It is obvious that the Jews during the first century had no love for other nations. The Gentiles were reviled, dismissed, and disrespected by the Jewish nation.
God had separated to Himself the Jewish nation in preparation for the Messiah’s appearance. As Paul wrote, “the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ” (Galatians 3:23).
The Jews, however, typically took an extreme view of Gentiles as unworthy of God’s mercy and salvation. It took divine intervention (the Holy Spirit “fell upon them”, cf. Acts 11:15) for the Jews to come to grips with the truth, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life” (Acts 11:18).
Paul taught differently, making two points. First, both Jew and Gentile were guilty of sin (cf. Romans 2:1-2) and stood condemned by it. Second, nationality has no bearing on an individuals standing with God, “who ‘will render to each one according to his deeds’” (Romans 2:6). “For there is no partiality with God” (Romans 2:11).
Regardless, the New Testament does speak disparagingly of the Gentiles. Paul wrote the Ephesians, “that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind” (Ephesians 4:17; cf. 1 Peter 4:1-6). This was not a criticism of their nationality, but of their characteristically sinful life. Not all Gentiles fell into this category (cf. Luke 7:1-10; Acts 10:1-4; Romans 2:26-29).
Racism is wrong. Prejudice against others is inexcusable. However, pointing out sinful works is both good and necessary. We will be judged by what we do! (cf. 2 Corinthians 5:9-11).
(Note: Image of Peter preaching to the household of Cornelius. Artist unknown. Wikipedia Commons).
Click below to…
