Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Bible, the term "pagans" generally refers to individuals or groups who do not worship the God of Israel and are often associated with polytheistic or idolatrous practices. The term is derived from the Latin "paganus," meaning "country dweller" or "civilian," and historically, it has been used to describe those outside the Abrahamic faiths.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the Israelites were frequently warned against adopting the practices of the surrounding pagan nations. These nations worshiped a variety of deities and engaged in rituals that were considered abominable by the standards of the Mosaic Law. For instance, in Deuteronomy 18:9-12 , the Israelites are instructed: "When you enter the land that the LORD your God is giving you, do not learn to imitate the detestable ways of the nations there. Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, casts spells, or consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD." The Canaanites, Philistines, and other neighboring peoples are often depicted as pagans whose practices were in direct opposition to the worship of Yahweh. The Israelites were commanded to remain separate and not to intermarry with these groups to prevent the dilution of their faith and the introduction of idolatry (Exodus 34:15-16). New Testament Context In the New Testament, the term "pagans" is often used to describe Gentiles or non-Jews who were outside the covenant community of Israel. However, the message of the Gospel extended to all nations, including pagans, as seen in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19): "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." The Apostle Paul frequently addressed pagan audiences in his missionary journeys, as recorded in the Book of Acts. In Acts 17:22-23 , Paul speaks to the Athenians: "Men of Athens, I see that in every way you are very religious. For as I walked around and examined your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: To an unknown god. Therefore what you worship as something unknown, I now proclaim to you." Paul's letters also address the issue of pagan practices infiltrating the early Christian communities. In 1 Corinthians 10:20-21 , he warns: "No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God, and I do not want you to be participants with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot partake in the table of the Lord and the table of demons." Christian Perspective on Pagans From a Christian perspective, pagans are seen as individuals in need of the Gospel's transformative power. The early church's mission was to bring the message of Christ to all people, regardless of their previous religious affiliations. The call to evangelize pagans is rooted in the belief that salvation through Jesus Christ is available to all who believe, as stated in Romans 1:16 : "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." The Christian approach to pagans is characterized by a desire to share the love and truth of Christ while rejecting the practices and beliefs that are contrary to biblical teachings. This approach is grounded in the hope that all people might come to know the one true God and experience the fullness of life in Christ. Greek 1484. ethnos -- a race, a nation, pl. the nations (as distinct ... ... root Definition a race, a nation, pl. the nations (as distinct from Isr.) NASB Word Usage Gentiles (93), nation (30), nations (37), pagans (1), people (2). ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1484.htm - 7k Library Pagans. Of the Fact that the Pagans, when Constrained to Laud Christ, have ... That the Gods of the Pagans Never Inculcated Holiness of Life. Intercourse of Jesus with the Pagans and the Samaritans. Of the Follies which the Pagans have Indulged in Regarding Jupiter ... Whether the Unbelief of Pagans or Heathens is Graver than Other ... The Reasons by which the Pagans Attempt to Defend their ... The Learned Pagans had Means and Opportunities of Informing ... Concerning Certain Stars which the Pagans have Called by the Names ... The Lives of Primitive Christians Another Means of Bringing ... Thesaurus Pagans (7 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Pagans (7 Occurrences). Matthew 5:47 If you only greet your friends, what more do you do than others? Don ... /p/pagans.htm - 8k Pagan (7 Occurrences) Proselyte (2 Occurrences) Pagiel (5 Occurrences) Galilean (5 Occurrences) Divinity (1 Occurrence) Phylactery Synoptic Ethiopia (26 Occurrences) Resources What is a pagan? What is paganism? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Neopaganism? | GotQuestions.org What is a Gentile? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Pagans (7 Occurrences)Matthew 5:47 Matthew 6:7 1 Corinthians 5:1 1 Corinthians 10:20 1 Corinthians 12:2 3 John 1:7 Isaiah 2:6 Subtopics Related Terms Peace-offering (46 Occurrences) |
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