39 And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did. 40 So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days. 41 And many more believed because of his own word; 42 And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world. (John 4:39-42 KJV)
The People of Samaria Believe in Jesus
The good effect Christ’s visit had among the Samaritans, and the fruit gathered immediately, is seen in John 4:39-42.
By the woman’s testimony about Christ—though she was of poor reputation and said only, “He told me everything I ever did” (John 4:39)—many were influenced. One might think exposing her secret sins would drive people away, but instead they came, convinced he was a prophet.
Many of the Samaritans believed because of her saying. They weren’t Jews, yet they believed, a preview of how Gentiles would receive what the Jews rejected. God often uses unlikely instruments to begin good work. A servant girl pointed Naaman to Elisha (2 Kings 5:2). A small spark can start a large fire. Jesus taught one woman, and it reached an entire town. Ministers should never be discouraged by small audiences; a few lowly hearers can influence many. Philip taught one man on a road, and the gospel spread through that man to his country (Acts 8:26-39). Those who speak from experience are most effective: “Come and hear… what he has done for my soul” (Psalm 66:16).
They asked Jesus to stay with them (John 4:40). They weren’t discouraged by his simple appearance or poor condition. They respected him still. Those who get past superficial judgments and are not offended by Christ’s humble form are on the right path. They begged him to stay—not to be entertained but to receive instruction. People taught by God want more of Christ. Many would rush to someone who predicts the future, but these came to someone who told them their sins and duties. The Samaritans, unlike some of their own people (Luke 9:53), invited him to stay. Their love for Christ overcame cultural prejudice and custom. Jesus stayed with them.
Though it was a Samaritan town near their rival temple, and though he had further to travel, he stayed two days, using the opportunity to do good. Two days were as much as this city received from his short time on earth.
Many more believed because of what they heard directly from him (John 4:41-42). Their hearing had a strong effect. Some who didn’t go out to see him believed once he came. Zeal in some may provoke faith in others (Romans 11:14).
Their faith grew. At first, they believed he was a prophet based on the woman’s words. Now, from personal experience, they believed he was the Christ and Savior of the world (Isaiah 49:6). Their faith grew in three ways:
- In content: They now believed he was the promised Messiah and Savior, not just a prophet.
- In certainty: “We know this is indeed the Christ” (John 4:42)—not a pretender, but truly the One.
- In foundation: “We have heard for ourselves.” They had seen and heard enough to be fully assured. This echoes the queen of Sheba: “The half was not told me” (1 Kings 10:7).
Initial faith comes by hearing others, but it matures through direct experience. We may first seek the Scriptures because of others’ testimony, but real faith comes when we experience its power ourselves. Then our faith stands not in human wisdom but in God’s power (1 Corinthians 2:5; 1 John 5:9-10).
The seed of the gospel was sown in Samaria. Later, when Philip preached there, he found the people ready and receptive (Acts 8:5-6, 8). Yet as some were inclined to good, others were just as easily drawn to evil, like those deceived by Simon the sorcerer (Acts 8:9-10).