The word “Gentile” appears numerous times throughout the Bible, referring to those who are not Jewish. The term originates from the Hebrew word “goy”, meaning “people, nation”. In the Old Testament, Gentiles were seen as outsiders to God’s chosen people of Israel. However, the New Testament radically redefines the concept of what it means to be a Gentile.
According to the Old Testament, Gentiles were excluded from the covenants between God and Israel. They were considered “uncircumcised” and outside of God’s blessings (Ephesians 2:11-12). Israelites were commanded not to intermarry with Gentiles (Deuteronomy 7:3), as this would lead God’s people astray. Overall, Gentiles were seen as pagan idol worshippers who did not know the one true God.
This all changed with the coming of Jesus Christ. The New Testament makes it clear that salvation through Christ is available to all people, both Jews and Gentiles. One of the first glimpses of this new inclusion came through Peter’s vision in Acts 10. God gave Peter a vision telling him not to call unclean what God had made clean, meaning the Gentiles. After this, Peter preached the gospel to the Gentile Cornelius and his household, declaring “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.” (Acts 10:34-35).
The apostle Paul was commissioned as the “apostle to the Gentiles” and proclaimed that the gospel was for all people. Paul wrote, “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). The book of Ephesians emphasizes that Jesus came to break down the dividing wall between Jews and Gentiles, giving Gentiles access to the covenants of promise through Christ.
While Gentiles are fully included in God’s kingdom, the distinction between Jews and Gentiles still remains relevant in the Bible. Romans 9-11 discusses how Jewish people are still beloved by God and how He has not rejected His people. These chapters emphasize a certain priority for Jewish people in salvation and their unique role in God’s redemptive plan. So Gentiles have not replaced Jews in God’s kingdom but are grafted in alongside them.
In summary, the New Testament redefines Gentiles from outsiders under the Old Covenant to full recipients of the promises of God under the New Covenant. Some key things the Bible teaches about Gentiles include:
- Gentiles were outside of God’s covenants with Israel
- The gospel of Christ is now available to both Jew and Gentile alike
- Gentiles are fellow heirs of salvation and God’s kingdom
- Unity in Christ eliminates barriers between Jews and Gentiles
- Distinctions between Jews and Gentiles still remain for God’sredemptive purposes
Understanding the concept of Gentiles is key to understanding the Bible’s storyline. God’s love and salvation was once exclusive to Israel, but now extends through Christ to people of every nation and tongue. The inclusion of Gentiles displays the radical grace and inclusiveness of God’s kingdom.
The Old Testament provides background on how Gentiles related to God’s chosen people of Israel. Several key passages include:
- Genesis 12:1-3 – God promises to bless all peoples through Abraham
- Exodus 19:5-6 – Israel is called to be a kingdom of priests and light to the nations
- Leviticus 20:23-26 – Laws distinguishing Israelites from Gentiles
- Deuteronomy 7:1-11 – Instructions not to intermarry with Gentiles
- Isaiah 42:6 – Calling Israel to be a light for the Gentiles
- Isaiah 60:1-3 – Gentiles will be drawn to God’s light in the end times
- Jeremiah 16:19-21 – Gentiles shall come from the ends of the earth to worship God
In the New Testament, Jesus’ ministry signals a change in how Gentiles will be included. This includes:
- Matthew 8:5-13 – Jesus heals a Roman centurion’s servant
- Matthew 15:21-28 – A Canaanite woman’s faith impresses Jesus
- Luke 2:32 – Jesus is salvation for Jews and Gentiles
- Luke 7:1-10 – Jesus heals a Gentile centurion’s servant
- John 10:16 – Jesus gathers sheep not of this fold (Gentiles)
- John 12:20-32 – Greeks seek Jesus at Passover
After Christ’s death and resurrection, the early church comes to understand God’s inclusive grace extends to the Gentiles. Important passages include:
- Acts 10 – Peter’s vision and outreach to Cornelius
- Acts 11:1-18 – Peter explains his visit to the Gentiles
- Acts 13:46-48 – Paul turns to the Gentiles
- Acts 15 – The Jerusalem Council welcomes Gentile believers
- Romans 1:16 – The gospel for Jew and Gentile alike
- Romans 9-11 – Israel’s role versus the Gentiles
- Ephesians 2:11-22 – Unity of Jews and Gentiles in Christ
- Ephesians 3:4-6 – The mystery of Christ for Gentiles
In summary, the Gentiles were originally outside of God’s covenants with Israel, but are now fellow partakers through faith in Christ. This demonstrates God’s amazing grace and His desire for all peoples to know Him. Understanding the divide between Jews and Gentiles and the breaking down of these barriers through Jesus is key to grasping God’s redemptive plan.
While the Bible speaks much about Gentiles, it does not give one concise definition. Based on various passages, we can synthesize an overall biblical understanding of what Gentiles are:
- Anyone who is not ethnically Jewish
- Nations/peoples other than Israel
- Those who do not worship Yahweh in Old Testament times
- Pagans/idol worshippers under Old Covenant
- Strangers to God’s covenants with Israel
- Recipients of God’s grace and salvation in Christ
- Fellow heirs of God’s kingdom with believing Jews
- Believers in Jesus from all nations
In the Old Testament era, a Gentile was anyone not descended biologically from Abraham. They worshipped pagan idols and false gods rather than Yahweh, the God of Israel. The dividing line was based on physical descent and circumcision as a sign of God’s covenant with Abraham. Gentiles were excluded from participating in the religious life, festivals, and temple of Israel.
In the New Testament, the meaning expands to all non-Jewish people who now have access to salvation in Jesus Christ. The dividing line becomes faith rather than biological descent. Anyone who believes in Christ is included in the family of God as an equal member and fellow heir. The term takes on a more spiritual/theological sense than just a cultural distinction.
So in summary, the biblical meaning of the term “Gentile” evolved:
- Old Testament – Non-Jews excluded from God’s covenants
- New Testament – Non-Jews included in God’s salvation
But in both Old and New Testaments, the core remains anyone outside the physical nation of Israel. The difference came through Jesus’ atoning death which broke down the dividing walls between covenant insiders and outsiders.
The Bible utilizes several metaphors and images when speaking about Gentiles. These offer insight into the biblical perspective on non-Jewish peoples:
- Outside the Camp: Gentiles were excluded from Israel’s religious life, considered “outside the camp” of God’s people (Exodus 29:45-46; Ephesians 2:11-13)
- The Nations/Peoples: Referred to as “the nations,” highlighting Jewish particularity versus the rest of the world’s people groups (Psalm 67:2; Isaiah 42:6)
- Uncircumcision: Called “uncircumcised” as they lacked the physical sign of being set apart for God (Judges 14:3; Ephesians 2:11)
- Dogs: Some Jewish people referred to Gentiles derogatorily as “dogs,” meaning unclean or profane (Matthew 15:21-27; Philippians 3:2)
- Pagan Idolaters: Viewed as immoral idolaters with false gods, in contrast to worshiping Yahweh (Deuteronomy 29:18; 1 Thessalonians 4:5)
- Wild Branches: Paul depicts them as branches grafted into God’s cultivated olive tree, saved by grace (Romans 11:13-24)
- Fellow Heirs/Partakers: Those brought near and included in the privileges of God’s people through Christ (Ephesians 3:6; Revelation 21:24)
These various depictions capture the progression of the Gentile experience with God throughout Scripture – originally excluded pagans brought into God’s community by His gracious redemptive plan.
The Bible highlights several implications and applications of Gentiles coming to faith in Jesus Christ. Here are some key lessons for Gentile believers to keep in mind:
- Remember your previous spiritual state apart from Christ (Ephesians 2:1-2)
- Be thankful for the gracious gift of salvation in Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9)
- Do not become prideful, but remain humble (Romans 11:17-21)
- Seek unity and reconciliation between all believers (Galatians 3:28)
- Show graciousness to others as you have been shown grace (Colossians 3:12-14)
- Be passionate about spreading the gospel to all peoples (Romans 1:14-15)
- Look forward to the Messianic Age when all nations will worship together (Zechariah 8:20-23)
Gentile inclusion displays God’s extravagant mercy. As recipients of such grace, Gentiles are called to humble devotion to Christ and making His redemptive plan known to all. Unity and equality in Christ should define relationships between Jewish and Gentile believers.
In conclusion, the term Gentile refers broadly to those outside of ethnic Israel. The Bible progressively reveals God’s plan to save both Jews and Gentiles through Jesus. As Gentiles placed their faith in Christ, they were brought from alienation to adoption as full members of God’s family. With this privileged inclusion comes great responsibility to live out the gospel of grace. The doctrine of Gentile inclusion testifies to a God who ardently desires that all peoples find salvation in Jesus.