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    In Context

    What Does the Bible Say About Race and Ethnicity — In Biblical Context

    The Bible teaches that all humans are created in God's image, descended from one blood, and equal before Him regardless of ethnicity.

    Quick Answer

    The Bible teaches that all humans are created in God's image, descended from one blood, and equal before Him regardless of ethnicity.

    "And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth." — Acts 17:26 (KJV)

    The Biblical Context

    Scripture is clear that all humanity shares common origin and equal dignity. Acts 17:26 states that God 'hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth.' Every person is created in God's image (Genesis 1:27), establishing inherent worth regardless of ethnicity. Galatians 3:28 declares, 'There is neither Jew nor Greek... for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.' The early church deliberately crossed ethnic barriers — Philip preaching to an Ethiopian (Acts 8), Peter going to Cornelius (Acts 10), and the multicultural church at Antioch (Acts 13:1). Revelation envisions heaven as including 'all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues' (Revelation 7:9). Racism contradicts the Bible's consistent teaching that God shows no partiality (Romans 2:11).

    Where It Sits in Scripture

    The core passage for this question, Acts 17:26, sits inside Acts 17. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.

    "And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth."
    — Acts 17:26 (KJV)

    Supporting Passages

    Galatians 3:28
    "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus."
    Revelation 7:9
    "After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne."

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