Final answer:
Many Samaritans believed in Jesus due to His message of universal salvation and forgiveness, which was open to all, not just the Jews. This inclusivity was further affirmed by St. Paul and early Christians who emphasized that Jesus's role as the messiah was spiritual, not political.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to John, many of the Samaritans from that town believed in Jesus because of his message of salvation, which revolved around the idea that humankind could find salvation if it sought forgiveness for its sins. Jesus challenged the prevalent norms by associating and dining with tax collectors and sinners, emphasizing spiritual equality and universalism, showing that his teachings were not limited to the Jews but were open to all, including the Samaritans. This universal appeal, coupled with the witnessing of his works and hearing his teachings firsthand, led many Samaritans to believe in him.
Furthermore, the broadening of Christianity to include Gentiles, championed by St. Paul, played a significant role in reinforcing the idea that salvation offered by Christ was potentially universal. Early Christians, following the lead of Jesus and his emphasis on compassion and inclusivity, moved away from the Jewish expectation of a messiah who would be a political liberator, understanding Jesus's messiahship as spiritual liberation. This interpretation of Christ's message as transcending traditional ethnic and social boundaries made it possible for many different peoples, including the Samaritans, to embrace the Christian faith.