What does the Bible say about gentiles? This is a question that has long been debated among believers of the Christian faith. The Bible contains numerous passages that contain references to gentiles, and these passages can be used to gain insight into the way that God views gentiles. The Bible primarily speaks about gentiles in terms of their relationship to the people of Israel, the nation in which God chose to establish his covenant with.
Genesis 12:3 declares that “all the families of the earth will be blessed through you (Abraham).” This passage shows that the blessing of God was meant to stretch beyond the chosen people of Israel and encompass gentiles. This same fact is echoed in the New Testament, where Jesus instructs his disciples to “go and make disciples of all nations.” This demonstrates that God’s grace and love is available to gentiles just as it is to the people of Israel.
The Bible also speaks of gentiles having access to the same spiritual blessings that the Israelites receive. Ephesians 2:11-22 speaks of how “strangers from the gentiles” have been brought near and given access to the same spiritual blessings as those who were chosen by God. This points to the way that God does not see gentiles as being inferior or out of reach, but instead offers them the same opportunity for grace and salvation as those who were chosen by Him.
Overtly negative statements about gentiles are rare in the Bible, but they are certainly there. For example, Deuteronomy 7:3-6 maintains that gentiles “shall be an abomination unto thee”, and that the Israelites should have nothing to do with them. This passage shows the fear that the people of Israel had at the time, a fear that is seen in other cultures and religions to this day.
Despite this, several parts of the Bible demonstrate a more favourable attitude towards gentiles. Isaiah 11:10 speaks of a “rod out of the stem of Jesse” that will bring together all nations, showing that gentiles and Israelites can come together under one universal king. Romans 11:25-34 carries on this sentiment, declaring that gentiles are “grafted in” to God’s covenant and should therefore “remain in the faith and not be pulled away by unbelief”. This points to the fact that God does indeed want gentiles to be a part of His covenant.
In summary, the Bible has various passages that speak of God’s view of gentiles. Many of these passages show a positive attitude towards gentiles, who are seen as being just as capable of receiving God’s grace as the people of Israel. At the same time, some passages do demonstrate a negative view of gentiles, reflecting the fear of the Israelites at the time. Ultimately, it is up to the individual reader to interpret these passages, and to decide what they mean to them and their faith.
Jesus as the Great Equalizer
One of the most significant references to gentiles in the Bible is in the figure of Jesus. He is often referred to as the great equalizer, in that he transcends all boundaries of race, class, and religious affiliation. Jesus himself had a reputation for reaching out to both Jews and gentiles alike, and in the New Testament, he refers to gentiles as “other sheep.” This shows his view of them as being just as deserving of his grace and mercy as those who were born Jewish.
In addition, throughout the New Testament, there are numerous references to gentiles being forgiven and accepted by God. One of the first instances of this is when Jesus accepts a gentile woman as one of his female disciples. This was a highly unusual move for the time, and it demonstrates the way that Jesus was willing to accept those who were not traditionally a part of God’s chosen people.
The book of Acts also speaks of gentiles being baptized in the name of Jesus and receiving the Holy Spirit. This shows that the gift of salvation and grace is available to all, regardless of their religious background or nationality. This demonstrates the ultimate inclusivity of the Christian faith, and it points to the way that God wants all to be saved regardless of their particular circumstances.
The Inclusion of Gentiles Under the New Covenant
Another significant reference to gentiles in the Bible is found in the form of the New Covenant. Under the Old Covenant, gentiles could only draw near to God by becoming proselytes, while under the New Covenant, gentiles have no need to have to do this. Instead, through the power of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, they are able to draw near without any conversion, but instead simply through the power of faith.
A number of New Testament passages speak clearly to this point. In Ephesians 2:11-22, Paul declares that “you (gentiles) who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Jesus.” This passage says that through Jesus’ death, gentiles are now able to draw near to God and receive the same spiritual blessings as those who were chosen by God. This extends even further with the declaration that “in him (Jesus) all are one.” This shows just how inclusive and accepting Jesus is with regard to gentiles.
It is also evident from Galatians 3:7-9, which states that “all who rely on the power of faith are justified before God.” This extends to all people, both Jewish and gentile, and it shows that the promise of eternal life is available to all through the power of faith in Jesus. This fact is echoed in Romans 10:12, which declares that “there is no difference between Jew and Gentile.” This shows just how inclusive the gospel is, and how everyone regardless of their background has the potential to be saved by the power of Jesus’ death and resurrection.
Racial Implications
The Bible also speaks to the racial implications of including gentiles. In Romans 10:12, Paul states that there is no distinction “between Jew and Gentile.” This demonstrates that, in the eyes of God, all are equal and that no one is intrinsically better or worse than another. This idea of equality is echoed in Galatians 3:28, where it is declared that “there is neither Jew nor gentile, male nor female, slave nor free.” This points to the inherent worth of each person regardless of their background.
In addition to this, the figure of Jesus breaks down any racial boundaries that may exist. This is seen in John 4:12, which declares that “whoever believes in Jesus will not perish but have eternal life.” This reaches out to gentiles specifically and shows that they, like any other person, have the potential to come to faith in Jesus. Additionally, Jesus himself makes a point of including the despised Samaritans in his ministry, demonstrating the way that all have the potential to be included.
Overall, the Bible has a message of hope and inclusion with regard to gentiles. It speaks to their potential to draw near to God and to be included in His people. It also speaks of a lack of racial distinction and the way that everyone, regardless of their background, can come to faith in Jesus. This points to the way that God loves all people, regardless of their religious or ethnic background.
God’s Special Status for the Israelites
The Bible does, however, make a distinction between the people of Israel and gentiles. This is seen in Deuteronomy 4:34-37, which states that God has given the Israelites a special status, and has chosen them to be his people. This is extended further in Ezekiel 16:3, which states that God has made a “covenant of love” specifically with the people of Israel, making them his “own special people.” This demonstrates the special relationship that God has with the Israelites, and the way that He has given them a unique call and purpose.
This special status continues even in the New Testament, where Paul declares in Romans 11:11-22 that the “natural branches” (Israelites) have special access to the “olive tree” of divine grace. This special status is reinforced in Galatians 6:16, which states that the Israelite is the “pertaining to the promise.” This points to the fact that the people of Israel were chosen by God to be his special people, and that gentiles must rely on faith to receive divine grace.
At the same time, however, gentiles are not left out entirely. The Bible makes it clear that God has extended his grace and mercy to them, and that they too have access to the same spiritual blessings as the Israelites. This is seen in Romans 11:17 which states that gentiles “stand by faith” and thus are welcomed into the same covenant and become one with the Israelite. This shows the way that God has opened up the covenant and allowed all people to draw near, regardless of their background.
God’s Mercy and Grace for All
The Bible ultimately speaks to the way that God has extended his mercy and grace to all, regardless of their background. This is seen throughout the Old and New Testaments, as God sends his prophets and disciples to all nations, demonstrating his desire to reach out and offer salvation to all who will take it. It also is seen in the special status that God gives to the people of Israel, and in the way that they receive certain blessings that are not available to gentiles.
At the same time, it is evident that God has a special place in his heart for gentiles, who are seen in the Bible as being capable of being accepted by Him and of being offered the same spiritual blessings as the Israelites. This message of inclusion and hope points to the way that God’s love is expansive and wide-reaching, and that no one is too far away or too lost to be embraced by its power.
Man’s Attitude towards Gentiles
Ultimately, the Bible does not speak to the way that people should treat gentiles, only to their potential to draw near to God and to receive his grace. Despite this, numerous passages throughout the Bible make it clear that God desires that people should love one another and treat all as equals. This can be seen in Jesus’ teachings and throughout Paul’s letters, which call for Christians to treat one another as brothers and sisters, regardless of their cultural or religious backgrounds.
Despite this, it is evident that humans still struggle with prejudice and attitudes of superiority. This is seen in the historical treatment of Jews vis a vis gentiles, and in the way that gentiles have often been excluded or seen as “second-class citizens” in many societies. This points to the fact that humans often struggle to accept the egalitarian principles of the Bible, and that more needs to be done in order to truly live out its principles.
In summary, the Bible has many passages that speak to the way that God views gentiles. It speaks to a message of inclusion and hope
