The Gentiles

WHAT IS A GENTILE?

The first thing we must understand is exactly what is a Gentile? In general, when we refer to a Gentile we are simply referring to all other Nations. Specifically, a Gentile is a NON-Israelite man or woman.

Gentile by definition using the Strong’s Concordance is: Gentile #H1484 in the Hebrew e’-thnos - a race, i.e. tribe; specifically a foreign (non-Jew) one usually by implication pagan,

Gentile, Heathen, Nation, or people. Let us also examine the word Heathen #1471 in the Hebrew Gawaya – a foreign nation; hence a Gentile. So we see that a Gentile and a Heathen is one in the same by definition.

YHWH & THE OTHER NATIONS

The next thing that we must establish is that YHWH never accepted, dealt with or cared about the other nations (Gentiles/Heathens).

“He sheweth his word unto Jacob, his statutes and his judgments unto Israel. [20] He hath not dealt so with any nation: and as for his judgments, they have not known them. Praise ye the LORD.” Psalms 147:19-20

Let us be clear in our understanding of this scripture. The Lord said that the Word (the Bible as well as Christ) has not been shown or revealed to any of the other Nations. The true understanding of the Bible regarding the statues, judgments, and commandments of YHWH has not been shared or revealed to any other nation besides Israel. The Lord does not change or lie (Malachi 3:6; Numbers 23:19; Hebrews 13:8). This judgment continues to stand until this day. Now for the naysayers or nonbelievers observe the next scripture in the Apocrypha so that there is no doubt that YHWH cares for none but Israel:

“All this have I spoken before thee, O Lord, because thou madest the world for our sakes [56] As for the other people, which also come of Adam, thou hast said that they are nothing, but be like unto spittle: and hast likened the abundance of them unto a drop that falleth from a vessel. [57] And now, O Lord, behold, these heathen, which have ever been reputed as nothing, have begun to be lords over us, and to devour us. [58] But we thy people, whom thou hast called thy firstborn, thy only begotten, and thy fervent lover, are given into their hands. [59] If the world now be made for our sakes, why do we not possess an inheritance with the world? how long shall this endure?” 2 Esdras 6:55-59

The Prophet Ezra (Esdras in Greek) knew how YHWH felt about the other nations. The Most High says first the world was made for Israel’s sake and the other people (Gentiles/Heathens) that come from Adam as well are like the last drop in a bottle of water or like spit! He counts them as vanity and even worthless. YHWH only cares for Israel period, point blank -- always has and always will!! There are many who feel this is wrong and cannot be the feelings of The Most High, however, if we are to be true believers (John 4:23) we must adhere to what the Word says. Putting your personal feelings aside, let the word of YHWH be true and everything else be deemed lies (Romans 3:4). Many other scriptures support the fact that the Most High only loves and deals with His Children Israel (Amos 3:7; Joel 2:27; Psalm 78:5; II Esdras 5:27; Isaiah 9:8; Deuteronomy 7:6) and many more. Now that we have a solid foundation as to who the Lord is dealing with, cares for and loves, we can move on with a clear mind as to who were the Gentiles whom were shown favor in the New Testament?

WHO ARE THE GENTILES OF THE NEW TESTAMENT?

Historically, the Children of Israel were notorious for breaking the commandments of the Most High and suffering the curses (Deuteronomy 28:16-68) since the fall of our Nation starting with the 10 Tribes of Israel to the Assyrians in approximately 722 B.C. and the Southern Kingdom over 130 years later to the Babylonians approx 586 B.C. Part of our cursing was to be scattered among all Nations, which happened through our captivities and releases.

“And the LORD shall scatter thee among all people, from the one end of the earth even unto the other; and there thou shalt serve other gods, which neither thou nor thy fathers have known, even wood and stone.”
Deuteronomy 28:64

We were cursed for disobedience which involved being scattered and serving other gods. Israelites have been and until this day scattered amongst all nations worldwide. The scattering caused us to dwell among other nations and caused us to adopt many of their ways. Our adoption of their ways many times was by force and sometimes willingly. The next few scriptures will prove that the Israelites were scattered amongst the “Gentiles.”

“Then said Jesus unto them, Yet a little while am I with you, and then I go unto him that sent me.[34] Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come. [35] Then said the Jews among themselves, Whither will he go, that we shall not find him? will he go unto the dispersed among the Gentiles, and teach the Gentiles?” St John 7:33-35

Historically, the Jews knew of Israel’s dispersion amongst other nations. We knew that we had brothers and sisters living all over the know world in places like Thessalonica (Macedonia), Greece, Alexandria (Egypt/Africa), Asia Minor, Cyrene (Libya/N Africa), Rome, Italy, Corinth (province in Greece) to name a few. We also knew that part of the gospel of Yahawashi was to teach the dispersed of our nation! To teach the Gentiles of our people!

“But I scattered them with a whirlwind among all the nations whom they knew not. Thus the land was desolate after them, that no man passed through nor returned: for they laid the pleasant land desolate.” Zechariah 7:14

As previously mentioned, you will find Israelites dwelling in all of the above places mentioned recorded in the Scriptures. This was part of the whirlwind scattering that YHWH did to us!

“Confess him before the Gentiles, ye children of Israel: for he hath scattered us among them.” Tobit 13:3

“Israel is swallowed up: now shall they be among the Gentiles as a vessel wherein is no pleasure.” Hosea 8:8

ISRAEL AMONGST THE GREEKS

The Children of Israel have been scattered amongst the Gentiles for years and years. While in captivity under the Greeks, the Greek King Antiochus made it law that all Israel leave off their laws and customs and adopt the ways of the Greeks. In an effort to establish a One World Order, the King in fact commanded all nations to fall in line with the customs of the Greeks:

“Moreover king Antiochus wrote to his whole kingdom, that all should be one people, [42] And every one should leave his laws: so all the heathen agreed according to the commandment of the king. [43] Yea, many also of the Israelites consented to his religion, and sacrificed unto idols, and profaned the sabbath. [44] For the king had sent letters by messengers unto Jerusalem and the cities of Juda that they should follow the strange laws of the land, [45] And forbid burnt offerings, and sacrifice, and drink offerings, in the temple; and that they should profane the sabbaths and festival days: [46] And pollute the sanctuary and holy people: [47] Set up altars, and groves, and chapels of idols, and sacrifice swine’s flesh, and unclean beasts: [48] That they should also leave their children uncircumcised, and make their souls abominable with all manner of uncleanness and profanation: [49] To the end [50] And whosoever would not do according to the commandment of the king, he said, he should die.”
1 Maccabees 1:41-50

King Antiochus made Israel commit many abominable acts that caused us to defile ourselves, our sanctuary, and completely dishonor YHWH. A large amount of Israel volunteered themselves to become “Greeks:”

“In those days went there out of Israel wicked men, who persuaded many, saying, Let us go and make a covenant with the heathen that are round about us: for since we departed from them we have had much sorrow.
[15] And made themselves uncircumcised, and forsook the holy covenant, and joined themselves to the heathen, and were sold to do mischief.” 1 Maccabees 1:11,15

Now imagine hundreds of years of living like this, traditions being passed down from generation to generation, it’s no wonder that the dispersed of Israel needed to be taught the salvation of Christ! Today in America, many of our people consider themselves American. We are recognized as such when we leave the country. Our people follow the customs and traditions of America (holidays, politics, education, philosophies, religions etc.). For all intents and purposes, we too are part of the dispersion of Israel scattered to America living as Gentiles!

Observe the term Greece/Greek/Grecian using the Zondervan Compact Bible Dictionary. Greece: Grecia is Greece, the home of the Hellenes. Greeks and Grecians, however are to be distinguished. Greeks are generally those of the Hellenic race. Grecians were Greek- speaking Jews, folks of the dispersion from areas predominantly Greek. So we see that the dispersed Jews were called Greeks and Grecians. Now it also said that Greeks were of a Hellenic race. Well who or what was a Hellenist? Let’s find out. Using the same dictionary, Hellenist - Jews who made Greek their tongue and with it often adopted Greek ideas and practices.

Now after understanding these definitions we can now see that Jews/Israelites were in fact called Greeks/Grecians due to their lifestyle, dispersion, race classification, politics, and customs. Paul was a Roman by citizenship, but an Israelite by Nationality.

“And as they bound him with thongs, Paul said unto the centurion that stood by, Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a Roman, and uncondemned? [26] When the centurion heard that, he went and told the chief captain, saying, Take heed what thou doest: for this man is a Roman. [27] Then the chief captain came, and said unto him, Tell me, art thou a Roman? He said, Yea. [28] And the chief captain answered, With a great sum obtained I this freedom. And Paul said, But I was free born. [29] Then straightway they departed from him which should have examined him: and the chief captain also was afraid, after he knew that he was a Roman, and because he had bound him.” Acts 22:25-29

Paul knew the laws of Rome and utilized his wisdom to escape the torture that he faced for his beliefs and admitted that he was a Roman (by citizenship only). Many would read that and think that Paul was a so-called white man, however observe:

“I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.” Romans 11:1

Paul knew his bloodline and nationality, although born in Tarsus which is located in modern day Turkey. Paul himself was a product of the Dispersion.

It should be clear at this point that the Greeks and Gentiles spoken of were indeed Israelites dispersed. If not clear, we will continue to clarify the misunderstanding that the Gentiles being spoken of in the New Testament was any and all nations. The 2nd chapter of Romans is a stumbling block for many, so we will highlight key points in this chapter. We strongly encourage you to watch our “Outward Jew” video to help further your understanding as well.

“To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: [8] But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, [9] Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;
[10] But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: [11] For there is no respect of persons with God. [12] For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; [13] (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. [14] For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves:” Romans 2:7-14

THE CHURCH INCORRECTLY TEACHES WE ARE GENTILES

The Church teaches that we (so-called Blacks and Latinos) are the Gentiles and that the fake Jews will be entitled to salvation first and then the Gentiles. They incorrectly teach that there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek (Romans 10:12; Colossians 3:11). In the 2nd chapter of Romans, Paul simply clarifies why the Gentiles (Dispersed Israelites) were just as entitled to eternal life and salvation as the Jews (Israelites dwelling in Judea, raised in the laws and customs of the scriptures). Many of the Jews (Pharisees, Sadducees and Scribes) were living as hypocrites. Only carrying themselves outwardly as Jews (clothes, speech, political influence, money etc.), but they weren’t truly living lawfully as they should have been.

Christ spoke of this in Matthew 23:1-7. Paul said that many Gentiles were doing lawful things by nature (i.e. keeping the dietary laws, not worshiping idols, loving thy neighbor as themselves. etc.) which Christ explained was just as good as one who knows the law, but does not follow the law. Both will be judged by deed according to the law at the end of the day. The reason there was no difference was because they were the same people! One living lawfully by nature and the other taught to live lawfully however only living lawfully by custom and not sincerity (inwardly). Paul simply explained that both are the same people only that one (the outward Jew) being raised in the law, felt they were better then the Gentiles (dispersed Israelites) who were learning to repent and follow the laws.

Scythians and Barbarians were also Israelites who lived as nomads, established their own communities and culture. Nonetheless they were of the same stock as the Israelites who were in Judea raised under the law.

YHWH IS ONLY FOR ISRAEL

We know that YHWH is not a respecter of persons, however He is in judgment only. The Most High has respect for Israel (Exodus 2:24-25), however not in judgment (Deuteronomy 1:17). The Laws, repentance and promise of eternal life was prophesied to be taught to the Jews first and then to the Gentiles of Israel:

“The LORD also shall save the tents of Judah first, that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem do not magnify themselves against Judah.” Zechariah 12:7

Judah and the Southern Kingdom (Benjamin and Levi) were prophesied to receive the knowledge of Salvation first. Judah being the head tribe had to take the leadership role in establishing the foundation of knowledge, understanding, keeping of the laws and preservation of all Israel (Genesis 49:10). The Gentiles of Jerusalem were not to magnify or exalt themselves above the prophesied order. This was an issue in Romans Chapter 11 which Paul addressed. No we see why the Jews questioned Christ’s statement about disappearing and not being found in John the 7th Chapter. They asked if it was time to teach the dispersed! Christ commanded the disciples that it was not time to go into the Gentile nation strongholds and teach (Matthew 10:5-6), he was aware of the prophecy and stuck to the protocol. So Paul was merely quoting the Old Testament prophecy when acknowledging that salvation was promised to the Jew first and then to the Greek in Romans 1:16.

We have now proven historically who the Gentiles in the scriptures were, we have proven how and why they were called as such, we have proven that the Lord has always dealt with Israel being His chosen, and we have made clear who was promised salvation. The other nations will not share the glory of eternal life, the kingdom, power nor dominion.

“For my name’s sake will I defer mine anger, and for my praise will I refrain for thee, that I cut thee not off. [10] Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction. [11] For mine own sake, even for mine own sake, will I do it: for how should my name be polluted? and I will not give my glory unto another. [12] Hearken unto me, O Jacob and Israel, my called; I am he; I am the first, I also am the last.”
Isaiah 48:9-11

Now this is a brief overview of this topic, it truly would take a book to expound on all the history, the Diaspora, the conflict between the Jews and Gentiles, and why they did not want to accept the Gentiles (Acts 10:28), the topic of conversion, the term “whosoever” and many more questions. Hopefully this ignited a light in your thinking and brought understanding to this topic according to truth and scripture.