What Does The Bible Say About Gentiles?
The Bible has a lot to say about Gentiles, who are people that are not Jewish. If you’re looking for a quick answer, here’s the key point: Gentiles can receive salvation and be included in God’s family through faith in Jesus Christ.
In this comprehensive article, we will explore various Bible passages to understand God’s perspective on Gentiles. We’ll cover topics like the inclusion of Gentiles in God’s plan of salvation, Jesus’ ministry to Gentiles, Paul’s mission to the Gentiles, and more.
Definition and Background of Gentiles
Meaning of the Term ‘Gentile’
The term ‘Gentile’ refers to anyone who is not Jewish. In the Bible, the words ‘nation’ and ‘Gentile’ are used interchangeably. Gentiles are people who do not descend from the tribe of Judah or belong to the Jewish faith.
The word ‘Gentile’ comes from the Latin word ‘gentilis’, meaning ‘of or belonging to the same people or nation’.
In the Bible, Gentiles are often contrasted with Jews. The distinction between Jews and Gentiles is important in Scripture, especially in the New Testament. The Old Testament focuses more on the distinction between Israelites and non-Israelites. The Gentile nations are often seen as enemies of Israel.
However, the prophets foretold that the Gentiles would one day worship the God of Israel.
Old Testament Period – Separation of Jews and Gentiles
During the Old Testament period, clear social and religious distinctions existed between Jews and Gentiles. The Jews saw themselves as God’s chosen people, separate from the surrounding Gentile nations. The Mosaic Law erected barriers that promoted the separation of Jews and Gentiles:
- Jewish people were forbidden to intermarry with Gentiles (Deuteronomy 7:3).
- Jews could not eat with Gentiles or visit their homes (Acts 10:28).
- Gentiles considered ritually unclean could not enter the inner courts of the temple.
This physical separation reflected an underlying spiritual divide. The Jews viewed Gentiles as ‘outsiders’ who did not share in the covenants God made with Israel. However, the Old Testament contains hints that God would someday extend His salvation to the Gentiles.
The Book of Isaiah describes a time when Gentiles will stream to Jerusalem to worship the God of the Jews (Isaiah 2:2-3).
Inclusion of Gentiles in God’s Plan
Prophecies of Salvation for the Gentiles
The Old Testament contains many prophecies that point to God’s desire to include Gentiles in His plan of salvation. Here are some key examples:
- God promised Abraham that through his offspring all nations on earth would be blessed (Genesis 12:3, Genesis 22:18).
- The book of Isaiah contains several prophecies about Gentiles coming to worship the God of Israel and being included in His kingdom (Isaiah 2:2-4, Isaiah 11:10, Isaiah 42:1-7, Isaiah 49:6).
- The Psalms also speak of God’s salvation reaching the nations (Psalm 22:27, Psalm 67:1-7, Psalm 86:9).
These and other Old Testament prophecies reveal that even though God chose Israel to be His special people, His love and salvation were meant for Gentiles too. God planned all along to include people from all nations in the glorious future kingdom.
Ministry of Jesus Reaching Out to Gentiles
During His earthly ministry, Jesus broke down barriers to reach out to Gentiles and offer them salvation. Though He said His primary mission was to “the lost sheep of Israel” (Matthew 15:24), Jesus readily ministered to non-Jews. Here are some examples:
- Jesus commended the faith of the Roman centurion (Matthew 8:10).
- He healed the daughter of a Canaanite woman (Matthew 15:22-28).
- Jesus ministered in the Gentile region of Decapolis (Mark 7:31).
- In a Samaritan village, He stayed to preach the good news (John 4:39-42).
Jesus broke cultural barriers and welcomed Gentiles, showing that the kingdom of God is open to people from all backgrounds. As Isaiah prophesied, Jesus brought “light to the Gentiles” (Isaiah 42:6, 49:6).
The Great Commission – Preach to All Nations
After His resurrection, Jesus commanded His followers to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). Whereas the Jews had kept their faith insulated before, now the gospel was to be preached to the ends of the earth.
In Acts chapters 10 and 11, God gave Peter visions to show that the Gentiles were not unclean or excluded from God’s plan. Peter then preached the gospel to Gentiles, and they received the Holy Spirit just as Jewish believers had earlier (Acts 10:44-48).
Peter realized that salvation through Jesus Christ is for Jews and Gentiles alike.
The book of Acts traces how the gospel spread beyond Jerusalem to Samaria, Syria, Turkey, Greece, and Rome. Just as the prophets foretold, Gentiles were praising God for His gracious salvation offered through Christ. God’s house of prayer for all peoples was being established (Isaiah 56:7).
Paul’s Missionary Journeys to the Gentiles
The apostle Paul was instrumental in spreading the gospel message about Jesus Christ to Gentiles (non-Jews) throughout the Roman Empire in the 1st century AD. Though originally a fervent persecutor of the early Christian church, Paul experienced a miraculous conversion and call to be an apostle on the road to Damascus.
He went on to undertake several missionary journeys to Asia Minor and Greece, preaching salvation through faith in Christ to both Jews and Gentiles.
Paul’s Calling as Apostle to the Gentiles
Paul, originally named Saul, was a Pharisee who fiercely persecuted the early Christian church. However, on the road to Damascus to continue his persecution efforts, Saul had an encounter with the risen Jesus Christ that completely transformed his life (Acts 9:1-19).
Jesus appointed Saul, renamed Paul, to be his witness before Gentiles, kings, and the people of Israel. This calling of Paul to bring the gospel to the Gentiles is evident throughout his ministry.
For example, at Pisidian Antioch Paul announced, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you Jews. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles” (Acts 13:46).
The book of Acts records Paul’s focus on preaching to Gentiles throughout his three missionary journeys.
Paul’s Teachings on Salvation for Both Jews and Gentiles
Paul taught that salvation through faith in Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection was available to both Jews and Gentiles equally. This was a radical idea, as Jews often viewed Gentiles as outside of God’s covenant.
However, Paul made it clear that no one is justified by works of the law, but only through faith in Jesus (Galatians 2:15-16).
Paul explained that Jews and Gentiles, though formerly divided, have been united as one body in Christ: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28).
Through faith in Christ, Gentiles are fellow heirs and members of the body (Ephesians 3:6).
Paul worked tirelessly to spread this revolutionary gospel of salvation for all people throughout the Roman Empire. His missionary journeys reached many important Gentile cities and helped lay the foundation for the early Christian church to become a global rather than just Jewish movement.
Unity of Jews and Gentiles in Christ
We Are Saved by Grace Through Faith
The apostle Paul makes it clear in Ephesians 2:8-9 that salvation comes by God’s grace through faith in Christ, not by works. This incredible gift of grace is available to both Jews and Gentiles who put their faith in Jesus.
As Romans 10:12 states, “For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile – the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him.”
God’s mercy and love extends to all people regardless of ethnicity, gender, or social status. What an awesome truth! The ground is level at the foot of the cross. When it comes to receiving eternal life, there is no favoritism with God (Acts 10:34-35).
All One in Christ Jesus
The New Testament makes it abundantly clear that in Christ, divisions and barriers between people groups are torn down. Galatians 3:28 famously declares, “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
This oneness in Christ was demonstrated in the early church as Jews and Gentiles worshiped together, shared meals together, and generally co-existed in their communities, overcoming hundreds of years of racial tension (see Acts 13:43-48).
What an incredible picture of God’s reconciling power at work!
The unity found in Christ should inspire us all to seek stronger bonds between groups that have experienced historic divides and conflicts. As Christ-followers, we are called to be peacemakers, reconciliation-seekers, and barriers breakers for the sake of the Gospel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Bible clearly teaches that Gentiles have equal access to salvation through faith in Christ. Though previously excluded, God’s plan has always been to redeem people from every tribe and tongue through the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Both Jews and Gentiles are invited into God’s family by grace.
