On 1st January, 1866, the first issue of The Scattered Nation was published under the leadership of prominent Hebrew Christian Carl Schwartz, who founded the Hebrew Christian Alliance of Great Britain also in 1866. The quarterly periodical became a significant platform for Hebrew Christianity, addressing theological, cultural, and social topics pertinent to Jewish disciples of Jesus.

Schwartz envisioned The Scattered Nation as a means to communicate the enduring role of Israel in God’s redemptive plan. The publication addressed misconceptions about Jewish beliefs and practices, while simultaneously presenting a compelling case for Yeshua as the promised Messiah of Israel. Articles featured in the periodical included theological discussions, historical analysis, and reflections on the contemporary state of Jewish-Christian relations. Prominent Jewish disciples such as Moses Margoliouth, Ridley Herschell, and friends James Finn (British Consul in Jerusalem) and Andrew Bonar (the Scottish divine) all contributed to the magazine.

The periodical drew contributors from both Jewish and Christian backgrounds, exemplifying a spirit of mutual respect and dialogue. Its articles highlighted biblical scholarship, addressed antisemitism, and affirmed the continued place of the Jewish people in God’s covenantal promises. Schwartz’s erudition and passion for Yeshua set the tone for a publication that became a cornerstone in the Messianic Jewish movement’s literary legacy.

Reflection
The Scattered Nation reminds us of the importance of scholarship, and advocacy in bridging divides. As Messianic believers, we are called to uphold the heritage of Israel and to affirm the Good News of Yeshua with respect and love. The periodical’s pioneering vision remains an inspiration for contemporary Messianic Jewish identity.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the work Schwartz’s “Scattered Nation” and his efforts bridge the gap between Jews and Christians. May we, like him, be bold in our witness and faithful in our love for Israel and the nations. Grant us wisdom and humility as we proclaim the Besorah of Yeshua. Amen.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the work of Carl Schwartz and his efforts to foster understanding and reconciliation between Jews and Christians. May we, like him, be bold in our witness and faithful in our love for Israel and the nations. Grant us wisdom and humility as we engage in dialogue and proclaim the Besorah of Yeshua. Amen.

Hebrew:
אָבִינוּ שֶׁבַּשָׁמַיִם, אָנוּ מוֹדִים לְךָ עַל פְּעוּלָתֹּ שֶׁל כֵּרִל שְוָוָארץ וְהַשֹּוּתָפַוּת בֵּין יֵהוּדִים לַגּוֹים שֵׁהוּא הַתּקִל. עַזָרֵנוּ לִשֹׁמֹר עַל הַיְרוָשָׁה שֶׁל יִשׂרְאֵל וּלְהַצֵיר אֶת בְּש׉וֹרָת הַמָשִּׂיחַ בֵּאַהֲבָה וּבְכָּבוֹד. אָמֵן.

Transliteration:
Avinu she-ba-shamayim, anu modim lekha al pe’ulato shel Carl Schwartz ve-ha-shutafut bein Yehudim la-goyim she-hu hitchil. Azarenu lishmor al ha-yerusha shel Yisrael u-lehatzhir et besorat ha-Mashiach be-ahavah u-ve-kavod. Amen.

Copies available here – https://catalog.hathitrust.org/Record/000635971