Topical Encyclopedia The term "Gentiles" in the biblical context refers to all nations and peoples who are not of Jewish descent. The relationship between the Gentiles and Israel is a significant theme in the Scriptures, particularly in the New Testament, where it is addressed in the context of God's redemptive plan.Israel's Rejection and the Inclusion of the Gentiles The Apostle Paul, in his epistle to the Romans, addresses the temporary rejection of Israel and the inclusion of the Gentiles in God's salvific plan. Romans 11:25-26 states, "I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers, so that you will not be conceited: A hardening in part has come to Israel, until the full number of the Gentiles has come in. And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: 'The Deliverer will come from Zion, He will remove godlessness from Jacob.'" This passage highlights a divine mystery: Israel's partial hardening is temporary and serves a purpose in God's overarching plan. The "full number of the Gentiles" refers to the period during which the Gospel is preached to the Gentile nations, allowing them to partake in the blessings of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. The Role of the Gentiles in God's Plan The inclusion of the Gentiles is not an afterthought but a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that "all nations on earth will be blessed" through his offspring (Genesis 22:18). The New Testament further elaborates on this theme, emphasizing that the Gospel is for all people, transcending ethnic and cultural boundaries. In Ephesians 3:6 , Paul writes, "This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are fellow heirs, fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus." This inclusion signifies the breaking down of the dividing wall between Jews and Gentiles, creating one new humanity in Christ (Ephesians 2:14-16). The Fulness of the Gentiles The phrase "fulness of the Gentiles" suggests a predetermined number or completion of Gentile believers who will come to faith before God's focus returns to Israel. This concept is rooted in the belief that God's covenantal promises to Israel remain intact and will ultimately be fulfilled. The prophetic writings in the Old Testament also allude to a time when the nations will seek the God of Israel. Isaiah 11:10 proclaims, "In that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will seek Him, and His place of rest will be glorious." Israel's Future Restoration The temporary setting aside of Israel is not indicative of a permanent rejection. Romans 11:11-12 clarifies, "Again I ask: Did they stumble so as to fall beyond recovery? Certainly not! However, because of their trespass, salvation has come to the Gentiles to make Israel jealous. But if their trespass means riches for the world, and their failure means riches for the Gentiles, how much greater riches will their fullness bring!" This passage underscores the hope of Israel's future restoration and the greater blessings that will accompany it. The eventual salvation of "all Israel" is anticipated as part of God's redemptive plan, bringing about a time of unprecedented spiritual renewal and blessing for the world. Conclusion The relationship between Israel and the Gentiles is a profound aspect of biblical theology, reflecting God's sovereign plan to bring salvation to all humanity. The temporary rejection of Israel serves a greater purpose in the divine narrative, culminating in the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises to both Israel and the Gentiles. Torrey's Topical Textbook Romans 11:25For I would not, brothers, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The vision Israel and Britain. A Note of Warning The Foreign Missions and their Influence. The Founder of Christianity. The Bible The Perseverance of Faith Proofs from the Apostolic Writings, that Jesus Christ was one and ... The Destroyers and the Restorer Second visit to Nazareth - the Mission of the Twelve. The Gospel According to St. Matthew 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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