What is a Gentile?

Answer

The term “Gentile” is an English translation of the Hebrew word “goyim” (meaning “people, nations”) and the Greek word “ethne” (meaning “nations, people groups, people”). The Latin Vulgate rendered these words as “gentilis,” which was later adopted into English as “Gentile.” It refers to an individual who is not Jewish.

From a Jewish standpoint, Gentiles were often regarded as pagans who lacked knowledge of the true God. During the time of Jesus, many Jews held such pride in their cultural and religious heritage that they viewed Gentiles as “unclean,” labeling them as “dogs” and “the uncircumcision.” Gentiles, including the Samaritans who were partially Gentile, were considered adversaries to be avoided (see John 4:9; see John 18:28; and Acts 10:28).

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus hinted at the common association of Gentiles with paganism: “If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?” «And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? », (Matthew 5:47, ESV). In another part of the same sermon, Jesus remarked, “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words” «But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. », (Matthew 6:7, ESV). In both instances, the NIV simply translates the term in question as “pagans.”

Jesus came to offer salvation to all individuals, whether Jewish or Gentile. The prophet Isaiah foretold the Messiah’s universal ministry, stating that He “will bring forth justice to the Gentiles” and wouldBe “a light to the Gentiles” «Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles. », (Isaiah 42:1,6, NKJV). In Mark 7:26, Jesus helps a Gentile woman who had asked for her daughter’s freedom from a demon.

Interestingly, both Jews and Gentiles are mentioned in the account of Jesus’ death. The Jewish leaders arrested Jesus, but it was a Roman (i.e., a Gentile) who sentenced Him to death and Romans who carried out the execution see Jesus’ prediction in Luke 18:32. Later, the apostles prayed, “Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city [Jerusalem] to conspire against your holy servant Jesus” «For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, », (Acts 4:27).

As the gospel spread in the early New Testament era, many Gentiles were converted. Acts 11:18 records the reaction of the Jewish Christians in Jerusalem, who “praised God, saying, ‘So then, even to Gentiles God has granted repentance that leads to life.’” When the Gentiles in Pisidian Antioch heard the good news, “they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed” «And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed. », (Acts 13:48).

When writing to the (mostly Gentile) church in Rome, Paul communicated his goal: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile” «For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. », «For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believes; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.», (Romans 1:16). Paul realized that the coming of Jesus provided the opportunity for salvation to whoever would believe in Christ’s name «For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.», (John 3:16).

Gentiles were long seen as enemies of the Jewish people, yet Christ provided good news for both Jews and non-Jews. Paul praised the Lord’s goodness in his letter to the (mostly Gentile) church in Ephesus: “Remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups [Jew and Gentile] one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility” (Ephesians 2:12-14).