Gentiles

The term "Gentiles" in the Bible refers to all nations and peoples who are not of Jewish descent. The Hebrew word "goyim" and the Greek word "ethnos" are commonly translated as "Gentiles" in the Scriptures. Throughout the Bible, the relationship between the Gentiles and the people of Israel is a significant theme, reflecting God's unfolding plan for humanity.

In the Old Testament, the Gentiles are often depicted as pagan nations, worshipping false gods and living outside the covenant relationship that God established with Israel. However, the prophetic writings also contain promises of blessing and inclusion for the Gentiles. For instance, Isaiah 49:6 states, "I will also make You a light for the nations, to bring My salvation to the ends of the earth." This foreshadows the eventual inclusion of the Gentiles in God's redemptive plan.

In the New Testament, the mission to the Gentiles becomes a central focus, particularly in the ministry of the Apostle Paul. Jesus Himself, in the Great Commission, commands His disciples to "go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19). The Book of Acts records the early church's expansion beyond Jewish boundaries, highlighting key events such as Peter's vision in Acts 10, which led to the baptism of the Gentile Cornelius and his household.

Paul's epistles further elaborate on the inclusion of the Gentiles, emphasizing that salvation through Jesus Christ is available to all, regardless of ethnic background. In Romans 1:16 , Paul declares, "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Greek." This underscores the universal scope of the gospel message.

Jews

The term "Jews" refers to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who are the chosen people of God in the Old Testament. The Jewish identity is deeply rooted in the covenantal relationship established by God, beginning with Abraham in Genesis 12, where God promises to make him a great nation and to bless all the families of the earth through him.

The Law given to Moses at Mount Sinai further defines the Jewish people, setting them apart as a holy nation with specific commandments and rituals. The Jewish identity is marked by adherence to the Torah, the observance of the Sabbath, and the practice of circumcision, among other distinctives.

Throughout the Old Testament, the Jews are portrayed as God's chosen people, yet they often struggle with faithfulness to the covenant. Despite their failures, God's promises to Israel remain steadfast. The prophets frequently call the nation to repentance and foretell a future restoration.

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is presented as the fulfillment of the Jewish Messianic hope. He is born into a Jewish family, and His ministry is initially directed to the "lost sheep of the house of Israel" (Matthew 15:24). However, Jesus also challenges the prevailing religious attitudes of His time, emphasizing the spirit of the Law over mere ritual observance.

The early church, composed initially of Jewish believers, grapples with the implications of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. The inclusion of the Gentiles into the faith community raises questions about the role of the Law and Jewish customs. The Jerusalem Council in Acts 15 addresses these issues, affirming that Gentile believers are not required to adhere to the full Mosaic Law.

Paul, a Jew himself, articulates the relationship between Jews and Gentiles in the body of Christ. In Romans 11:25-26 , he speaks of a "mystery" regarding Israel's partial hardening until the "fullness of the Gentiles has come in," and he assures that "all Israel will be saved." This reflects the ongoing significance of the Jewish people in God's redemptive plan.

The New Testament maintains a tension between the continuity of God's promises to Israel and the new reality of the church as a unified body of both Jews and Gentiles. Ephesians 2:14-16 beautifully captures this unity: "For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has torn down the dividing wall of hostility... to create in Himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace."