What is a sojourner in the Bible?

Response

The term “sojourner” in the Bible refers to a person who is merely passing through. Synonyms in different translations include foreigner, exile, and alien. During the exodus from Egypt, the Israelites were sojourners in the wilderness (Psalm 105:12-13;1 Chronicles 16:19). Although they spent forty years in the wilderness, it was not their permanent home (Numbers 14:33-34). They were simply sojourners there, longing for the Promised Land that God would provide them as an everlasting residence.

Abraham was a sojourner in Egypt when a famine struck the Promised Land “And there was a famine in the land: and Abram went down into Egypt to sojourn there; for the famine was grievous in the land.”, (Genesis 12:10). Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus also lived as sojourners in Egypt when Herod attempted to kill Him (Matthew 2:13-15). Additionally, the apostle Paul journeyed from place to place, establishing churches and preaching the gospel (Acts 13:1-3, 13-14, 51). All these individuals resided temporarily in foreign lands.

Peter addressed his first letter “to the elect who are sojourners of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia” “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,”, (1 Peter 1:1, ASV). Other versions use “exiles,” “foreigners,” “strangers,” or “refugees.” The recipients of 1 Peter were persecuted Christian Jews who had been facing hostilities.Forced to leave Jerusalem, they were now residing in what we would call Asia Minor. In the next chapter, Peter’s use of the term “sojourners” takes on a more spiritual connotation: “Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul” «Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; », (1 Peter 2:11).

Peter’s appeal for holiness was based on the identity of his readers. They were Christians, bought by the blood of Jesus and made joint heirs with Him for eternity «and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. », (Romans 8:17). They were not citizens of this world, only sojourners in it. They were not to adopt its customs or embrace its worldview (Romans 12:1-2). As sojourners, Christians must exemplify the values and standards of their permanent home, heaven. Paul reiterates that theme in Philippians 3:20, reminding the church that “our citizenship is in heaven.” We are sojourners here, ambassadors for our Father, the King «Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. », (2 Corinthians 5:20).

This world is not our home. The knowledge that we are sojourners on this earth keeps us from setting our hearts on its treasures. Jesus warned us that this world’s treasures are subject to loss. Therefore, we must store up treasure in heaven (Matthew 6:19-20). We are to hold all GGod gives us generously, understanding that any worldly profit is fleeting. Travelers do not establish strong connections in their current locations as they anticipate moving soon. Similarly, Christians do not invest their emotions and energy in temporary matters. A prudent Christian lives each day prepared to depart when guided by God and eager to leave this world when called home by our Father.