WAS JESUS A WHITE MAN?

Shalom! Welcome to this time of biblical reflection…

Many people today, especially in African contexts, struggle with the idea of following Christianity because they associate it with European colonialism. Some argue, “Jesus was a white man. Why should we Africans follow a white man or adopt a religion that was brought to us by Europeans?” They go on to suggest that Christianity is a form of mental colonization, and that we should preserve African traditions and reject foreign influence.

These arguments often stem from historical pain, identity crises, and a lack of knowledge about the true origin and nature of the Christian faith. Before we answer the question, “Was Jesus a white man?”, let us explore a few foundational truths.

1. Rejecting Christianity Because of Its Messengers Is Illogical

If one insists that everything brought by Europeans must be rejected, then by that same standard, they must also reject:

Smartphones, which are made in technologically advanced countries,

Western clothing, which is mass-produced in global factories,

Electricity, hospitals, vehicles, medicine, television, formal education, and even modern houses.

Rejecting Christianity solely because it came through Western missionaries is therefore inconsistent and hypocritical, especially if we still enjoy the benefits of other things brought by the same people.

As Jesus said:

Judge with righteous judgment.

John 7:24, NKJV

Truth should be judged by its substance, not by its messenger’s ethnicity or nationality.

2. Christianity Did Not Begin in Europe

It is true that the Gospel was brought to Africa by European missionaries, but Christianity itself did not originate in Europe. It began in Israel, among the Jewish people.

Salvation is of the Jews.

John 4:22, NKJV

God chose Israel to be the nation through which His redemptive plan for the world would unfold.

You only have I known of all the families of the earth.

Amos 3:2, NKJV

Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem, raised in Nazareth, and lived in the region of Judea (modern-day Israel/Palestine). He was a Jew by ethnicity (Hebrews 7:14), not a European.

3. What Did Jesus Look Like?

Jesus was not a white man with blue eyes and blond hair, as is often portrayed in Western art. He was a Middle Eastern Jew, likely with olive or brown skin, dark eyes, and dark hair—more similar in appearance to Arabs than to Europeans.

Prophetically, Isaiah described His physical appearance in this way:

He has no form or comeliness;

And when we see Him,

There is no beauty that we should desire Him.

Isaiah 53:2, NKJV

This implies that Jesus did not stand out by outward appearance. The Bible is silent on His precise features, perhaps to prevent idolatry based on physical image.

4. Romans Were the White People in Jesus’ Time

During Christ’s earthly ministry, the land of Israel was under Roman rule. It was the Romans—Europeans—who exercised political control. Key figures such as Pontius Pilate and Herod Antipas (Luke 23:7–11) were Roman rulers.

Jesus and His disciples were not part of this ruling European class. They were part of the Jewish population who were under occupation.

So to answer plainly:

❌ Jesus was not white.

✅ He was a Middle Eastern Jew from the tribe of Judah.

For it is evident that our Lord arose from Judah…

Hebrews 7:14, NKJV

5. How Did Europeans Come to Believe in Jesus?

After Christ’s resurrection and ascension, He commanded His disciples:

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations…

Matthew 28:19, NKJV

This included Gentiles (non-Jews), such as Romans, Greeks, and eventually people from every continent. One of the first Gentile converts was a Roman centurion:

Then Peter opened his mouth and said: ‘In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.

Acts 10:34–35, NKJV

So Europeans—though they were not originally part of God’s covenant—received the Gospel by grace, just like all Gentiles.

..that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel.

Ephesians 3:6, NKJV

6. God Used European Missionaries, Just as He Uses All Nations

God, in His sovereignty, used European missionaries to bring the Gospel to Africa. That does not mean Christianity belongs to Europe—it belongs to heaven. The Gospel is not Western; it is eternal.

Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth—to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people.

Revelation 14:6, NKJV

If today, God chooses to use Africans to take the Gospel to Europe, it’s still the same Gospel—the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16).

7. Now Africa Must Take the Gospel to the Nations

Europe once sent missionaries to Africa. Today, many European countries have fallen into spiritual darkness—marked by secularism, moral decay, and rejection of biblical values. Africa, now strong in faith, must arise and carry the Gospel to those who once brought it to us.

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news…

Isaiah 52:7, NKJV

God is not bound by geography or skin color. He uses whoever is willing.

8. God Does Not Show Favoritism by Race

Christianity is not a religion of white people or black people—it is the faith of all who believe in the Son of God.

There is neither Jew nor Greek… for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Galatians 3:28, NKJV

If your idea of God is one who only works within your race or nation, then you are not worshiping the true God of the Bible. The true God is the Creator of all:

From one blood He made every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth…

Acts 17:26, NKJV

9. The Urgency of Salvation

Jesus Christ died, was buried, rose again on the third day, and ascended to heaven. He will return again to judge the living and the dead.

For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout…

1 Thessalonians 4:16, NKJV

If you’ve heard the Gospel but have not yet repented, do not let false ideas about colonialism or race stop you from receiving the free gift of salvation. Rejecting Christ is not an act of liberation—it is an act of rebellion.

Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent.

Acts 17:30, NKJV

Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 2:38, NKJV

✝️ Conclusion

Jesus was not white. He was a Jewish man from Israel. But more importantly, He is the Son of the Living God, and salvation through Him is offered to all people, regardless of race or nationality.

Don’t let skin color keep you from eternal life.