Who are the other sheep not of this fold?

Background of the Phrase

In John 10:16, Jesus states: “I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them in as well, and they will listen to My voice. Then there will be one flock and one shepherd.” This statement arises within a discourse where Jesus presents Himself as the Good Shepherd, contrasting His care for the sheep with the neglect of hired hands. Understanding the identity of the “other sheep” has been a subject of much discussion. The primary focus centers on the unity of all who believe in Him, gathered under one shepherd.

Immediate Context in John

John 10 highlights Jesus’ role as both the “gate” (John 10:9) and the “Good Shepherd” (John 10:11). He differentiates between those who truly belong to Him and those who oppose His message. When He refers to “other sheep,” it immediately follows a discussion about His ministry to His present “fold” (i.e., the Jewish people). With the larger context of John, it is significant that Jesus also anticipates bringing people together in Him who are not present in that immediate setting.

Jewish-Gentile Backdrop

One prevailing interpretation is that the “other sheep” are Gentiles. In first-century Judea, the concept of salvation extended beyond ethnic Israel was not commonly accepted among many religious leaders. Yet, throughout Scripture we find that God’s redemptive plan includes all nations. For example, in Isaiah 49:6, the Servant of the Lord is called “to be a light for the nations.” Similarly, the book of Acts records how the apostles recognized that the Holy Spirit was poured out on Gentiles as well (Acts 10:44–45). Thus, John 10:16 is often seen as a clear statement that salvation is not reserved merely for one ethnic group.

Scriptural Reinforcement

• John 11:51–52: “Jesus would die for the nation, and not only for the nation, but also to gather into one the children of God who were scattered abroad.” This language echoes the idea that there will be one unified body.

• Ephesians 2:11–13: Paul explains that those “formerly called uncircumcision” have been “brought near by the blood of Christ,” indicating Gentiles are included in the covenant.

• Romans 1:16: The gospel is described as “the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Greek.”

These references underline that the “other sheep” naturally points to those outside Israel—Gentiles—who would also follow Jesus.

Unity as One Flock

Jesus’ declaration that these other sheep “will listen to My voice” (John 10:16) confirms they are genuine believers who respond to His call. He then promises, “Then there will be one flock and one shepherd.” This shows His plan to break down barriers, unite peoples who were once divided, and form one cohesive family of faith in Him (see also Ephesians 4:4–6).

Alternate Viewpoints and Their Challenges

Some have suggested that the “other sheep” might refer specifically to the scattered Jewish communities living outside Judea (the diaspora). Certainly, those dispersed groups are also intended recipients of the gospel, yet the broader New Testament focus strongly emphasizes that non-Jewish nations also share in God’s invitation to salvation (Acts 13:46–47). Since the text of John 10:16 neither isolates one group nor excludes Gentiles, the mainstream view sees both the diaspora and Gentiles as encompassed by the “other sheep,” with the emphasis landing heavily on the inclusive nature of God’s plan.

Manuscript Consistency and Trustworthiness

The claim in John 10:16 is found in all major Greek manuscripts, including early papyrus fragments such as the Bodmer Papyri (P66, P75) that date to the late second or early third century. Their remarkable consistency reaffirms that His statement about “other sheep” was conveyed faithfully through the centuries. No manuscript tradition omits or alters the meaning of this verse, reinforcing its reliability in clarifying Jesus’ universal mission.

Historical Development in the Early Church

Historically, the Book of Acts demonstrates how the Christian movement quickly spread from Jewish communities into predominantly Gentile cities such as Antioch, Corinth, and Rome. Archaeological findings—like first-century inscriptions mentioning early Christian gatherings in Roman provinces—demonstrate growth among non-Jewish believers. These expansions confirm that Jesus’ words in John 10:16 were fulfilled as Gentiles joined the faith.

Archaeological and Cultural Insights

Surveys of first-century Judea and the surrounding Greco-Roman world reveal both cultural barriers and shared hubs of commerce (e.g., in port cities like Caesarea Maritima). The record of synagogues where both Jews and “God-fearing” Gentiles worshiped together (see Acts 10:2; 13:16) also helps illustrate the environment in which Jesus’ statement about “other sheep” would eventually bear fruit. Excavations at these ancient sites confirm the presence of mixed congregations, reflecting a unity of worship consistent with Jesus’ vision of “one flock.”

The Theological Heart of the Passage

John 10:16 underscores God’s inclusive plan of salvation and reveals Jesus’ authority over His universal flock. By speaking of sheep beyond “this fold,” He shows that no group or national boundary contains the entirety of His people. This offers profound assurance that every individual—regardless of origin—can be brought into a life-giving relationship with Him, fulfilling the overarching biblical promise that He desires to redeem people from “every tribe and tongue and people and nation” (Revelation 5:9).

Practical Implications

1. Embrace of All People: Jesus’ statement challenges followers to welcome others of diverse backgrounds and recognize that all who believe are equally part of God’s family.

2. Call to Evangelism: Because He speaks of bringing in the “other sheep,” there is a pressing need to share the gospel beyond one’s immediate circle.

3. Unity in Christ: In practical community settings, believers are called to uphold a spirit of unity and not discriminate based on culture or tradition, since true oneness occurs under the one Shepherd.

Conclusion

In John 10:16, Jesus proclaims His commitment to gather a people from beyond the boundaries of first-century Israel, ultimately creating a single flock under His sole leadership. Consistent with the broader scriptural narrative, archaeology, and the testimony of the living church, this verse embodies the heart of a message that reaches all nations. No matter where they come from, those who hear and respond to Jesus’ voice find themselves in the Good Shepherd’s fold, unified by grace, bound together in one enduring hope.