2007-01-26 08:46:45 · 8 answers · asked by Norskeyenta 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
The designations Jew, who were Israelites because they were descendants of Israel, and Gentile when used in the Bible were terms used by the Jews to distinguish themselves from everyone else in the world. That is how the Jews viewed things; if you were not a Jew then you were a Gentile. Another expression that is sometimes found in the New Testament is a reference to the Jews and Greeks, such as in Romans 1:16. This designation fits the same purpose of distinguishing Jews from all others. These designations would also help the Gentiles understand the glory of their having been made a part of God's people. Note especially Ephesians 2:11-22. Where God's covenants and promises had previously been given to the Jews only, through Christ the Gentiles would also be participants in them. However, these designations, Jew and Gentile or Jew and Greek, would not be something that would continue, for in Ephesians 2:15 the Bible says that God made the Jews and Gentiles into one new man. He didn't make them all Jews and He didn't make them all Gentiles. He made them Christians. To summarize then, Gentiles were Gentiles, Jews were Jews or Israelites, and converts from either group were called Christians.
God Bless You
2007-01-26 09:00:12 · answer #1 · answered by ? 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The label came to be used during Roman times to refer to native Romans, especially the middle and upper class. Later on, the name stuck to all caucasian, non-jewish Europeans.
PS. In medieval Europe, Christian and Gentile would have been virtually synonymous, but not anymore.
2007-01-26 08:56:12 · answer #2 · answered by dead_elves 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We who are not jewish. Anyone who is not jewish is a gentile. And Romans speaks of salvation that comes to the gentiles. How we are "grafted in" His plan. And how He has set aside a remnant of Israel to be grafted "back in" --see Romans 11. For the time being, as Romans 9 says that we gentiles who are being saved, it is to make Israel envious.....God does have a plan for His people! And we are His people, those who believe and are saved in Him!
2007-01-26 09:10:27 · answer #3 · answered by Mandolyn Monkey Munch 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The word Gentile means stranger or foreigner. It was a term used to convey by a Jew, someone who isn't a Jew.
2007-01-26 09:07:28 · answer #4 · answered by Tonya in TX - Duck 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Gentiles are non-Jews, still considered as such nowadays..
In bible writings, you basically had 3 groups: Jews, Samaritans (close relatives), and Gentiles (People from other nations).
2007-01-26 08:59:01 · answer #5 · answered by OatesATM 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Any non-Jew was a Gentile.
2007-01-26 10:02:12 · answer #6 · answered by jasmin2236 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Gentiles are anyone who is not jewish.
So it includes Christians, muslims, buddhists, atheists, pagans, mormons, JWs, baptists, and any religion or peoples that is NOT jewish.
2007-01-26 13:46:49 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
a gentile is a non-jew, so yes.
2007-01-26 08:55:51 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋