Topical Bible: Gentiles: Unclassified Sciptures Relating To

◄ Gentiles: Unclassified Sciptures Relating To ►

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The term "Gentiles" in the Bible generally refers to nations or peoples who are not of Jewish descent. Throughout the Scriptures, Gentiles are depicted in various contexts, reflecting their interactions with the people of Israel and their place in God's redemptive plan.

Old Testament References

1. Genesis 10:5 · The Table of Nations: "From these, the coastlands of the nations spread out into their lands, each with its own language, by their clans within their nations." This passage highlights the early distinction between the descendants of Noah and the formation of various nations, including the Gentiles.

2. Isaiah 42:6 · A Light to the Nations: "I, the LORD, have called you for a righteous purpose, and I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and appoint you to be a covenant for the people and a light to the nations." Here, the role of Israel as a light to the Gentiles is emphasized, indicating God's intention to reach all nations.

3. Isaiah 49:6 · Salvation to the Ends of the Earth: "He says, 'It is not enough for you to be My servant, to raise up the tribes of Jacob and restore the protected ones of Israel. I will also make you a light for the nations, to bring My salvation to the ends of the earth.'" This prophecy underscores the inclusion of Gentiles in God's salvation plan.

New Testament References

1. Matthew 28:19 · The Great Commission: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." Jesus commands His followers to spread the Gospel to all nations, explicitly including Gentiles.

2. Acts 10:34-35 · Peter and Cornelius: "Then Peter began to speak: 'I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism, but welcomes those from every nation who fear Him and do what is right.'" This pivotal moment in the early church marks the acceptance of Gentiles into the Christian faith.

3. Romans 1:16 · The Power of the Gospel: "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." Paul affirms the universal scope of the Gospel, extending to both Jews and Gentiles.

4. Ephesians 2:11-13 · Unity in Christ: "Therefore remember that formerly you who are Gentiles in the flesh and called 'uncircumcised' by the so-called 'circumcision' that is done in the body by human hands—remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ." This passage highlights the reconciliation and unity between Jews and Gentiles through Christ.

5. Galatians 3:28 · Equality in Christ: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." Paul emphasizes the breaking down of ethnic and social barriers in the body of Christ.

Theological Implications

The inclusion of Gentiles in the biblical narrative reveals God's overarching plan for humanity. The Scriptures consistently portray God's desire for all nations to know Him and partake in His promises. The New Testament, in particular, highlights the breaking down of barriers between Jews and Gentiles, establishing a new covenant community united in Christ. This theme is central to understanding the mission of the church and the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham that all nations would be blessed through his seed (Genesis 12:3).

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Jeremiah 10:2,3
Thus said the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them.
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Matthew 6:7,8,31,32
But when you pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
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Acts 14:16
Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.
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Acts 17:4,16,17,22-27
And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few.
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Romans 1:18-32
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
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Romans 2:1-15
Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are that judge: for wherein you judge another, you condemn yourself; for you that judge do the same things.
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1 Corinthians 10:20
But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that you should have fellowship with devils.
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1 Corinthians 12:2
You know that you were Gentiles, carried away to these dumb idols, even as you were led.
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Galatians 2:15
We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles,
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Ephesians 2:12
That at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
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Ephesians 4:17-19
This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you from now on walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,
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Ephesians 5:12
For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.
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1 Thessalonians 4:4
That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honor;
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1 Peter 4:3,4
For the time past of our life may suffice us to have worked the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revelings, parties, and abominable idolatries:
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