(from “Bible Nuggets” series, The Baptist Digest, April 26, 1973)
And ye shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth (Acts 1:8, RSV)
Why did Jesus include “and Samaria”? Most of his ministry had been in Judea and Galilee. Why not “and Galilee”? It is true that Samaria was next door to Judea but this was also true of Perea across the Jordan River.
It is possible that Jesus included “and Samaria” because the Jews were so prejudiced against the Samaritans. It was in connection with the conversation of Jesus with the Samaritan woman at the well that the statement is made “for Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.” It is said that the typical Jew was thankful to the Lord that he was not born a woman or a Samaritan.
The disciples to whom the commission was given were Jews with typical Jewish prejudices. The resurrected Christ said to them that as they witnessed for and concerning him they should be sure that they were witnessing to the Samaritans – the people to whom it would be most difficult for them to reach out with the good news. If they witnessed to the hated Samaritans, they would witness to all others.
Most, if not all, of us have our “and Samaria.” What group or groups are there against which we have the most prejudice? Is it the “down and outs” or the “up and outs”? Is it those of a different nationality or even a different part of the nation? Or is our “and Samaria” the people of another culture or color? Whatever may be our “and Samaria,” we should hear the words of the risen Christ: “Don’t neglect Samaria.”