Topical Encyclopedia The term "Gentiles" refers to all nations or peoples who are not of Jewish descent. In the context of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem, the Gentiles had a designated area known as the "Outer Court" or "Court of the Gentiles." This area was part of the Second Temple, which was expanded and renovated by Herod the Great. The Outer Court was the only part of the Temple complex where Gentiles were permitted to enter and participate in certain aspects of worship and commerce.Biblical References and Historical Context The concept of a place for Gentiles within the Temple is rooted in the inclusive vision of worship found in the Hebrew Scriptures. Isaiah 56:7 states, "I will bring them to My holy mountain and make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on My altar; for My house will be called a house of prayer for all the nations." This prophetic vision underscores the idea that the Temple was intended to be a place of worship for all peoples, not just the Israelites. The Outer Court was a large, open area surrounding the inner courts of the Temple. It was accessible to all, including Gentiles, who were interested in learning about the God of Israel. However, Gentiles were restricted from entering the inner courts, which were reserved for Jewish worshippers. A stone barrier, known as the Soreg, marked the boundary between the Court of the Gentiles and the inner courts. Inscriptions on the Soreg warned Gentiles against crossing into the inner sanctuaries under penalty of death. New Testament Significance The Outer Court of the Gentiles plays a significant role in the New Testament narrative, particularly in the Gospels. Jesus' cleansing of the Temple, as recorded in Matthew 21:12-13 , highlights the misuse of this sacred space: "Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those selling doves. And He declared to them, 'It is written: My house will be called a house of prayer, but you are making it a den of robbers.'" This act of cleansing was a direct response to the commercialization and corruption that had encroached upon the area designated for Gentile worshippers. The Apostle Paul also addresses the inclusion of Gentiles in the worship of God. In Ephesians 2:14-15 , Paul writes, "For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has torn down the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing in His flesh the law of commandments and decrees. He did this to create in Himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace." This passage metaphorically refers to the removal of barriers between Jews and Gentiles, symbolized by the physical barrier in the Temple. Theological Implications The presence of the Outer Court for Gentiles in the Temple underscores the biblical theme of God's desire for all nations to come to know Him. It reflects the inclusive nature of God's covenant, which, while initially given to Israel, was always intended to be a blessing to all nations (Genesis 12:3). The New Testament further expands on this theme, emphasizing the breaking down of barriers between Jews and Gentiles through the work of Christ. The Outer Court serves as a historical and theological reminder of the universal scope of God's redemptive plan. It highlights the transition from a physical Temple with distinct areas for Jews and Gentiles to a spiritual temple where all believers, regardless of ethnic background, are united in Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ephesians 2:14For he is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Torrey's Topical Textbook Revelation 11:2 Library The Meaning In the Outer Court Chel. The Court of the Women. Of the Measure of the Interior Court by the Reed of God, with the ... of the Woman driven into the Wilderness. The Cleansing of the Temple. In Reply to the Questions as to his Authority, Jesus Gives the ... The Ichnography The Story of the Purging of the Temple Spiritualized. Taken ... In the House of his Heavenly, and in the Home of his Earthly ... 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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