DIASPORAS IN THE BIBLE
Migration is a major highway throughout both testaments of Scripture. The following lists and tables are designed to guide you in using the word of God in praying for the "people on the move". These are not complete, as you study the Bible, the Lord will surely reveal more passages and insights which are relevant to diaspora mission. |
Read/listen through the Bible with the movement of people in mind.
Diaspora is a major theme throughout Scripture, from God’s command to “fill the earth” in Genesis 1 to the picture of our eternal home in Revelation 22. Many parts of the Bible were written by people in diaspora and/or with diaspora in mind. Here are some questions to ask:
What movement is taking place? How is God at work in this?
Where is this person from? What cultures does this person represent?
What does God say to or about people on the move?
How does the movement of people lead to the increase of God’s glory?
Diaspora is a major theme throughout Scripture, from God’s command to “fill the earth” in Genesis 1 to the picture of our eternal home in Revelation 22. Many parts of the Bible were written by people in diaspora and/or with diaspora in mind. Here are some questions to ask:
What movement is taking place? How is God at work in this?
Where is this person from? What cultures does this person represent?
What does God say to or about people on the move?
How does the movement of people lead to the increase of God’s glory?
Diaspora Stories
Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9) Abraham (see Genesis 12: 1-3, 17:8) Hagar (Genesis 16:7-13) Finding Rebekah (Genesis 24) Joseph (see Genesis 50:20) Moses (see Exodus 2:22) Ruth and Naomi (see Ruth 1) Elijah and widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17) Naaman and servant girl (2 Kings 5:1-14) Elisha and Syrians (2 Kings 6:8-23) Nehemiah (see Nehemiah 1) Esther (see Esther 4:13-16) Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego (see Daniel 1:17-21, 3:18, 6:10) Jesus (John 1:14; Matthew 2:13-15) Wise men (Matthew 2:1-2, 11-12) Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:1-9) Centurion’s faith (Luke 7:1-10) Samaritan leper (Luke 17:11-19) Syrophoenician woman (Mark 7:24-30) Greeks seek Jesus (John 12:20-26) Pentecost (Acts 2:1-11, 37-41) Hellenist widows (Acts 6:1-7) Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:26-40) Saul and Ananias (Acts 9:1-18) Cornelius (Acts 10:1-8) Barnabas and Saul sent off (Acts 13:1-3) Lydia (Acts 16:6-15) Paul in Rome (Acts 28:16, 30-31) Heaven (Revelation 7:9-12) |
More Resources
Diversity of Diaspora Get to know diaspora people in the Bible -- refugees, international students, economic migrants, third culture persons, and so on. God moves as people move See different examples of encountering God on the road. People of God are people on the move Investigate the diaspora identity of the people of God. Some verses for reflection and prayer This is not a comprehensive list -- just a taste! |
© Copyright Global Diaspora Network. All Right Reserved