The terms "nations" and "Gentiles" are frequently encountered in the Bible and are often used interchangeably to refer to peoples and ethnic groups distinct from the Israelites. In the Hebrew Bible, the word "goyim" is commonly translated as "nations" or "Gentiles," while in the New Testament, the Greek word "ethnos" is used.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the concept of "nations" is introduced early in the narrative. Genesis 10, often referred to as the Table of Nations, lists the descendants of Noah's sons—Shem, Ham, and Japheth—and describes the spread of these families into various nations. This passage underscores the diversity of humanity and the establishment of different ethnic groups across the earth.

The Israelites were chosen by God to be a distinct people, set apart from the other nations. In Deuteronomy 7:6, the Lord declares, "For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for His prized possession, above all the peoples on the face of the earth." This special status often placed Israel in contrast to the surrounding nations, which were frequently depicted as idolatrous and opposed to God's purposes.

Despite this distinction, the Old Testament also contains promises and prophecies concerning the nations. For instance, in Genesis 12:3, God promises Abraham, "I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you, and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you." This indicates a future blessing for the nations through Israel.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the term "Gentiles" becomes more prominent, especially in the context of the early Christian mission. Jesus' ministry, while primarily focused on the "lost sheep of Israel" (Matthew 15:24), also foreshadowed the inclusion of the Gentiles. In Matthew 28:19, the Great Commission commands the disciples to "go and make disciples of all nations," indicating the expansion of the gospel beyond the Jewish people.

The Apostle Paul is particularly significant in the New Testament for his role as the "apostle to the Gentiles" (Romans 11:13). His missionary journeys and epistles emphasize the breaking down of the dividing wall between Jews and Gentiles through Christ. In Ephesians 2:14, Paul writes, "For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has torn down the dividing wall of hostility."

The inclusion of the Gentiles is seen as a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and a demonstration of God's universal plan of salvation. In Acts 15, the Jerusalem Council addresses the question of Gentile inclusion, affirming that Gentiles do not need to adhere to the full Mosaic Law to be part of the Christian community.

Theological Significance

Theologically, the inclusion of the Gentiles is a testament to God's grace and the universality of the gospel. It highlights the breaking down of ethnic and cultural barriers in the body of Christ, as expressed in Galatians 3:28: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."

The relationship between Israel and the nations is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, reflecting God's sovereignty over all peoples and His desire for all to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). The ultimate vision of this unity is depicted in Revelation 7:9, where a great multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language stands before the throne of God, worshiping Him together.