Written criticism – Was there racial discrimination on the part of Christ when he said, ‘Do not go into the way of the Gentiles’?

In this lecture, His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that when Jesus told His disciples:

“Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any city of the Samaritans. Go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel”
(Matthew 10:5-6)

He was not showing racial discrimination, but giving practical training instructions for their first missionary journey.

At that time, the disciples had not yet received the Holy Spirit or the spiritual strength to preach to foreign nations. It would have been very difficult for them to reach Gentiles who had no knowledge of the prophecies or the concept of the Messiah. The Jews, however, already knew the Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms, so they could more easily understand the message that Jesus fulfilled those prophecies.

Thus, Christ sent them first to the Jews, who were awaiting the Messiah. Later, after Pentecost and the coming of the Holy Spirit, the command expanded universally:

“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15)
“Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19)
“You will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

Therefore, Jesus’ command was not about exclusion—it was part of a gradual divine plan: starting with the Jews, then Samaritans, and finally all nations.

✝️ Spiritual Lessons:

• Christ loves all people equally; there is no place for racism in His message.

• God’s plan for salvation unfolds wisely and step by step.

• We must begin with what we know before reaching wider circles.

• The Holy Spirit empowers believers to witness and evangelize.

• The Church’s mission includes everyone—no nation is excluded.

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