Black Connections in the Bible and Christianity

LISTEN HERE -

Blacks (and people of African Descent), are documented in the Holy Bible and throughout religious text that connect Blacks from the beginning of time well into the Christian era and the founding of the Church of Christ. These connections refute misinformation that Christianity or the writings of the Bible were contrived by white men in history.

Many believe that white men have changed history and excluded Blacks so they can take credit for everything, even the existence of God. This is a lie and people need to understand the truth.

The Bible includes several individuals who have African origins and connections, particularly from regions like Egypt, Ethiopia, and Libya. If studied thoroughly, the student will discover that all nations stem from a rich history of African nations and cultures. Over time, the nations spread out from the cradle of civilization and experiencing environmental changes in pigmentation, lineage and culture. Nevertheless, we are all created in the image of God.

Most biblical figures are descendant of Hebrew, Greek, Islamic, and African lineage from the sons of Noah, however, below are some notable African figures from the Old and New Testaments, along with their significance in the biblical narrative and their connection to God and Christ:

Old Testament

Nimrod a descendant of Ham, one of Noah's three sons. He is described as a "mighty hunter before the Lord" and a powerful ruler. Ham's descendants are often associated with regions in Africa (e.g., Egypt, Cush, and Canaan). Nimrod's father is identified as Cush (Genesis 10:8), who is associated with the region of Cush (modern-day Sudan/Ethiopia). However, Ham's lineage also includes peoples from the Middle East, such as the Canaanites and the Babylonians. 

He established a kingdom in the land of Shinar (associated with Mesopotamia, modern-day Iraq) and founded several cities, including Babel, Erech, Akkad, and Calneh. Later, in Genesis 11, Nimrod is often associated with the construction of the Tower of Babel.

Hagar the Egyptian (Africa). Hagar was Sarah's maidservant and the mother of Ishmael, Abraham's first son. Her story (Genesis 16, 21) highlights God's care for the marginalized, as God heard her cries in the wilderness and provided for her and her son. She is seen as an example of God's compassion and faithfulness to all people, regardless of their status.

The Pharaoh of Egypt (Africa). Several pharaohs are mentioned in the Old Testament, including the one who interacted with Abraham (Genesis 12) and the one who oppressed the Israelites (Exodus 1-14). These stories demonstrate God's power over earthly rulers and His commitment to delivering His people.

Ebed-Melech the Ethiopian (Africa). Melech was a high-ranking official in the court of King Zedekiah who saved the prophet Jeremiah from death (Jeremiah 38-39). God rewarded his kindness and faith by promising to protect him during the fall of Jerusalem. His story shows that God values and rewards acts of righteousness, even from those outside the covenant community.

The Queen of Sheba Likely from the region of modern-day Ethiopia or Yemen (with African connections). The Queen of Sheba visited King Solomon to test his wisdom (1 Kings 10, 2 Chronicles 9). She acknowledged the God of Israel, praising Him for His wisdom and blessings. Her story is often seen as a foreshadowing of the inclusion of Gentiles in God's plan.

Tahpenes the Egyptian (Africa). Tahpenes was an Egyptian queen who gave her sister in marriage to Hadad the Edomite (1 Kings 11:19-20). While her role is minor, her inclusion in the biblical narrative reflects the interconnectedness of African nations with Israel's history.

King Solomon of Israel. Solomon was a descendant of Abraham, who was part of the Semitic lineage (descendants of Shem, one of Noah's sons). However, Solomon’s lineage also connects him to Ham, Noah’s other son, through his mother, Bathsheba.

Bathsheba’s husband, Uriah the Hittite, was likely of Canaanite descent (Canaan was a son of Ham, whose descendants are often associated with North Africa and the Middle East). While Bathsheba herself was Israelite, her marriage to Uriah ties Solomon to the broader Hamitic lineage, which includes African peoples.

One of the most famous connections between Solomon and Africa is his relationship with the Queen of Sheba (1 Kings 10:1-13, 2 Chronicles 9:1-12). The Queen of Sheba is traditionally believed to have come from the kingdom of Saba, which is often associated with modern-day Ethiopia or Yemen.

According to Ethiopian tradition (as recorded in the Kebra Nagast, an ancient Ethiopian text), Solomon and the Queen of Sheba had a son named Menelik I, who became the first emperor of Ethiopia. This tradition establishes a direct link between Solomon and African heritage, as Menelik I is considered the founder of the Solomonic dynasty, which ruled Ethiopia for centuries.

New Testament

Simon of Cyrene (Modern-day Libya, North Africa). Simon was forced to carry Jesus' cross on the way to Calvary (Matthew 27:32, Mark 15:21, Luke 23:26). His act of bearing the cross is often seen as symbolic of the call for all Christians to take up their cross and follow Jesus. His sons, Alexander and Rufus, are also mentioned, suggesting that his family became part of the early Christian community.

The Ethiopian Eunuch (Africa). The Ethiopian eunuch was a high-ranking official under Queen Candace who encountered Philip the evangelist (Acts 8:26-40). After Philip explained the Gospel to him, he was baptized, becoming one of the earliest Gentile converts to Christianity. His story highlights the spread of the Gospel to Africa and the inclusion of all nations in God's salvation plan.

Lucius of Cyrene (modern-day Libya, North Africa). Lucius is mentioned as one of the prophets and teachers in the early church at Antioch (Acts 13:1). He played a role in the early spread of Christianity and the commissioning of Paul and Barnabas for missionary work.

Simeon called Niger African (the term "Niger" means "black" in Latin). Simeon was a prophet and teacher in the church at Antioch (Acts 13:1). His presence among the leaders of the early church underscores the diversity of the early Christian community and the inclusion of African believers in leadership roles.

Significance in Christianity

These individuals demonstrate that Africa and Africans have always been part of God's redemptive plan. Their stories highlight themes of faith, inclusion, and God's care for all people, regardless of ethnicity or social status. They also remind Christians of the universal scope of the Gospel and the importance of embracing diversity within the body of Christ.

In Christian tradition, these figures are often celebrated as examples of God's work across cultural and geographical boundaries, reinforcing the belief that Christianity is a faith for all nations, and not a white man’s invention of myths and fables.

The significance of Black people in the Bible, challenges longstanding misconceptions and falsehoods, the misinterpretation of the curse placed on Canaan and corrects the historical misuse of this narrative to justify slavery and oppression of Black people. It suggests that certain biblical prophecies about struggle and oppression relate to the historical challenges faced by Black and African people, highlighting that God is mindful of these struggles and has promised justice.

Black people have always been part of God's divine plan, and a strong encouragement to recognize the contributions of Black people throughout history to overturn historically whitewashed narratives and teachings. Too many American and African educational systems are still perpetuating outdated narratives.

This study seeks to correct centuries of misconceptions by highlighting the integral roles and individuals of African ancestry played in biblical stories and Christianity. It argues for a reformation in educational systems that still cling to outdated teachings and fail to represent the significant contributions of Black individuals and cultures in history. People, especially Blacks, must reeducate themselves toward the truth about their history and their relationship and connection to God.