Who were the Gentiles in the Bible?

Gentiles in Acts

The term "Gentile" in the Bible refers to non-Jewish people or those who are not part of the chosen people of Israel. The word is derived from the Hebrew term "goyim" and the Greek word "ethnos," both meaning "nations." In the Old Testament, God's covenant and promises were primarily focused on the nation of Israel. However, there are numerous prophecies and passages that anticipate the inclusion of Gentiles in God's plan of salvation (Isaiah 11:10; 42:1, 6; 49:6, 22; 54:3; 60:3, 5, 11, 16; 61:6, 9; 62:2; 66:12, 19; Jeremiah 16:19; Malachi 1:11). The Book of Jonah also demonstrates God's concern for the Gentile city of Nineveh. In the New Testament, the inclusion of Gentiles in the church becomes a central theme. Jesus' ministry extends to Gentile regions (Matthew 4:15; 12:18, 21), and He commissions His disciples to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19). The apostle Paul, in particular, is called to be an apostle to the Gentiles (Act.9.15; 22:21; 26:17, 20, 23; Romans 11:13; 15:16; Galatians 2:8; Ephesians 3:1, 8; 1Ti.2.7). The inclusion of Gentiles in the church was not without controversy, as seen in the debate over circumcision and adherence to the Mosaic Law (Acts 15). However, the Jerusalem Council affirmed that Gentiles could be saved by grace through faith in Christ, without being required to follow Jewish customs (Act.15.19-20). Throughout the New Testament, the unity of Jewish and Gentile believers in Christ is emphasized (Ephesians 2:11-22; Galatians 3:28; Col.3.11). The mystery of the gospel is revealed, that Gentiles are fellow heirs and members of the same body, partaking of the promise in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 3:6). The inclusion of Gentiles in God's plan of salvation demonstrates the universal scope of His love and grace. It also highlights the importance of unity and equality among believers, regardless of their ethnic or cultural background.

Where does Gentiles appear in the Bible?

Gentiles is referenced in 81 verses across 15 books. Every passage below is about this one, not just every verse the word turns up in.

• 1 Corinthians 1:23
• 1 Peter 2:12
• 1 Peter 4:3
• 1 Thessalonians 2:16
• 1 Thessalonians 4:5
• 1 Timothy 2:7
• 2 Corinthians 11:26
• 2 Timothy 4:17
• 3 John 1:7
• Acts 4:27
• Acts 9:15
• Acts 10:45
• Acts 11:1
• Acts 11:18
• Acts 13:46
• Acts 13:47
• Acts 13:48
• Acts 14:2
• Acts 14:5
• Acts 14:27
• Acts 15:3
• Acts 15:7
• Acts 15:12
• Acts 15:14

What else appears in these passages?

These turn up in the same passages as Gentiles.