God, the Jews, and the Arabs
The Bible teaches of the equal standing of the Jew and non-Jew, in this case the Arabs, before God (Acts 10:34; Matthew 20:15). Paul wrote, “There is neither Jew nor Greek [Gentile]…for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). Christianity subordinates the role of race and nationality to the principle of the brotherhood of all men (Acts 17:26).
In Christ’s kingdom, everyone (Jews and Arabs) are covered with the same garment of Christ’s righteousness, which they receive by faith in Jesus Christ. But to the Judaizing Christians of Paul’s day such an idea was a heresy. They taught that the only way into the Christian church was through Judaism, that a Gentile must first be circumcised—become a Jew, as it were—before being accepted into the Christian community.
The Lord wanted to teach His children that the Gentiles are their fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel “one God and Father of all” (Ephesians 4:6). Jesus Christ Himself said, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
Jesus Christ offered His life for the entire world and He broke down the wall of separation between Jews and Gentiles. He did it “through the cross.” He died “for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:2) and now both Jews and Arabs can be “of the same body,” “one in Christ Jesus.”
By His example, Christ showed impartiality when he reached out for the Samaritan woman, even though “the Jews [had] no dealings with the Samaritans” (John 4:9). And again when He gave the parable of the “Good Samaritan” whom He commended for an act of kindness to a man beaten by robbers (Luke 10:25-39). The Savior did not favor Jews above Gentiles. He loved all His children equally. He “…has broken down the middle wall of separation” (Ephesians 2:14-17).
Therefore, any favoritism to one group (Jews) over Gentiles (Arabs) should be considered against the teachings of Christ. Jews and Arabs should be treated fairly in God’s kingdom. Both sides have equal rights before God. For Christianity eliminates distinctions based on race, nationality, and social standing.
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In His service,
BibleAsk Team
