Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the term "Gentiles" is often synonymous with "nations," referring to all peoples who are not part of the Jewish community. The Hebrew word "goyim" and the Greek word "ethne" are commonly translated as "nations" or "Gentiles" in the Scriptures. This designation is significant in understanding the unfolding of God's plan for humanity as revealed in the Bible.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the term "nations" is frequently used to describe the peoples surrounding Israel. These nations were often seen as distinct from the chosen people of God, Israel, who were set apart to be a holy nation (Exodus 19:6). The relationship between Israel and the nations is complex, involving both conflict and the promise of blessing. God's covenant with Abraham included a promise that "all the nations of the earth will be blessed through him" (Genesis 18:18). This indicates an early intention for the inclusion of the Gentiles in God's redemptive plan. The prophets also spoke of a future time when the nations would turn to the God of Israel. Isaiah 2:2-3 envisions a day when "all nations will stream to" the mountain of the Lord, seeking His ways and His law. New Testament Context The New Testament further develops the theme of the inclusion of the Gentiles in God's salvific plan. Jesus' ministry, while primarily focused on the "lost sheep of Israel" (Matthew 15:24), also foreshadowed the outreach to the Gentiles. In the Great Commission, Jesus commands His disciples to "make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19), explicitly extending the mission to the Gentiles. The Apostle Paul, known as the apostle to the Gentiles, played a pivotal role in the early church's outreach to non-Jewish peoples. In Romans 1:5 , Paul speaks of receiving "grace and apostleship to call all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith for His name’s sake." Paul's letters frequently address the inclusion of Gentiles in the body of Christ, emphasizing that there is no distinction between Jew and Gentile in the new covenant (Galatians 3:28). Theological Significance The inclusion of the Gentiles is a testament to God's universal plan of salvation. It underscores the breaking down of barriers between Jew and Gentile, as articulated in Ephesians 2:14 : "For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has torn down the dividing wall of hostility." This unity in Christ fulfills the promise made to Abraham and reflects the heart of the gospel message. The book of Revelation culminates in a vision of a redeemed humanity, where people from "every nation and tribe and people and tongue" stand before the throne of God (Revelation 7:9). This eschatological vision highlights the ultimate gathering of the nations into the kingdom of God, fulfilling the prophetic promises and demonstrating the comprehensive scope of God's redemptive work through Jesus Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 9:20Put them in fear, O LORD: that the nations may know themselves to be but men. Selah. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 22:28 Isaiah 9:1 Library Psalm 65 Part 1 a Prayer-Hearing God, and the Gentiles Called. Psalm 65:3. First Part. CM A Prayer-Hearing God, and the Gentiles ... The Call of the Gentiles under the Influence of the Gospel ... That the Name of Gods is Falsely Given to the Gods of the Gentiles ... That the Gentiles Should Rather Believe in Christ. From the Fact that the Gentiles Believe in Jesus, it is Evident ... How Much More Faithful to God the Gentiles are who are Converted ... The vision Occasion of Writing. Relative Position of Jews and Gentiles ... Matt. xxii. 1-14. Resources What is the Hebrew Roots movement? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that the church has been grafted in Israel's place? | GotQuestions.org What are the four Servant Songs in Isaiah? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Gentiles: Blasphemous and Reproachful Gentiles: Called: Uncircumcised Gentiles: Called: Uncircumcision Gentiles: Christ Given As a Light To Gentiles: Comprehend all Nations Except the Jews Gentiles: Constant to Their False Gods Gentiles: Conversion of, Predicted Gentiles: Counsel of, Brought to Nought Gentiles: Excluded from Israel's Privileges Gentiles: First General Introduction of the Gospel To Gentiles: First Special Introduction of the Gospel To Gentiles: Given to Christ As his Inheritance Gentiles: Hated and Despised the Jews Gentiles: Israel Rejected Till the Fulness of Gentiles: Jerusalem Trodden Down By Gentiles: Not Allowed to Enter the Temple Gentiles: Often Ravaged and Defiled the Holy Land and Sanctuary Gentiles: Outer Court of Temple For Gentiles: Prophecies of the Conversion of Gentiles: Refusing to Know God Gentiles: The Gospel not to be Preached To, Till Preached to the Jews Gentiles: The Jews: Despised, As If Dogs Gentiles: The Jews: Dispersed Amongst Gentiles: The Jews: Never Associated With Gentiles: The Jews: Not to Follow the Ways of Gentiles: The Jews: Not to Intermarry With Gentiles: The Jews: Often Corrupted By Gentiles: The Jews: Permitted to Have, As Servants Gentiles: Unclassified Sciptures Relating To Gentiles: United With the Jews Against Christ Related Terms Instrumentality (5 Occurrences) |
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