Anyone know about present-day Samaritans?

[Sunflower15]

I am reading a book that states there are Samaritans to this day in Israel. THey are neither Jewish nor Palestinians.

It also suggests the possibility that the Jesus’ story of the Good Samaritan may have been autobiographical, which at least is not impossible since He did go to Samaria sometimes, when hiding…and it would explain His friendliness towards them [as in the Samaritan woman by the well]. Apparently, in the Bible it says at least some of them believed in Him. Maybe the part about " no one is a prophet in his own land", I’m not sure.

Just wondering if anyone knows how close or different Samaritans are to Jews, or Christians for that matter…

 

[Contarini]

I am reading a book that states there are Samaritans to this day in Israel. THey are neither Jewish nor Palestinians.

Yes, this is true. I don’t think there are many of them, and like other Middle Eastern minority groups they keep to themselves, so you don’t hear about them much. But they do still exist. They have their own version of the Torah which is used by scholars to establish the original text, I believe.

It also suggests the possibility that the Jesus’ story of the Good Samaritan may have been autobiographical, which at least is not impossible since He did go to Samaria sometimes, when hiding…and it would explain His friendliness towards them [as in the Samaritan woman by the well]. Apparently, in the Bible it says at least some of them believed in Him.

Acts 8 records that many people in Samaria became believers.

I see no reason to think that the story of the Good Samaritan is autobiographical. that strikes me as fanciful speculation.

Edwin

 

[Sunflower15]

Yes, this is true. I don’t think there are many of them, and like other Middle Eastern minority groups they keep to themselves, so you don’t hear about them much. But they do still exist. They have their own version of the Torah which is used by scholars to establish the original text, I believe.

Acts 8 records that many people in Samaria became believers.

I see no reason to think that the story of the Good Samaritan is autobiographical. that strikes me as fanciful speculation.

Edwin

Thanks for your reply. I find it wonderful that these people are still around 21 centuries later, at least.

I know it is pure speculation about Jesus being the one helped…but I also don’t see any reason why it wouldn’t be possible. It would explain a little his “friendliness” to them. I’m assuming there were other tribes / ethnic groups around as well, He seems to be “drawn” more towards them that the others. Just speculation…but possible.

Thanks for your reply

 

[macroom2]

Jesus preached to Jews, but the parable of the Good Samaritan and His words to the Roman centurion (I have not found such faith in Israel.) indicate that He was implicitly making a universal appeal. There is no more reason to assume He was a Samaritan then to assume He was a Roman. Neither Bethlehem nor Nazareth were in Samaria.

 

[PaulDupre]

I am reading a book that states there are Samaritans to this day in Israel. THey are neither Jewish nor Palestinians.

It also suggests the possibility that the Jesus’ story of the Good Samaritan may have been autobiographical, which at least is not impossible since He did go to Samaria sometimes, when hiding…and it would explain His friendliness towards them [as in the Samaritan woman by the well]. Apparently, in the Bible it says at least some of them believed in Him. Maybe the part about " no one is a prophet in his own land", I’m not sure.

Just wondering if anyone knows how close or different Samaritans are to Jews, or Christians for that matter…

 

[PaulDupre]

It also suggests the possibility that the Jesus’ story of the Good Samaritan may have been autobiographical, which at least is not impossible since He did go to Samaria sometimes, when hiding…and it would explain His friendliness towards them [as in the Samaritan woman by the well]. Apparently, in the Bible it says at least some of them believed in Him. Maybe the part about " no one is a prophet in his own land", I’m not sure.

The Samaritans were not Jews and therefore did not worship at the Jewish temple at Jerusalem. The Samaritans had their own temple at Mount Gerizim, near Shechem. In fact, if a Samaritan had been caught inside the Herodian temple, he probably would have been stoned to death, since the Jews considered the Samaritans to be apostates. The Samaritans thought the same of the Jews.

Mary and Joseph were Jews of the tribe of Judah, descendants of King David (Matt 1:6-16 and Luke 1:27). Jesus, as an infant, was presented at the Jerusalem temple by his parents (Luke 2). He also went to the Jerusalem temple at passover and his parents made all the offerings there according to the Mosaic law. The Samaritans had their own version of the Torah and their own version of the law.

To think that Jesus was a Samaritan, one would have to completely discount the biblical account of his family and his life.

21 And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

22 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;

23 (As it is written in the law of the LORD, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord

24 And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.

25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.

26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.

27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,

28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,

29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:

30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;

32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

33 And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.

34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;

35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

36 And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;

37 And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.

38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

39 And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.

40 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.

41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.

42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.

43 And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.

44 But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.

45 And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.

46 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.

47 And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.

48 And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.

49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?

50 And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.

51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.

52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

• Luke 2:21-52

 

[Sunflower15]

I just wanted to clarify that it is obvious that Jesus was not Samaritan, since He was Jewish. However, what some people say is that maybe this story was autobiographical in the sense that Jesus could have been the one the Samaritan aided…

 

[Nine_Two]

There is no particular reason to believe that parable is autobiographal while others are not.

 

[Sunflower15]

There is no particular reason to believe that parable is autobiographal while others are not.

Absolutely agree. However, no reason to believe it is necessarily not the case either. I don’t even think it would make a difference since the moral or lesson of the story is the same regardless.