Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the term "Gentiles" refers to all nations and peoples who are not of Jewish descent. The distinction between Jews and Gentiles is a recurring theme throughout the Scriptures, particularly in the context of the covenant relationship between God and Israel. One of the terms used to describe Gentiles is "Uncircumcision," which highlights the physical and covenantal differences between Jews and Gentiles.The term "Uncircumcision" is primarily used to denote those who are outside the covenant that God established with Abraham and his descendants, which was symbolized by the physical act of circumcision. This covenantal sign was given to Abraham as a mark of the special relationship between God and the Jewish people (Genesis 17:10-14). Consequently, those who were not circumcised, namely the Gentiles, were often referred to as the "Uncircumcision." In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul addresses the distinction between the "Circumcision" (Jews) and the "Uncircumcision" (Gentiles) in several of his epistles. In Ephesians 2:11-12 , Paul writes, "Therefore remember that formerly you who are Gentiles in the flesh, and called 'uncircumcised' by the so-called 'circumcision' (that 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." Paul's writings emphasize that the physical distinction of circumcision is no longer the defining factor in one's relationship with God. Through the work of Jesus Christ, the barrier between Jews and Gentiles has been broken down, allowing both groups to be reconciled to God. In Galatians 5:6 , Paul states, "For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. All that matters is faith, expressed through love." The early church grappled with the inclusion of Gentiles and the necessity of circumcision for salvation. The Jerusalem Council, as recorded in Acts 15, addressed this issue, ultimately affirming that Gentiles did not need to be circumcised to be saved. This decision underscored the belief that salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ alone, apart from the works of the law. The use of the term "Uncircumcision" thus serves as a reminder of the historical separation between Jews and Gentiles, while also highlighting the transformative power of the Gospel to unite all believers, regardless of their ethnic or cultural background. Through Christ, the distinction between "Circumcision" and "Uncircumcision" is rendered obsolete, as all are made one in Him. Torrey's Topical Textbook Romans 2:26Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision? Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Neither do they Confess that they are Awed by those Citations from ... Ephesians ii. 11, 12 The Epistle to the Laodiceans the Proper Designation is to the ... But Now, that as Bearing with the Infirmity of Men He did This... His Great Controversy Covenanting According to the Purposes of God. John Chapter xii. 26-Dec Acts or Disputation against Fortunatus, the Manich??an. Go in Peace Acts XVI Resources What is the Hebrew Roots movement? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that the church has been grafted in Israel's place? | GotQuestions.org What are the four Servant Songs in Isaiah? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Gentiles: Blasphemous and Reproachful Gentiles: Called: Uncircumcised Gentiles: Called: Uncircumcision Gentiles: Christ Given As a Light To Gentiles: Comprehend all Nations Except the Jews Gentiles: Constant to Their False Gods Gentiles: Conversion of, Predicted Gentiles: Counsel of, Brought to Nought Gentiles: Excluded from Israel's Privileges Gentiles: First General Introduction of the Gospel To Gentiles: First Special Introduction of the Gospel To Gentiles: Given to Christ As his Inheritance Gentiles: Hated and Despised the Jews Gentiles: Israel Rejected Till the Fulness of Gentiles: Jerusalem Trodden Down By Gentiles: Not Allowed to Enter the Temple Gentiles: Often Ravaged and Defiled the Holy Land and Sanctuary Gentiles: Outer Court of Temple For Gentiles: Prophecies of the Conversion of Gentiles: Refusing to Know God Gentiles: The Gospel not to be Preached To, Till Preached to the Jews Gentiles: The Jews: Despised, As If Dogs Gentiles: The Jews: Dispersed Amongst Gentiles: The Jews: Never Associated With Gentiles: The Jews: Not to Follow the Ways of Gentiles: The Jews: Not to Intermarry With Gentiles: The Jews: Often Corrupted By Gentiles: The Jews: Permitted to Have, As Servants Gentiles: Unclassified Sciptures Relating To Gentiles: United With the Jews Against Christ Related Terms Instrumentality (5 Occurrences) |