The term “Gentiles” appears often in the Bible, referring to non-Jewish people. Today, we’ll explore what Scripture says about Gentiles and God’s love for all nations.
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What Does The Bible Say About Gentiles
Acts 10:34-35
So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation, anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.”
This verse highlights the inclusiveness of God’s love and acceptance for all people, regardless of their nationality or ethnicity. It emphasizes that God does not show favoritism, but looks at the heart and actions of individuals. This challenges any notion of superiority or exclusivity.
Romans 2:28-29
For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God.
This verse teaches that being a part of God’s people is not dependent on external factors like lineage or physical rituals. It emphasizes that true identity as God’s people is based on the condition of the heart and a spiritual connection with God. It reminds us that God’s acceptance is not determined by human standards but by His grace and approval.
Romans 3:29-30
Is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, since God is one—who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith.
This verse asserts that God is not only the God of the Jewish people but also of the Gentiles. It emphasizes that both Jews and Gentiles can be justified and receive salvation through faith. It challenges any notion of exclusive access to God’s grace and reminds us of His all-embracing love and kindness.
Ephesians 2:11-13
Therefore, remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands—remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
This verse acknowledges the past separation and alienation of the Gentiles from God’s blessings and promises. However, it also declares the transformative power of Jesus’ sacrifice, uniting both Jews and Gentiles into one spiritual family. It brings hope and reconciliation to those who were once far off, emphasizing the unifying and inclusive nature of God’s salvation.
Romans 1:16
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
This verse emphasizes that the Gospel is meant for everyone, both Jews and Gentiles. It highlights the universal nature of God’s salvation and the power of the Gospel in bringing about transformation and redemption. It encourages believers to boldly share the message of salvation with people from all backgrounds without any sense of shame or hesitation.
Galatians 3:28
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
This verse expresses the equality and unity that believers have in Christ, transcending social and cultural boundaries. It declares that in Christ, there is no division based on ethnicity, status, or gender. It emphasizes the inclusive and impartial nature of God’s love and highlights the importance of unity and equality within the body of Christ.
Colossians 3:11
Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.
This verse echoes the message of unity and equality in Christ, emphasizing that in Him, all worldly distinctions lose their significance. It highlights that in the body of Christ, everyone is equal before God, regardless of their cultural or social background. It reinforces the truth that our identity and worth are rooted in Christ alone.
Acts 17:26
And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place.
This verse reminds us of the common origin of all humanity, descended from one man. It underscores the fact that God is the creator of all nations, and He purposefully determines their times and places of existence. It highlights the intricacy and sovereignty of God’s plan in diversifying humanity, promoting an appreciation for the richness and diversity of different cultures and backgrounds.
Matthew 28:19
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
This verse is known as the Great Commission, where Jesus commands His followers to reach out to people from all nations and ethnicities. It emphasizes the universal scope of the Gospel and the mission of spreading God’s love to the ends of the earth. It encourages believers to actively engage in sharing the message of salvation with people from diverse backgrounds.
Revelation 7:9
After this, I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands.
This verse gives a glimpse into the future, where believers from every nation, tribe, and language gather before God’s throne. It portrays the ultimate fulfillment of God’s inclusive plan for salvation, where diversity is celebrated and unified worship is offered. It encourages believers to have a global perspective and long for the day when all believers will stand together in worship.
Romans 15:9-10
and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written, “Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles, and sing to your name.” And again it is said, “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people.”
This verse quotes from the Old Testament to affirm God’s plan to include the Gentiles in His redemptive work. It highlights that the Gentiles have a role in glorifying and praising God. It reminds us of the goodness and mercy of God that extends to all people, calling for unity in worship and rejoicing among believers from every background.
Galatians 3:14
so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.
This verse emphasizes that through faith in Christ, the Gentiles become partakers of the blessings promised to Abraham and receive the Holy Spirit. It highlights the continuity of God’s covenant and His faithfulness in including the Gentiles in His redemptive plan. It encourages believers to embrace their identity as recipients of God’s promises and to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 3:6
This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
This verse reveals the mystery that the Gentiles are not excluded but are equal partakers of the promises of God alongside the Jews. It stresses the unity and equality of believers in Christ, emphasizing that Gentiles are fellow heirs with Jewish believers and members of the same spiritual body. It encourages unity and mutual recognition among believers from different backgrounds.
Acts 15:8-9
And God, who knows the heart, bore witness to them, by giving them the Holy Spirit just as he did to us, and he made no distinction between us and them, having cleansed their hearts by faith.
This verse recounts the incident where God poured out His Holy Spirit upon Gentile believers, affirming their inclusion into the community of faith. It emphasizes that God does not distinguish between Jews and Gentiles but looks at the sincerity of their hearts and their faith in Christ. It reminds believers that God’s grace and acceptance are available to all who believe, regardless of their cultural or ethnic background.
Mark 11:17
And he was teaching them and saying to them, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations’? But you have made it a den of robbers.”
This verse rebukes the religious leaders for their failure to maintain the inclusiveness of God’s house as a house of prayer for all nations. It expresses God’s desire for His dwelling place to be a place of worship and prayer for people from every background. It challenges believers to remove any barriers or exclusivity that hinder others from experiencing the love and grace of God.
Psalm 67:1-2
May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, that your way may be known on earth, your saving power among all nations.
This psalm expresses the desire for God’s grace and blessings to be extended to all nations. It highlights the purpose of God’s blessings, which is to make His ways and saving power known throughout the earth. It reminds believers of their responsibility to be channels of God’s blessings and to proclaim His love to people of every nation and ethnicity.
Isaiah 49:6
It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to bring back the preserved of Israel; I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.
This verse speaks of God’s mission for His chosen servant, who will not only restore Israel but also become a light for the nations. It reveals God’s desire for salvation to reach the ends of the earth, extending beyond the boundaries of a single nation. It encourages believers to embrace the broader scope of God’s redemptive plan and actively participate in sharing the Gospel with people from all nations.
Matthew 24:14
And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
This verse reveals Jesus’ prophecy that the Gospel will be proclaimed to all nations as a testimony before His return. It highlights the global reach and impact of the Gospel, pointing toward the fulfillment of God’s mission in reaching people from every background. It encourages believers to actively engage in sharing the message of salvation, knowing that it has the power to transform lives and hasten the return of Christ.
1 Timothy 2:3-4
This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
This passage emphasizes God’s heart for all people to be saved and come to know the truth. It underlines His desire for the salvation of both Jews and Gentiles, highlighting His inclusive love for all humanity. It serves as a reminder of God’s unlimited grace and His longing for everyone to experience His redemptive work through faith in Christ.
Zechariah 2:11
And many nations shall join themselves to the Lord in that day, and shall be my people. And I will dwell in your midst, and you shall know that the Lord of hosts has sent me to you.
This verse speaks prophetically of a future time when people from many nations will join themselves to the Lord and become His people. It foretells of God’s dwelling in the midst of His people and His ultimate plan to unite believers from all backgrounds. It encourages believers to anticipate the fulfillment of this prophecy and to actively participate in the inclusion of people from every nation and ethnicity in God’s kingdom.
Revelation 5:9
And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood, you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.
This verse portrays a scene of worship in heaven, where those redeemed by the blood of Jesus sing a new song. It highlights the diversity of those ransomed by Christ, including people from every tribe, language, people, and nation. It reminds believers of the redemptive power of Jesus’ sacrifice and the universal scope of God’s plan to reconcile people from all backgrounds to Himself.