Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, the term "Gentiles" refers to the nations or peoples who are not part of the ethnic and religious community of Israel. Throughout the Old Testament, the Israelites are depicted as God's chosen people, set apart to receive His laws, covenants, and blessings. This special status often resulted in the exclusion of Gentiles from the privileges and promises granted to Israel.Old Testament Context The distinction between Israel and the Gentiles is evident from the earliest biblical texts. In Genesis 12:1-3, God calls Abram (later Abraham) and promises to make him a great nation, through which "all the families of the earth will be blessed." While this promise hints at a future blessing for the Gentiles, the immediate focus is on the establishment of Israel as a distinct people. The Mosaic Law further solidifies this separation. In Deuteronomy 7:6, the Israelites are described as "a people holy to the LORD your God," chosen out of all the peoples on the face of the earth. The Law given at Sinai includes numerous commandments that distinguish Israel from the surrounding nations, emphasizing purity, worship, and social conduct. Gentiles were often seen as outsiders, and their practices were considered abominable. In Leviticus 18:24-30, the Israelites are warned not to defile themselves with the practices of the nations, lest they be cast out of the land. The Gentiles' exclusion is also evident in the temple worship system, where only Israelites could fully participate in the sacrificial rites and festivals. Prophetic Writings Despite the general exclusion, the prophets occasionally hint at a future inclusion of the Gentiles. Isaiah 49:6 speaks of Israel as a light to the nations, suggesting a role in bringing salvation to the ends of the earth. However, during the Old Testament period, such inclusion remained largely unrealized, and the Gentiles continued to be seen as separate from the covenant community. New Testament Developments The New Testament marks a significant shift in the relationship between Jews and Gentiles. Jesus' ministry, while primarily focused on the "lost sheep of the house of Israel" (Matthew 15:24), includes interactions with Gentiles, such as the Roman centurion (Matthew 8:5-13) and the Canaanite woman (Matthew 15:21-28). These encounters foreshadow the broader mission to the Gentiles that unfolds in the Acts of the Apostles. The Apostle Paul becomes a central figure in the inclusion of Gentiles. In Ephesians 2:11-13, Paul addresses the Gentiles, reminding them that they were once "excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world." However, through Christ, they have been brought near and made fellow citizens with God's people. Paul's epistles emphasize that the dividing wall of hostility has been broken down (Ephesians 2:14), and that in Christ, there is neither Jew nor Gentile (Galatians 3:28). This theological development underscores the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that all nations would be blessed through him. Conclusion The biblical narrative of Gentiles being excluded from Israel's privileges highlights the unique role of Israel as God's chosen people. However, it also sets the stage for the eventual inclusion of the Gentiles into the covenant community through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. This inclusion reflects the unfolding of God's plan for salvation to reach all nations, fulfilling the promise made to Abraham. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ephesians 2:11,12Why remember, that you being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; Torrey's Topical Textbook Library In Judaea The Psalms and Hymns of Isaac Watts God Justified, Though Man Believes Not The Rent Veil CHAPTER III. The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. ) The Pharisee and the Publican A Discourse Upon the Pharisee and the Publican Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses. 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) |
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