Topical Encyclopedia The term "Gentiles" in the biblical context refers to the nations or peoples who are not of Jewish descent. Throughout the Scriptures, the relationship between the Israelites and the Gentiles is a recurring theme, often highlighting the contrast between the chosen people of God and the surrounding nations. One significant aspect of this relationship is the counsel or plans of the Gentiles, which, according to biblical narrative, are often brought to nought by the sovereign will of God.Biblical Instances: 1. Psalm 33:10-11 · "The LORD frustrates the plans of the nations; He thwarts the devices of the peoples. The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the purposes of His heart to all generations." This passage underscores the futility of the plans devised by the Gentile nations when they stand in opposition to God's divine purposes. The sovereignty of God is emphasized, as His counsel prevails over all human intentions. 2. Isaiah 8:9-10 · "Huddle together, O peoples, and be shattered; listen, all you distant lands. Prepare for battle, but be shattered; prepare for battle, but be shattered! Devise a plan, but it will be thwarted; state a proposal, but it will not happen. For God is with us." Here, the prophet Isaiah speaks to the futility of the Gentile nations' plans against God's people. Despite their preparations and strategies, their efforts are destined to fail because of God's presence with His people. 3. Acts 4:25-28 · "You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of Your servant, our father David: 'Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against His Anointed One.' Indeed, Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed. They carried out what Your hand and will had decided beforehand would happen." In the early church's prayer, they recognize that the conspiracy of the Gentiles and Jewish leaders against Jesus was ultimately part of God's predetermined plan. Despite their opposition, God's redemptive purpose through Christ was fulfilled. 4. 1 Corinthians 1:19-20 · "For it is written: 'I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.' Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?" The Apostle Paul highlights the contrast between human wisdom, often represented by the Gentile philosophers and leaders, and the wisdom of God. The plans and wisdom of the world are rendered ineffective in light of God's superior wisdom and purpose. Theological Implications: The theme of the Gentiles' counsel being brought to nought serves as a powerful reminder of God's ultimate authority and control over the affairs of nations. It reflects the biblical worldview that human plans, especially those in opposition to God's will, are ultimately futile. This theme also reinforces the idea of God's providence and His ability to use even the opposition of the Gentiles to accomplish His divine purposes, as seen in the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Throughout the biblical narrative, the futility of the Gentile nations' counsel serves to highlight the faithfulness and sovereignty of God, encouraging believers to trust in His eternal purposes and to recognize that no human plan can thwart His divine will. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 33:10The LORD brings the counsel of the heathen to nothing: he makes the devices of the people of none effect. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Counsel of Gamaliel. On Genesis. Translated from the Greek. That the Scriptures are Divinely Inspired. Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers. Days of Preparation At the Temple Gate The Jewish Rebellions Days of Toil and Trial Psalm XXXIV. 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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