Who Were The Gentiles?

Who were the Gentiles? The Holy Bible often mentioned about the unlikeable Gentiles. Why were they like outcasts?

The term "Gentiles" generally refers to people who are not Jewish or who are not part of the Jewish community. In a religious context, the term is often used in contrast to Jews or to refer to non-Christians.

The term "Gentile" is derived from the Latin word "gentilis," which means "of or belonging to a nation." In the Bible, the term is used to refer to non-Jewish people, particularly in the New Testament.

Were The Gentiles Israelites too?

In the Bible, Gentiles are mentioned in various contexts, and some of them lived in Israel while others lived outside of Israel.

In the Old Testament, Gentiles are sometimes referred to as "the nations," and they are depicted as living in different regions and kingdoms around Israel. For example, the book of Genesis describes various Gentile nations, including the Egyptians, Canaanites, Hittites, and Amorites, who lived in the lands surrounding Israel.

In the New Testament, Gentiles are also mentioned in various contexts. Jesus and his disciples mainly ministered to Jewish people, but they did encounter Gentiles from time to time, such as the Syrophoenician woman in Mark 7:24-30. After Jesus' death and resurrection, the early Christian church began to expand its mission to include Gentiles, and many Gentiles became followers of Jesus. This led to debates within the church about how to integrate Gentile believers into the predominantly Jewish community of followers.

In summary, both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible describe Gentiles living both inside and outside of Israel, depending on the specific context and historical period.

Where Are The Gentiles Now?

As for where the Gentiles are now, they can be found all over the world, as the term encompasses a diverse range of people who are not part of the Jewish community or who are not followers of Christianity. However, today, the term "Gentiles" is less commonly used, if not no longer used, for the reason that it is considered outdated and even offensive in some contexts. Instead, people are often referred to by their specific ethnicity or religious affiliation.