THE WAY INSTITUTE · CONVERSIONS IN ACTS · STUDY 2

The Samaritans: Estranged Cousins, One Gospel

Who taught you to keep your distance? In The Leader’s Walk, Episode 10, we journey from Jesus’ conversation at the well to the Gospel’s welcome in Samaria. Discover how these encounters challenge inherited prejudice and help us become leaders who listen, welcome, and recognize God’s work beyond familiar circles.

Meet the people behind the tension

The Samaritans and Jews shared connections to Israel’s story, yet history and disagreements over worship had driven them apart. Calling them “estranged cousins” is an illustration of that closeness and distance, rather than a complete account of Samaritan ancestry.

A conversation at the well

Read John 4:1–42. At Jacob’s well near Sychar, Jesus speaks with a Samaritan woman about living water and worship in spirit and truth. His disciples are astonished that he is speaking with a woman. Her testimony invites her neighbors to encounter Jesus for themselves.

The Gospel crosses into Samaria

Read Acts 8:1–25 alongside Acts 1:8. Philip proclaims Christ; people believe and are baptized. Peter and John come from Jerusalem, and the Samaritans receive the Holy Spirit. These events show the Gospel crossing a deeply rooted divide. John 4 and Acts 8 are distinct events; the text does not identify the participants as the same people.

Two questions for leaders

Who taught you to keep your distance? Consider an opinion you inherited about a person or community. What would listening with humility require?

Can you welcome the people you once avoided? Consider how your church or team can recognize God’s work beyond its familiar circle while remaining faithful to the Gospel.

Continue your study

Continue with The Samaritans: Across the Distance, our eight-page Community Reflection PDF. Explore the biblical narrative, four reflection prompts, a closing prayer, and a seven-day action plan. Download the guide for $4.99.

Walking in Truth. Walking Together.