Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the term "Gentiles" generally refers to nations or peoples who are not part of the Israelite community. Throughout the Scriptures, Gentiles are often depicted as engaging in idolatrous practices, which stand in stark contrast to the monotheistic worship of Yahweh, the God of Israel. This idolatry is a recurring theme in the Bible, highlighting the spiritual and cultural divide between the Israelites and the surrounding nations.The Old Testament frequently associates Gentiles with idol worship. 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, because in worshiping their gods, they do all kinds of detestable things the LORD hates." This passage underscores the danger of Israel adopting the idolatrous practices of the Gentiles, which are described as detestable to God. The prophets also speak against the idolatry of the Gentiles. Isaiah 44:9-10 declares, "All makers of idols are nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless. Their witnesses fail to see or comprehend, so they are put to shame. Who fashions a god or casts an idol which profits him nothing?" Here, the futility of idol worship is emphasized, as the idols are portrayed as powerless and their makers as lacking understanding. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul addresses the issue of Gentile idolatry in his letters. In Romans 1:22-23 , he writes, "Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images of mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles." Paul critiques the Gentiles for abandoning the worship of the true God in favor of created images, highlighting the folly of idolatry. Despite the association of Gentiles with idolatry, the New Testament also reveals a shift in the relationship between God and the Gentiles. Through the work of Jesus Christ, the barrier between Jews and Gentiles is broken down, and the message of salvation is extended to all nations. In Acts 14:15 , Paul and Barnabas urge the Gentiles to "turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made heaven and earth and sea and everything in them." This call to repentance signifies the inclusion of Gentiles into the covenant community through faith in Christ. The idolatry of the Gentiles serves as a backdrop for the biblical narrative of redemption, illustrating the contrast between the worship of false gods and the worship of the one true God. Throughout Scripture, the call to forsake idols and turn to God is a central theme, inviting all people, Jew and Gentile alike, to participate in the divine promise of salvation. Torrey's Topical Textbook Romans 1:23,25And changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four footed beasts, and creeping things. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Corinthians 12:2 Library Demolition of the Idolatrous Temples at Alexandria, and the ... That He Promoted Christians to Offices of Government, and Forbade ... In Palestine - Jews and Gentiles in the Land' - their Mutual ... Jew and Gentile The Council of Jerusalem. Foreword The vision Whether Sufficient Reason Can be Assigned for the Ceremonies ... The Cleansing of the Temple. Judaism and Heathenism in Contact. Resources What is a Gentile? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the meaning and importance of the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15)? | GotQuestions.org Who are the “other sheep” mentioned in John 10:16? | 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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