It took place about 20 years after Jesus was executed. The early Christian community in Jerusalem consisted of Jews and Hellenists. The latter apparently felt they were not bring treated as equals and that their widows and others in need were not being dealt with as charitably as the Jewish widows. A team of 7 , including Philip and Stephen, were appointed to make sure everyone was being looked after (and Carter pointed out that all 7 had Greek names, so that they would be seen as fair). Fast forward, there is an upswing in persecution of the Christians, Stephen is stoned to death and is the first Christian martyr. Philip goes to Samaria to escape a similar fate. Carter points out that he was both an evangelist and a refugee there. Not so subtle dig at you know who. Carter also cites Jesus' respect for and inclusion of the people of Samaria, who were looked down upon by his community, both in his story praising the Good Samaritan and in the Great Commission. Carter emphasizes Jesus' inclusion of all, says that Jesus did not build walls but tore down walls between people. He didn't mention Trump by name at any time, but he couldn't have been more clear. He also spoke of visiting Samaria in a post-Presidency trip to the Middle East. Said there were now only about 600 Samaritans. Spoke of his disappointment in his defeat the first time he ran for governor, said he did not understand how God would let him lose to a segregationist like Lester Maddox. He then volunteered as a lay missionary in Pennsylvania for several weeks and shared his faith 1-on-1 with hundreds of people, found it very rewarding and subsequently did it again in (iirc) a couple more states. Talked about redemption, how regardless of what has happened you can have a new lease on life, starting today!
So, that is my recap of the lesson, to the best of my memory, and if any part of it is wrong blame me and not President Carter! He is a peach!
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