philippians 4:8

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

 

Galatians 6:7-9

"Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. [8] For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. [9] And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."

 

Changing our thought patterns and correcting our biases takes conscious and repeated effort.

 

Acts 11:2-3

"And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him, [3] Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them."

 

Galatians 2:11-13

"But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. [12] For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. [13] And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation."

 

Often our racist tendencies are ingrained in us through the culture around us and reinforced by peer pressure. Something as small and simple as eating a meal with a Gentile was against common Jewish practice at the time. Like Paul, we should challenge racist peer pressure boldly. That sets a clear standard for us and others, and it helps people who may be targets of that racism.

 

John 10:16

"And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd."

 

1 Corinthians 12:15

"If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?"

 

1 Corinthians 12:27

"Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular."

 

The good Shepherd has many different sheep. The body of Christ has many different parts. All believers belong to Christ—and without each other, we represent him to the world in an incomplete way. Overcoming racism helps everyone in the family of God to experience a sense of belonging on this side of eternity.

Psalm 4:2

"O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? how long will ye love vanity, and seek after leasing? Selah."

 

Psalm 6:7

"Mine eye is consumed because of grief; it waxeth old because of all mine enemies."

 

Psalm 35:15-17

"But in mine adversity they rejoiced, and gathered themselves together: yea, the abjects gathered themselves together against me, and I knew it not; they did tear me, and ceased not: [16] With hypocritical mockers in feasts, they gnashed upon me with their teeth. [17] Lord, how long wilt thou look on? rescue my soul from their destructions, my darling from the lions."

 

Lamentations 3:49-50

"Mine eye trickleth down, and ceaseth not, without any intermission, [50] Till the LORD look down, and behold from heaven."

 

Many heroes in the Bible experienced injustice and cruelty from their enemies. In response, they grieved. They cried out. They expressed their pain to God and called for him to act. This practice is called lament. The first step to overcoming the hurt we experience from racism is acknowledging our hurt honestly before God.

 

Proverbs 6:16-19

"These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: [17] A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, [18] An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, [19] A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren."

 

Isaiah 1:17

"Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow."

 

Acts 3:14

"But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you;"

 

God hates injustice. When we are grieving and angry over the injustices of racism, he is too. Jesus himself experienced a corrupt trial and an unjust death. Know that God doesn’t just see your hurt—he feels it, too.

 

Deuteronomy 24:17-18

"Thou shalt not pervert the judgment of the stranger, nor of the fatherless; nor take a widow's raiment to pledge: [18] But thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in Egypt, and the LORD thy God redeemed thee thence: therefore I command thee to do this thing."

 

Deuteronomy 32:7

"Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations: ask thy father, and he will shew thee; thy elders, and they will tell thee."

 

Scripture doesn’t only record the parting of the Red Sea. It also records the years of bondage in Egypt. It’s wise to remember and learn from history, even the painful parts. When the Israelites became their own nation, their suffering in Egypt was to become a source of empathy toward others—a reminder to provide others with the justice their ancestors were denied. It also became a reminder of God’s power and deliverance. Racial history may be painful, and that pain should never be swept aside or forgotten—it should be faced honestly and processed. This is how we learn and grow.

 

Matthew 5:4-10

"Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. [5] Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. [6] Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. [7] Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. [8] Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. [9] Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. [10] Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

 

Romans 8:38

"For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,"

 

Racism takes things away from you—but racism can’t take away your position with God through Christ. Remember that the One who matters most loves you. He died for you, and he has given you something no one can take away.

 

Isaiah 1:17

"Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow."

 

Romans 12:19

"Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord."

 

Luke 18:7-8

"And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? [8] I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?"

 

There is a difference between pursuing justice and pursuing revenge. Justice is change for the better. Revenge inflicts pain to get even. God calls us to pursue justice, not revenge, and he promises that he is the final Judge. There are some injustices that humans ignore or even perpetuate. Despite our efforts, change is often slow or incomplete. In such instances, pray—not as an alternative to action, but as a guidance for your action. Ask God for wisdom in how to respond to injustice, and trust that he is acting against injustice too.

 

Matthew 5:44-48

"But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; [45] That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. [46] For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? [47] And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? [48] Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect."

 

Acts 7:59-60

"And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. [60] And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep."

 

In directing his followers, Jesus didn’t stop by calling us to avoid revenge. He called us to love our enemies! Stephen, the first martyr, prayed for his enemies, even as they were killing him. Such love is incredibly difficult—but incredibly powerful. It plants a seed that can break through the hardest soil.

 

Acts 8:1

"And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles."

 

Acts 9:1-2

"And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, [2] And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem."

 

1 Timothy 1:15-16

"This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. [16] Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting."

 

Saul, more commonly known as the apostle Paul, led the charge in murdering and imprisoning the followers of Jesus. Yet God changed him and used him in incredible ways. No matter how badly we have been hurt, we cannot put certain sins—and certain sinners—outside the reach of God’s grace.

 

Matthew 5:43-45

"Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. [44] But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; [45] That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust."

 

Matthew 6:14-15

"For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: [15] But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."

 

Romans 5:8

"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."

 

People in our world view forgiveness as something that belongs to us—to give or withhold as we choose. Hating our enemies is considered good and natural. But Jesus flipped that on its head. He forgave us when we had done nothing to deserve his grace, and he did this at great cost to himself. He calls us to do the same for those who have hurt us. When you forgive a racist, you are not saying that racism is excusable, that your hurt is not real, or that you are willing to put yourself in a position to be harmed. Ultimately, forgiveness is about a change in your heart. It is choosing to pray for their repentance rather than for their downfall. In this way, we imitate the love our heavenly Father shows to us.

 

Acts 7:59-60

"And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. [60] And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep."

 

Stephen was brutally murdered. Yet Stephen forgave his murderers even while they showed no sign of repentance. Don’t wait for the world to admit it is wrong before you start the process of forgiveness. Don’t wait for people to say they are sorry—that may never happen. You already know racism is wrong. God knows, and God sees the wrongs that are done to us.

 

Proverbs 13:20

"He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed."

 

John 13:15

"For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you."

 

1 Corinthians 11:1

"Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ."

 

Racism is complex, traumatic, and difficult. Surround yourself with people who are working hard to live well in all aspects of their faith—people who have wrestled with their pain but have chosen forgiveness over bitterness; people who are bold in standing up for justice without falling into hatred. Learn from them how they imitate Jesus, and strive to imitate Jesus too.

 

Ephesians 4:31-32

"Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: [32] And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."

 

Philippians 1:6

"Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:"

 

2 Peter 3:9

"The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."

 

Sometimes, it feels like peace and reconciliation are impossible. Our bitterness is too deep to allow us to forgive, and the hatred shown by others is too deep for them to unlearn. Take comfort that God is not finished with you-AND He is not finished with them, either.

2 Corinthians 5:18-20

"And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; [19] To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. [20] Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God."

 

Colossians 3:11

"Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all."

 

God wants all people to reconcile with him and with one another—and it is our mission to make this message known. If we only witness and fellowship with people of the same race and culture, we are missing a foundational aspect of God’s Kingdom. Racial reconciliation should start among believers within the church.

 

Matthew 5:23-24

"Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; [24] Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift."

 

1 John 4:20

"If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?"

 

Reconciliation isn’t an optional priority. It’s an urgent call—a way of living out our love for God himself.

 

1 Corinthians 9:20-22

"And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; [21] To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. [22] To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some."

 

Reconciliation starts with respecting each other’s cultures. This may mean eating unfamiliar foods, learning new social conventions, worshiping God with different people, using different music and worship styles. When we make an effort to engage with another person’s culture and follow their lead, we will start to understand them better, and they will feel more comfortable being themselves around us.

 

James 2:14-16

"What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? [15] If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, [16] And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?"

 

If you are part of an oppressive or offending group, don’t be afraid to acknowledge racial offense—even if it may be unintentional. But also realize that an apology may not be desired or well received by someone who has been hurt. Sometimes, apologizing for racism is just a way to deal with feelings of guilt without it leading to any real action or change. Authentic love means living out our apologies and taking part in real and healthy changes in society.

 

Exodus 1:13-14

"And the Egyptians made the children of Israel to serve with rigour: [14] And they made their lives bitter with hard bondage, in morter, and in brick, and in all manner of service in the field: all their service, wherein they made them serve, was with rigour."

 

Lamentations 3:20

"My soul hath them still in remembrance, and is humbled in me."

 

Lamentations 5:1-2

"Remember, O LORD, what is come upon us: consider, and behold our reproach. [2] Our inheritance is turned to strangers, our houses to aliens."

 

Romans 12:15

"Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep."

 

Colonization. The African slave trade. The Holocaust. There are many events in history that impact race relations today. When someone’s heritage has suffered deep tragedy, minimizing that tragedy is not a path to reconciliation. Instead, listen. Empathize. Validate. Show your love and respect for a wronged person by mourning with them.

 

Matthew 18:21-22

"Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? [22] Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven."

 

Colossians 3:12-13

"Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; [13] Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye."

 

Reconciliation can be messy. People from different cultures and experiences often don’t understand where the other is coming from, which makes it easy to offend each other. Reconciliation isn’t about just forgiving past wrongs—it’s a choice to work through current struggles too.

 

Matthew 18:15

"Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother."

 

Luke 17:3

"Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him."

 

Reconciliation isn’t passive—or passive-aggressive. It requires open, honest communication about what is and isn’t healthy for a relationship. Reconciliation takes all sides working together, and that can’t happen if one side is blind to what they are doing wrong.

 

Matthew 10:16

"Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves."

 

Matthew 18:16-17

"But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. [17] And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican."

 

Sometimes, reconciliation takes a mediator. Even then, reconciliation isn’t always possible with an individual offender, and boundaries must be set. Jesus calls us to be innocent and kind, but he also calls us to take precautions against wolves within the flock.

 

Matthew 5:44-48

"But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; [45] That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. [46] For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? [47] And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? [48] Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect."

 

It’s easy to love a trusted friend—someone we are comfortable with, someone who has supported us. But it’s hard to love someone who makes our lives uncomfortable. God’s love isn’t conditional or earned. He calls us to imitate that love, even when we don’t receive love in return.

 

Revelation 7:9-10

"After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; [10] And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb."

 

We will spend eternity with believers of every nation and language. Let’s make every effort to learn to love each other here on earth.

Proverbs 11:2

"When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom."

 

Proverbs 12:1

"Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish."

 

James 1:19

"Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:"

 

When someone has been hurt by racism, it’s important to listen to them. That might be uncomfortable. You might feel defensive. However, be careful not to invalidate their perspective or feelings. Listen. Learn. Let what they are saying sink in. Their decision to trust you with a difficult experience should not be treated lightly. You will never truly understand what it is like to have their exact experience, but if you listen, you can learn how to empathize and love them better.

 

Luke 7:3-5

"And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant. [4] And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this: [5] For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue."

 

John 4:9

"Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans."

 

The Jewish people considered Samaritans half-breeds and heretics. They also hated their Roman oppressors. Yet both the woman at the well and the Roman centurion were treated by Jesus as individuals rather than as faceless representatives of their race. When we interact with people of another race, it is critical to value who they are as individuals and not treat them as our “black friend” or “Asian friend” or “white friend.”

 

Leviticus 19:15

"Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour."

 

Deuteronomy 10:17-19

"For the LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward: [18] He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment. [19] Love ye therefore the stranger: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt."

 

Isaiah 1:7

"Your country is desolate, your cities are burned with fire: your land, strangers devour it in your presence, and it is desolate, as overthrown by strangers."

 

Zechariah 7:9-10

"Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Execute true judgment, and shew mercy and compassions every man to his brother: [10] And oppress not the widow, nor the fatherless, the stranger, nor the poor; and let none of you imagine evil against his brother in your heart."

 

It is not enough to be innocent of racism ourselves. Wherever there is injustice and oppression, including on the basis of race, believers have a responsibility to engage and respond. Racism involves more than just individual actions. Laws, court systems, and social structures can favor one race over another, and it takes intentional effort to change ingrained and systemic injustices. True love for others requires our action.

Deuteronomy 7:1-4

"When the LORD thy God shall bring thee into the land whither thou goest to possess it, and hath cast out many nations before thee, the Hittites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, seven nations greater and mightier than thou; [2] And when the LORD thy God shall deliver them before thee; thou shalt smite them, and utterly destroy them; thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor shew mercy unto them: [3] Neither shalt thou make marriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son. [4] For they will turn away thy son from following me, that they may serve other gods: so will the anger of the LORD be kindled against you, and destroy thee suddenly."

 

2 Corinthians 6:14

"Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?"

 

Some have argued that the Bible is against interracial marriage because of the commands against marrying Canaanites in the Old Testament or Paul’s warning against “teaming up” with unbelievers. However, reading the context of both passages shows that race isn’t the issue—instead, it’s a matter of belief. In both cases, the sole concern is that a believer might be led away from the faith by the wrong partner. If someone of a different race is a believer, that concern is irrelevant.

 

Matthew 1:5-6

"And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse; [6] And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias;"

 

Two clear examples of godly interracial marriage in the Bible are the stories of Rahab (a Canaanite) and Ruth (a Moabite). Both these women were foreign to Israel, yet they became believers in the one true God. Afterward, both married Israelite men and became part of the family line of King David—and Jesus. Scripture praises both Rahab and Ruth for their godly character.

 

Daniel 2:43

"And whereas thou sawest iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men: but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay."

 

Colossians 3:11

"Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all."

 

Revelation 7:9-10

"After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; [10] And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb."

 

Daniel 2:43 is another Scripture commonly misused against interracial marriage. However, this verse is not a command to believers. It is a prophecy about a specific political context in history. If the mixing of races is morally wrong and corrupts a kingdom’s culture, why would the Kingdom of God be designed to embrace and protect cultural diversity?

 

1 Corinthians 7:9

"But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn."

 

In this passage, the apostle Paul has every opportunity to mention that marriage should be within racial boundaries. However, the only boundary Paul sets is that marriage should be between a believing man and a believing woman.

Genesis 1:27

"So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them."

 

Psalm 139:13-14

"For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. [14] I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well."

 

All human beings are created in the image of God. Whoever you are—whatever your skin color, whether you’re a man or a woman, old or young—you are made in God’s image. Your value comes from the fact that God made you and loves you.

 

Revelation 7:9

"After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;"

 

Scripture makes it clear that eternity will be a kaleidoscope of cultures! Our heritage and culture doesn’t affect our salvation, but it is part of who we are and what eternity will look like.

 

Genesis 9:20-25

"And Noah began to be an husbandman, and he planted a vineyard: [21] And he drank of the wine, and was drunken; and he was uncovered within his tent. [22] And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father, and told his two brethren without. [23] And Shem and Japheth took a garment, and laid it upon both their shoulders, and went backward, and covered the nakedness of their father; and their faces were backward, and they saw not their father's nakedness. [24] And Noah awoke from his wine, and knew what his younger son had done unto him. [25] And he said, Cursed be Canaan; a servant of servants shall he be unto his brethren."

 

Genesis 10:6

"And the sons of Ham; Cush, and Mizraim, and Phut, and Canaan."

 

“The Curse of Ham” is a famous racist claim. Beginning in the 16th century or so, pro-slavery advocates started using Genesis 9 as a text to justify enslaving Africans. In this passage, Noah’s son, Ham, looks at his drunken and naked father. Instead of covering Noah to reduce his embarrassment, Ham leaves him there and goes to tell his brothers—possibly to mock Noah. Shem and Japheth, in contrast, carefully cover their father without looking at his naked body. When Noah learns what happened, he pronounces a curse to punish Ham’s sin. Slavery proponents noted that Ham was the ancestor of Africans, so therefore, slavery was a just fulfillment of Noah’s curse. Some even claimed that dark skin was a sign of this curse.

 

This interpretation blatantly ignores central points of the passage. For one, the “curse of Ham” is a misnomer, a misinterpretation of Scripture. The curse was directed at Ham’s son Canaan, not Ham himself. Though Scripture isn’t explicit, many suspect Canaan was involved in the sordid event—which would explain Noah’s choice to curse him. That curse was later fulfilled in the conflict between the Israelites and the Canaanites. Ham’s other sons—Cush, Mizraim, and Put—are the ones historically identified with starting nations in Africa, and they had nothing to do with the events in Genesis 9. The “curse of Ham” is a horrific example of twisting Scripture to justify human sin—in this case, the sin of human slavery.

 

Genesis 15:16

"But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full."

 

Deuteronomy 12:29-31

"When the LORD thy God shall cut off the nations from before thee, whither thou goest to possess them, and thou succeedest them, and dwellest in their land; [30] Take heed to thyself that thou be not snared by following them, after that they be destroyed from before thee; and that thou enquire not after their gods, saying, How did these nations serve their gods? even so will I do likewise. [31] Thou shalt not do so unto the LORD thy God: for every abomination to the LORD, which he hateth, have they done unto their gods; for even their sons and their daughters they have burnt in the fire to their gods."

 

Deuteronomy 7:1-4

"When the LORD thy God shall bring thee into the land whither thou goest to possess it, and hath cast out many nations before thee, the Hittites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, seven nations greater and mightier than thou; [2] And when the LORD thy God shall deliver them before thee; thou shalt smite them, and utterly destroy them; thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor shew mercy unto them: [3] Neither shalt thou make marriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son. [4] For they will turn away thy son from following me, that they may serve other gods: so will the anger of the LORD be kindled against you, and destroy thee suddenly."

 

Did God call Israel to commit genocide? The destruction of the Canaanite peoples is an uncomfortable topic. This is a question commonly asked of God’s character. While it is a large subject with many pieces, here are a few insights from Scripture that can give us confidence in God’s goodness.

 

First, God showed mercy until judgment was unavoidable. In Genesis 15, he specifically told Abraham that the sins of the people of Canaan were not yet significant enough to warrant their destruction. Second, Some sins of the Canaanites were truly horrific. Child sacrifice was just one of the evil practices God was punishing in his judgment. Third, some specific Canaanites were spared, such as Rahab and her family who trusted in God (Joshua 2). Fourth, God prohibited marriage with the Canaanites based on their beliefs, not their race. Rahab (a Canaanite) and Ruth (a Moabite) were both foreigners who rejected their false gods to worship the one true God. They are both listed in Matthew’s genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1).

 

Leviticus 19:9-10

"And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not wholly reap the corners of thy field, neither shalt thou gather the gleanings of thy harvest. [10] And thou shalt not glean thy vineyard, neither shalt thou gather every grape of thy vineyard; thou shalt leave them for the poor and stranger: I am the LORD your God."

 

Leviticus 19:33-34

"And if a stranger sojourn with thee in your land, ye shall not vex him. [34] But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God."

 

God insisted that foreigners should be treated the same as Israelites. Typically, a resident alien wouldn’t own land. They might be struggling to learn a new language, and their unfamiliarity with their environment would make them easy victims for financial abuse. Not only did God sternly condemn such abuse, but he instituted a financial safety net: gleaning. Gleaning was a practice of leaving the leftovers of a harvest out in the fields and allowing the poor to harvest it for their own food. God made it clear that his love was not limited only to Israel.

 

Deuteronomy 7:6-8

"For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth. [7] The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people: [8] But because the LORD loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the LORD brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt."

 

Deuteronomy 9:4-6

"Speak not thou in thine heart, after that the LORD thy God hath cast them out from before thee, saying, For my righteousness the LORD hath brought me in to possess this land: but for the wickedness of these nations the LORD doth drive them out from before thee. [5] Not for thy righteousness, or for the uprightness of thine heart, dost thou go to possess their land: but for the wickedness of these nations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee, and that he may perform the word which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. [6] Understand therefore, that the LORD thy God giveth thee not this good land to possess it for thy righteousness; for thou art a stiffnecked people."

 

God’s special care for Israel had nothing to do with racial superiority, political strength, or even moral merit. Instead, it had everything to do with God’s loving fulfillment of promises he had freely given.

 

Genesis 22:18

"And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice."

 

Numbers 15:14-15

"And if a stranger sojourn with you, or whosoever be among you in your generations, and will offer an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD; as ye do, so he shall do. [15] One ordinance shall be both for you of the congregation, and also for the stranger that sojourneth with you, an ordinance for ever in your generations: as ye are, so shall the stranger be before the LORD."

 

1 Kings 8:41-43

"Moreover concerning a stranger, that is not of thy people Israel, but cometh out of a far country for thy name's sake; [42] (For they shall hear of thy great name, and of thy strong hand, and of thy stretched out arm;) when he shall come and pray toward this house; [43] Hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place, and do according to all that the stranger calleth to thee for: that all people of the earth may know thy name, to fear thee, as do thy people Israel; and that they may know that this house, which I have builded, is called by thy name."

 

Isaiah 49:6

"And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth."

 

Throughout Scripture, God made it clear that he was not only Israel’s God—he was the God of everyone. Israel was a key part of his plan to bless all the nations of the earth. While that plan was not made clear until Jesus came, throughout the Old Testament many non-Jews who came to know and love the God of Israel.

 

Acts 10:34-35

"Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: [35] But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him."

 

Acts 11:2-18

"And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him, [3] Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them. [4] But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying, [5] I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision, A certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even to me: [6] Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. [7] And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat. [8] But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth. [9] But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. [10] And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven. [11] And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me. [12] And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house: [13] And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter; [14] Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved. [15] And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. [16] Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. [17] Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God? [18] When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life."

 

Ephesians 2:11-14

"Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; [12] That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: [13] But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. [14] For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;"

 

The Jews had a history of conflict with non-Jews (Gentiles). The Jews were called to reject the idolatry of the cultures around them and follow God’s instructions. Because of this—and because of the centuries of persecution and oppression they had experienced from other nations—the Jews viewed Gentiles as enemies of God. The first Christians were Jewish, and they felt the same way. Yet God soon showed them his plan was bigger than they had imagined. Strangers, invaders, and enemies had now become brothers and sisters in Christ!

 

Romans 2:28-29

"For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: [29] But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God."

 

Galatians 3:28

"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus."

 

Ephesians 2:8-9

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: [9] Not of works, lest any man should boast."

 

Colossians 3:11

"Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all."

 

Most of us are Gentiles. We don’t have a Jewish heritage. We aren’t part of God’s chosen people by birth or by a circumcision ceremony. But our salvation isn’t dependent on our race. It isn’t dependent on our gender. It isn’t dependent on our education, our financial means, our social status, or religious ceremonies and good deeds. We all belong to God's family because we believe in God's freely given gift.

Ephesians 6:5-6

"Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; [6] Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;"

 

Titus 2:9

"Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again;"

 

1 Peter 2:18

"Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward."

 

When we think of the word “slavery,” we often think of the evils that happened in the American Antebellum South. People were sold by their own for gain and forced into slavery. They were dehumanized, treated as nothing more than beasts of burden, and forbidden education—all because of greed. They were abused through beatings, whippings, burdened with heavy workloads, and even forced to serve as sex slaves. Masters had the ultimate authority and no accountability. Sadly, verses like Titus 2:9, Ephesians 6:5-6, and 1 Peter 2:18 were misused to justify and enforce this horrific practice.

 

Many critics of Christianity today will quote verses like these out of context and claim the Bible endorses slavery. This argument relies on three things: first, the shock factor of the word “slave” and its horrific connotations in our modern world; second, quoting the verses apart from their textual and historical context; third, assuming that by not forcibly eradicating slavery, God approved of slavery and its abusive practices. This is not a simple issue that can be understood by a handful of Scripture texts. It requires study of the full context of Scripture and how slavery worked in ancient cultures.

 

Ephesians 6:5-9

"Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; [6] Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; [7] With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: [8] Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free. [9] And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him."

 

Titus 2:9-10

"Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; [10] Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things."

 

1 Peter 2:18-19

"Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. [19] For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully."

 

These are the exact same Scriptures as you see above, but this time quoted in the larger context of surrounding verses. On their own, the original verses have been used to imply that masters have a God-given authority to demand absolute obedience from their slaves and punish them however they wish—that masters are intrinsically superior. Within the larger context, these verses make it clear that threats and cruelty are wrong, that slave and free are equal before God, and that slaves aren’t called to obedience because of a master’s inherent superiority. Instead, slaves are called to obedience because that reflects Christ’s character and becomes a witness to God’s good news.

 

Exodus 21:16

"And he that stealeth a man, and selleth him, or if he be found in his hand, he shall surely be put to death."

 

1 Timothy 1:10-11

"For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; [11] According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust."

 

In both old and new testaments, selling people into slavery is condemned on the strongest terms. The transatlantic slave trade that abused millions of Africans was built on the sale (people selling people) and force that the Bible so strongly opposes.

 

Deuteronomy 15:12

"And if thy brother, an Hebrew man, or an Hebrew woman, be sold unto thee, and serve thee six years; then in the seventh year thou shalt let him go free from thee."

 

Deuteronomy 24:20-21

"When thou beatest thine olive tree, thou shalt not go over the boughs again: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow. [21] When thou gatherest the grapes of thy vineyard, thou shalt not glean it afterward: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow."

 

1 Corinthians 7:23

"Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men."

 

Many people in the ancient world sold themselves into slavery, often to people of their own race. If someone had fallen on financial hard times, there were no unemployment benefits or homeless shelters. Gleaning—the gathering of food left behind in the fields and vineyards after every harvest—was one way God provided for the less fortunate in ancient Israel. But if someone had a large debt or was unable to glean enough food, what then? Selling oneself into slavery (sometimes for a limited time period) was a desperate emergency option.

 

Deuteronomy 23:15-16

"Thou shalt not deliver unto his master the servant which is escaped from his master unto thee: [16] He shall dwell with thee, even among you, in that place which he shall choose in one of thy gates, where it liketh him best: thou shalt not oppress him."

 

In most places, escaped slaves were supposed to be captured and returned to their masters. In ancient Israel, God explicitly prohibited this.

 

Exodus 21:9-11

"And if he have betrothed her unto his son, he shall deal with her after the manner of daughters. [10] If he take him another wife; her food, her raiment, and her duty of marriage, shall he not diminish. [11] And if he do not these three unto her, then shall she go out free without money."

 

Masters often forced their slaves to have sex with them without obligation. In the Old Testament, God insisted on marriage, and he insisted that as wives, slave women deserved all the same rights as free women. If after marrying a slave, the husband did not give his slave wife her rights as a wife but kept treating her as a slave, she had every right to leave as a free woman.

 

Exodus 21:12-27

"He that smiteth a man, so that he die, shall be surely put to death. [13] And if a man lie not in wait, but God deliver him into his hand; then I will appoint thee a place whither he shall flee. [14] But if a man come presumptuously upon his neighbour, to slay him with guile; thou shalt take him from mine altar, that he may die. [15] And he that smiteth his father, or his mother, shall be surely put to death. [16] And he that stealeth a man, and selleth him, or if he be found in his hand, he shall surely be put to death. [17] And he that curseth his father, or his mother, shall surely be put to death. [18] And if men strive together, and one smite another with a stone, or with his fist, and he die not, but keepeth his bed: [19] If he rise again, and walk abroad upon his staff, then shall he that smote him be quit: only he shall pay for the loss of his time, and shall cause him to be thoroughly healed. [20] And if a man smite his servant, or his maid, with a rod, and he die under his hand; he shall be surely punished. [21] Notwithstanding, if he continue a day or two, he shall not be punished: for he is his money. [22] If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman's husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine. [23] And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life, [24] Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, [25] Burning for burning, wound for wound, stripe for stripe. [26] And if a man smite the eye of his servant, or the eye of his maid, that it perish; he shall let him go free for his eye's sake. [27] And if he smite out his manservant's tooth, or his maidservant's tooth; he shall let him go free for his tooth's sake."

 

Many skeptics quote Exodus 21:20-21 out of context, claiming, “The Bible says masters can beat their slaves within an inch of their life without punishment because slaves aren’t people, they’re property!” But looking just a few verses earlier in the passage, we see that the word “punished” refers specifically to the death penalty. If slaves weren’t viewed as people, why would the death penalty be enforced on masters who killed their slaves? The verse goes on to say that if a slave doesn’t die, the master is exempted from the death penalty.

 

But why does the verse say, “since the slave is his property”? Again, looking a few verses later, we get an answer: Whether the slave dies or not, the master isn’t exempted from consequences. There we read that if a master so much as knocks his slave’s tooth out, then the master is punished financially by losing his slave. That slave goes free. Out of context, Exodus 21:20-21 seems to support abuse, but in context, it’s a strong civil law against abuse.

 

Deuteronomy 24:1-4

"When a man hath taken a wife, and married her, and it come to pass that she find no favour in his eyes, because he hath found some uncleanness in her: then let him write her a bill of divorcement, and give it in her hand, and send her out of his house. [2] And when she is departed out of his house, she may go and be another man's wife. [3] And if the latter husband hate her, and write her a bill of divorcement, and giveth it in her hand, and sendeth her out of his house; or if the latter husband die, which took her to be his wife; [4] Her former husband, which sent her away, may not take her again to be his wife, after that she is defiled; for that is abomination before the LORD: and thou shalt not cause the land to sin, which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance."

 

Matthew 19:8

"He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so."

 

1 Corinthians 7:23

"Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men."

 

Divorce is not a desirable thing. It does not fulfill God’s desire that marriage be loving and for life. Yet if Old Testament laws had ignored divorce, divorce would have happened without regulation, and husbands would have cast their wives onto the streets and married new ones (or remarried old ones) on a whim. The civil laws about divorce in the Old Testament were a concession to human stubbornness and sin. God recognized that a loving relationship could not be legally enforced, so laws were written to allow divorce yet restrict it in order to help prevent abuse.

 

In a similar way, slavery (or indentured servitude) is not a desirable thing. It was not part of God’s original plan for human relationships. But in that ancient context, if someone was in deep debt or desperately poor, selling oneself into slavery—at least for a time—was sometimes the only way to survive. The Old Testament instructions about slavery were a concession for the economic realities of the time and were meant to limit the evils of slavery.

 

1 Timothy 6:17

"Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;"

 

James 2:2-4

"For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; [3] And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: [4] Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?"

 

Wealth and social standing is temporary and shouldn’t hold sway in a Christian context. We are all servants of the same Master. The early church lived this out. Being rich didn’t earn you a leadership position in the church, and many slaves became elders.

 

Philemon 1:16-18

"Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord? [17] If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself. [18] If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account;"

 

The book of Philemon is the story of a slave, Onesimus, who ran away from his Christian master, Philemon. Through unknown circumstances, Onesimus met up with the apostle Paul in prison and became a Christian. Paul then wrote a letter to Philemon explaining what had happened, and encouraged the two men to reconcile as brothers in Christ. This mindset—that slaves should be treated as equal brothers, not property—undermined the foundations of slavery. Reading between the lines, many scholars believe that Paul was requesting for Philemon to free Onesimus (see Philemon 1:8-16, 21 in particular). We don’t know all the details of Onesimus and Philemon’s story or how it ended. Still, many respected Christian leaders in the early church—including Clement of Rome—were slaves or former slaves, and some early church traditions claim Onesimus himself became the bishop of Ephesus.

 

1 Timothy 5:2

"The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity."

 

Philemon 1:16

"Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?"

 

Changing the way we define a relationship changes the way we live out that relationship. A brother does not treat his sister with impurity, and no one would treat a beloved brother as mere property. Paul may not have preached the forcible eradication of slavery, but he planted the seeds of its destruction.

 

Zechariah 7:9-10

"Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Execute true judgment, and shew mercy and compassions every man to his brother: [10] And oppress not the widow, nor the fatherless, the stranger, nor the poor; and let none of you imagine evil against his brother in your heart."

 

James 1:27

"Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world."

 

From the Old Testament to the New, justice is an important theme. Undermining slavery and creating a better social safety net for those in need was one of the ways early Christians changed their culture for the better. William Wilberforce, Moses Brown, Harriet Tubman, Reverend Thomas James, Fredrick Douglass, Austin Steward, and many other Christians spearheaded the fight against slavery in the 1700s and 1800s. In our modern day, sex trafficking is a growing slave trade that many Christian organizations are combating. There will always be injustice in our world, and Christians should always be on the front lines, caring for the poor, the vulnerable, and the enslaved.

 

1 Samuel 16:7

"But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart."

 

Matthew 20:25-28

"But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. [26] But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; [27] And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: [28] Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many."

 

Ephesians 6:8-9

"Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free. [9] And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him."

 

James 2:1

"My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons."

 

The kingdom of this world is built around the master and the slave, the wealthy and the poor, the admired and the despised, the oppressor and the oppressed. The Kingdom of God is built on something far different. It is not the powerful who are admired, but the slaves—those who put the needs of others above their own; the ones who complete the necessary task, no matter how inglorious or menial; the ones who, rather than seeking glory for themselves, seek glory for their master. Jesus was not a conqueror or a politician. He washed feet, and He calls us to do the same.

Genesis 11:31

"And Terah took Abram his son, and Lot the son of Haran his son's son, and Sarai his daughter in law, his son Abram's wife; and they went forth with them from Ur of the Chaldees, to go into the land of Canaan; and they came unto Haran, and dwelt there."

 

Matthew 1:1

"The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham."

 

Abraham came from Ur (modern-day Iraq), an Eastern country. Jesus, like most of the people in the Bible, was Jewish, a descendant of Abraham. He was brown; not white, not black, not red, not yellow. Naturally, when people in Europe became Christians, the artwork they made of Jesus was based on the people they saw around them (other Europeans). In more recent centuries, as Western missionaries shared their faith, the pictures and images they shared of Jesus were from their European culture—creating the mistaken impression that Jesus was white.  Nowadays, Christian artists in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and all over the world often paint Jesus like the people they know. Africans paint him to look African.  Asians paint him to look Asian.  Hispanics paint him to look Hispanic. With that said, Jesus was Jewish, and should be portrayed as Jewish. His racial and cultural context played an important role in God’s plan.  That is why here we do not claim White, Black, Asian, or Hispanic Jesus, we claim the one true Jesus. The brown Jewish man who was from Nazareth.

 

Numbers 12:6-8

"And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream. [7] My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house. [8] With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?"

 

Esther 4:15-16

"Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer, [16] Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish."

 

Luke 1:38

"And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her."

 

John 21:16

"He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep."

 

The most famous heroes of Scripture: Moses, Elijah, David, Esther, Mary, Peter, Paul, etc., were not white or black. The vast majority of people in Scripture were brown-skinned and came from Middle Eastern people groups.

 

1 Kings 10:1, 6-9

"And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the LORD, she came to prove him with hard questions. [6] And she said to the king, It was a true report that I heard in mine own land of thy acts and of thy wisdom. [7] Howbeit I believed not the words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it: and, behold, the half was not told me: thy wisdom and prosperity exceedeth the fame which I heard. [8] Happy are thy men, happy are these thy servants, which stand continually before thee, and that hear thy wisdom. [9] Blessed be the LORD thy God, which delighted in thee, to set thee on the throne of Israel: because the LORD loved Israel for ever, therefore made he thee king, to do judgment and justice."

 

Jeremiah 38:7-12

"Now when Ebed–melech the Ethiopian, one of the eunuchs which was in the king's house, heard that they had put Jeremiah in the dungeon; the king then sitting in the gate of Benjamin; [8] Ebed–melech went forth out of the king's house, and spake to the king, saying, [9] My lord the king, these men have done evil in all that they have done to Jeremiah the prophet, whom they have cast into the dungeon; and he is like to die for hunger in the place where he is: for there is no more bread in the city. [10] Then the king commanded Ebed–melech the Ethiopian, saying, Take from hence thirty men with thee, and take up Jeremiah the prophet out of the dungeon, before he die. [11] So Ebed–melech took the men with him, and went into the house of the king under the treasury, and took thence old cast clouts and old rotten rags, and let them down by cords into the dungeon to Jeremiah. [12] And Ebed–melech the Ethiopian said unto Jeremiah, Put now these old cast clouts and rotten rags under thine armholes under the cords. And Jeremiah did so."

 

Luke 23:26

"And as they led him away, they laid hold upon one Simon, a Cyrenian, coming out of the country, and on him they laid the cross, that he might bear it after Jesus."

 

Acts 8:27-38

"And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship, [28] Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet. [29] Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. [30] And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? [31] And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. [32] The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: [33] In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth. [34] And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? [35] Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. [36] And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? [37] And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. [38] And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him."

 

One of King Solomon’s most distinguished visitors was the Queen of Sheba, whom many scholars believe was black. The prophet Jeremiah was saved from starvation by a black man. Simon of Cyrene (modern Libya) may have been black. The Ethiopian eunuch was most likely black. These are just a few examples of black people playing important and honorable roles in the history of the Christian faith.

 

Acts 10:1-47

"There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, [2] A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway. [3] He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius. [4] And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God. [5] And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter: [6] He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do. [7] And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually; [8] And when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa. [9] On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour: [10] And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance, [11] And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth: [12] Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. [13] And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. [14] But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean. [15] And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. [16] This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven. [17] Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate, [18] And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there. [19] While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee. [20] Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them. [21] Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come? [22] And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee. [23] Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him. [24] And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends. [25] And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. [26] But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man. [27] And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together. [28] And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean. [29] Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me? [30] And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, [31] And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God. [32] Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee. [33] Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God. [34] Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: [35] But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. [36] The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) [37] That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; [38] How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. [39] And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: [40] Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; [41] Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead. [42] And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. [43] To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. [44] While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. [45] And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. [46] For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, [47] Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?

 

Cornelius may be the only named white believer we know of in the entire Bible. Cornelius was an Italian Roman soldier and the first known Gentile to become a believer. The beauty of Cornelius’s story is that it highlights how a non-Jew from a foreign land like Cornelius—someone who “didn’t belong”—was welcomed into the family of believers and confirmed by the Holy Spirit.

 

Acts 2:7-12

"And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? [8] And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? [9] Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, [10] Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, [11] Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. [12] And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?"

 

Revelation 7:9-10

"After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; [10] And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb."

 

The Bible does not limit God’s Good News to any one race or cultural context. Every race and every culture is offered the message of God’s forgiveness and grace. In eternity, we will worship God together in many languages yet with one voice.

Romans 2:11

"For there is no respect of persons with God."

 

Galatians 3:28

"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus."

 

Revelation 7:9-10

"After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; [10] And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb."