The term “Scythian” might seem obscure to modern readers of the Bible, appearing notably in Colossians 3:11: “Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.” To fully grasp the power of this statement, it is essential to understand who the Scythians were and why their inclusion in Paul’s letter to the Colossians was so revolutionary. Historically, Scythians were nomadic tribes from the steppes north of the Black and Caspian Seas, renowned for their fierce warrior culture and often regarded by Greco-Roman society as the epitome of barbarism and uncivilized savagery. Paul’s deliberate mention of the Scythian alongside other social and ethnic distinctions underscores the radical inclusivity of the Gospel and the transformative unity found in Christ.
Who Were the Scythians?
The Scythians were a diverse group of Iranian nomadic peoples who dominated the Eurasian steppe for centuries, roughly from the 7th century BC to the 3rd century AD. They were known for their equestrian skills, mastery of archery, and distinctive artistic traditions. However, in the settled urban cultures of Greece and Rome, “Scythian” became a byword for wildness, lack of education, and general savagery. To call someone a Scythian was to place them at the very bottom of the social and cultural hierarchy, beyond even the “barbarians” who at least spoke a recognized foreign language. This ancient perception of the Scythian is crucial for understanding Paul’s message: if even a Scythian could be united in Christ, then no one was beyond the reach of the Gospel or excluded from the new community it forged.
The Scythian in Colossians 3:11: Breaking Down Barriers
Paul’s declaration in Colossians 3:11 is a powerful statement about the dismantling of human-made divisions within the Christian community. By listing “Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free,” Paul systematically addresses every significant social, ethnic, and religious boundary of his time. The “Scythian” here represents the absolute extreme of otherness, the person considered utterly beyond the pale of civilized society. Yet, in Christ, these distinctions lose their power. The message is clear: belonging to God’s people is no longer determined by birth, cultural status, or social standing, but solely by one’s relationship with Jesus Christ. This revolutionary concept challenges all forms of prejudice and exclusion, emphasizing an unprecedented level of unity and equality. Read more about unity in the early church.
Christ is All, and is in All: A New Identity
The concluding phrase, “but Christ is all, and is in all,” provides the theological foundation for this radical inclusivity. In the new humanity created by Christ, individual identities are subsumed and transformed by a shared identity in Him. The various labels and categories that once defined and divided people become secondary, replaced by the overarching reality of Christ’s presence. This doesn’t erase cultural distinctives, but it reorders their significance; they no longer serve as barriers to fellowship or indicators of spiritual status. Instead, what truly matters is Christ working through each individual, irrespective of their background. This truth encourages believers to look beyond superficial differences and recognize the divine image in one another, fostering a community characterized by love and mutual respect, as urged in Colossians 3:12-14: “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience… And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
The mention of the Scythian in Colossians 3:11 remains a potent reminder that the Gospel’s power transcends all human divisions. It calls us to embrace a vision of community where every person, regardless of background or societal perception, is valued and united in the common bond of Christ. Read more about Christian identity.