Jews

The term "Jews" refers to the descendants of the patriarch Abraham through his son Isaac and grandson Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel. The Jewish people are central to the narrative of the Bible, being the chosen people through whom God revealed His laws, covenants, and ultimately, the Messiah. The Jews are the recipients of the Abrahamic Covenant, which promised land, descendants, and blessing (Genesis 12:1-3). This covenant was reaffirmed to Isaac and Jacob, establishing the Israelites as God's chosen nation.

The Mosaic Covenant, given at Mount Sinai, further defined the relationship between God and the Israelites, providing them with the Law, which included moral, ceremonial, and civil regulations (Exodus 19-24). The Law served as a tutor to lead them to Christ (Galatians 3:24), highlighting the need for a Savior due to the inability of humanity to fully keep God's commandments.

Throughout the Old Testament, the Jews are depicted as a people set apart for God's purposes, yet often struggling with idolatry and disobedience. Despite their failings, God remained faithful to His promises, sending prophets to call them back to righteousness and foretelling the coming of a Messiah who would bring salvation not only to Israel but to all nations.

Gentiles

The term "Gentiles" refers to all nations and peoples who are not of Jewish descent. In the Old Testament, Gentiles were often seen as outsiders to the covenant community of Israel. However, God's plan for the Gentiles is evident throughout Scripture, beginning with the promise to Abraham that "all peoples on earth will be blessed through you" (Genesis 12:3).

The inclusion of Gentiles in God's redemptive plan is further revealed in the prophetic writings. Isaiah speaks of the Servant of the Lord as "a light for the nations" (Isaiah 49:6), and the Psalms declare, "All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the LORD" (Psalm 22:27).

In the New Testament, the distinction between Jews and Gentiles is addressed through the work of Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul emphasizes that the Gospel is "the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Greek" (Romans 1:16). Through Christ's death and resurrection, the dividing wall of hostility between Jews and Gentiles is broken down, creating one new humanity (Ephesians 2:14-16).

The early church grappled with the inclusion of Gentiles, as seen in the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15), where it was affirmed that Gentile believers were not required to adhere to the full Mosaic Law. Instead, they were to abstain from certain practices that were particularly offensive to Jewish Christians, promoting unity within the diverse body of Christ.

Paul's letters further expound on the mystery of the Gospel, which is that Gentiles are "fellow heirs, fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel" (Ephesians 3:6). This inclusion of Gentiles fulfills God's promise to Abraham and demonstrates His desire for all people to come to salvation.

Interrelationship

The relationship between Jews and Gentiles in the biblical narrative is one of both distinction and unity. While the Jews were chosen as the initial recipients of God's revelation and covenants, the ultimate purpose was to extend His grace to all nations. The New Testament reveals that in Christ, there is neither Jew nor Gentile, but all are one in Him (Galatians 3:28).

This unity does not erase the unique roles and identities of Jews and Gentiles but rather brings them together in the body of Christ, where each contributes to the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. The church, composed of both Jews and Gentiles, serves as a testimony to the manifold wisdom of God and His eternal purpose accomplished in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 3:10-11).