Bible Background: The Samaritans

Throughout the gospels, we read about different people groups that played a significant role in the land of Palestine during the first century. These people influenced the culture in which Christ ministered, and He tailored His messages in order to both reach and respond to these groups. Learning more about these people can add greater detail and deeper understanding to our study of the gospels. What follows is a thumbnail sketch of one of these groups–the Samaritans.