Topical Encyclopedia The term "Gentiles" in the Bible generally refers to nations or peoples who are not of Jewish descent. Throughout the Scriptures, the Gentiles are often depicted as being devoted to their own deities and religious practices, which are considered false gods from the perspective of the biblical narrative. This constancy to their gods is a recurring theme, illustrating the spiritual divide between the Israelites, who worship the one true God, and the Gentiles, who follow other deities.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the constancy of the Gentiles to their false gods is frequently highlighted as a contrast to the Israelites' covenant relationship with Yahweh. The Gentiles' adherence to their gods is often portrayed as a source of temptation and a potential snare for the Israelites. For instance, in Deuteronomy 12:30-31 , the Israelites are warned, "Be careful not to be ensnared by their ways after they have been destroyed before you. Do not inquire about their gods, asking, ‘How do these nations serve their gods? I will do likewise.’ You must not worship the LORD your God in their way." The constancy of the Gentiles to their gods is also evident in the narratives of the prophets. In Jeremiah 10:2-3 , the prophet warns, "Do not learn the way of the nations or be terrified by signs in the heavens, though the nations are terrified by them. For the customs of the peoples are worthless; they cut down a tree from the forest; it is shaped with a chisel by the hands of a craftsman." Here, the steadfastness of the Gentiles to their idolatrous practices is depicted as futile and misguided. New Testament Context In the New Testament, the constancy of the Gentiles to their false gods continues to be a significant theme, particularly in the context of the early Christian mission. The Apostle Paul, in his missionary journeys, frequently encounters Gentile populations devoted to their traditional deities. In Acts 17:22-23 , Paul addresses the people of Athens, saying, "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 epistles also address the issue of Gentile idolatry. In 1 Corinthians 12:2 , he reminds the Corinthian believers, "You know that when you were pagans, you were influenced and led astray to mute idols." This constancy to false gods is presented as a former way of life that believers are called to abandon in favor of worshiping the true God through Christ. Theological Implications The constancy of the Gentiles to their false gods serves as a backdrop for the biblical narrative of redemption. It underscores the need for divine intervention and revelation to bring the knowledge of the true God to all nations. The steadfastness of the Gentiles in their idolatry highlights the transformative power of the Gospel, which calls people from all nations to turn from false gods to serve the living and true God, as noted in 1 Thessalonians 1:9 : "For they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God." Throughout the biblical text, the constancy of the Gentiles to their false gods is depicted as a significant spiritual challenge, yet it also sets the stage for the universal scope of God's redemptive plan, inviting all peoples to partake in the blessings of the covenant through faith in Jesus Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook Jeremiah 2:11Has a nation changed their gods, which are yet no gods? but my people have changed their glory for that which does not profit. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Angel of the Everlasting Gospel. On Idolatry Faustus Denies that Manich??ans Believe in Two Gods. Hyle no God. ... Sowing and Reaping. CHAP. I. -II. 3 (II. 1). The Ordination of Paul and Barnabas; their Missionary Tour in Asia ... Preaching among the Heathen The Sibylline Oracles. Acts XIV The Clementine Homilies Resources What are the times of the Gentiles? | GotQuestions.orgWhen did the separation of humanity into Jews and Gentiles occur? | GotQuestions.org Did Jesus come only for the Jews and not the Gentiles? | 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) |
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