Who Was Scythians in the Bible?
People Living in Scythia
The Scythians are mentioned in the New Testament in Colossians 3:11. The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Colossian church, emphasizes the new life in Christ by stating, “Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all” (Colossians 3:11, NIV). This reference to the Scythians is significant in understanding the radical inclusivity of the Gospel message.
Who Were the Scythians?
The Scythians were a nomadic people who lived in the region north of the Black Sea and the Caucasus Mountains. Known for their fierce warrior culture, they were often regarded as barbarians by the Greeks and Romans. The Scythians were skilled horsemen and archers, and their way of life was vastly different from the settled agricultural societies of the Mediterranean world.
Historical Context
The historical context of the Scythians provides insight into why Paul mentioned them specifically. In the ancient world, they were considered outsiders and were often associated with barbarism and uncivilized behavior. The Greeks and Romans viewed them with a mixture of fear and disdain due to their nomadic and warlike lifestyle.
Lessons for the Modern Christian
The Universal Nature of the Gospel
Paul’s mention of the Scythians in Colossians 3:11 highlights the universal nature of the Gospel. By including the Scythians in his list, Paul emphasizes that the message of Christ transcends all cultural, social, and ethnic boundaries. For modern Christians, this serves as a powerful reminder that the Gospel is for everyone, regardless of their background or status. It calls believers to embrace and share the Gospel with all people, breaking down barriers of prejudice and exclusion.
Equality in Christ
The passage underscores the equality of all believers in Christ. In a world that often divides people based on race, culture, and social status, the message of Colossians 3:11 is revolutionary. It teaches that in Christ, there are no distinctions that separate us. Every believer, whether Jew or Gentile, slave or free, barbarian or Scythian, is equal and united in Jesus. This has profound implications for how Christians view and treat one another, calling for genuine love and acceptance within the body of Christ.
Connection to a Loving God
God’s Inclusive Love
The inclusion of the Scythians in Paul’s message reflects God’s inclusive love. God’s love is not limited to a particular group but extends to all humanity. This inclusivity is a testament to God’s desire for all people to come to know Him and be part of His family. For modern believers, it is a call to reflect God’s love in their interactions with others, showing grace and acceptance to everyone.
Breaking Down Barriers
God’s love breaks down all barriers that divide humanity. The barriers of race, culture, and social status are rendered meaningless in the light of God’s redemptive work through Christ. This encourages Christians to actively work towards unity and reconciliation in a world often marked by division and conflict.
Connection to Jesus Christ
Christ’s Redemptive Work
Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate demonstration of God’s love and inclusivity. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus made it possible for all people to be reconciled to God. The mention of the Scythians in Colossians 3:11 underscores that Christ’s redemptive work is for all, regardless of their background or previous status. This is a powerful reminder of the scope of Christ’s salvation.
The Example of Jesus
Jesus Himself set an example of inclusivity and love during His earthly ministry. He reached out to the marginalized and the outcasts, showing that God’s kingdom is open to all. For modern Christians, following Jesus’ example means reaching out to those who are often overlooked or rejected by society, demonstrating the same love and acceptance that Jesus showed.
Conclusion
The mention of the Scythians in Colossians 3:11 serves as a profound reminder of the universal scope of the Gospel and the inclusive nature of God’s love. It teaches modern Christians about the importance of breaking down barriers and embracing all people with the love of Christ. In a world that often divides people into different categories, the message of equality and unity in Christ is as relevant today as it was in Paul’s time. By reflecting on the story of the Scythians, believers are encouraged to live out the radical inclusivity of the Gospel, showing God’s love to everyone, regardless of their background.