After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no-one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language...' (Revelation 7:9)

The visions in the book of revelation give a glimpse of the people of God at the consummation of history - a racially diverse congregation gathered together in worship around God's throne.

The theme of race runs throughout Scripture, constantly pointing to the global and multi-ethnic dimensions inherent in the overarching plan of God. In response to the neglect of this theme in much evangelical scholarship, Dr Hays offers a thorough exegetical study. As well as focusing on texts which have a general bearing on race, Dr Hays also demonstrates that black Africans from Cush (Ethiopia) play an important role in both Old and New Testament history.

This careful, nuanced analysis provides a clear theological foundation for life in contemporary multi-racial cultures, and challenges churches to pursue racial unity in Christ.