Generally, the word “Gentiles” means “Nations”.A Gentile is usually a person who is not Jewish. However, it is essential to understand the distinction between the Jews and Gentiles in the early community of Christians.
Jewish people are those whose traditional religion is Judaism. Jewish people are ethno-religious groups from the Israelis of the ancient Near East. On the other hand, a Gentile is one belonging to a group of people other than a Jewish group of people.
Other groups of people, such as Mormons that claim the heritage of Israelites have used the term gentile to mention outsiders. Moreover, Gentile is used as a synonym for heathen and pagan.
In most of the translations of the Holy Quran, the term gentile is specifically used to translate a word of Arabic that generally refers to people who are not Jewish and who are not able to read the scripture.
How The Gentiles Were Treated In The Old Testament?
From the inception, God has authenticated his heart for the nations and how he extended to the Gentiles and greeted them in the belief.
.First, God extended to the Gentiles, such as Nineveh and Hagar. Nineveh was a city entirely of sinful acts and severely needed repentance. God asked the Jewish Prophet to go to Nineveh and sermonize against it. When they heard the message of God from Jonah, they started to believe in God and regretted sinful acts. God also extended to Hagar.
Secondly, God greeted the Gentiles into belief. The two significant gentiles were Ruth and Rahab. Ruth was a gentile widow who was childless, and God cared for her and blessed her with a good husband and a son. On the other hand, Rahab was the gentile woman of the son with whom Ruth was married. She was discharged from death because she had a belief in the God of Israel.
Moreover, God used Gentiles to judge Israel. In his righteous judgment, like Ezra 5:12, God allowed the nations of Gentiles to rule and even conquer Israel.
7 Gates Of Righteous Knowledge For Gentiles
Following are the 7 gates of righteous knowledge for all Gentiles. It is necessary to get an understanding of these gates to understand the concept.
- The first Gate is the Gate of Knowledge of God.
- The second Gate is the Gate of Prophecy from God.
- The third Gate is the Gate of Serving God.
- The fourth Gate is the Gate of Prayer to God.
- The Fifth Gate is the Gate of Personal Traits desired by God.
- The Sixth Gate is the Gate of Being Tested by God.
- The Seventh Gate is the Gate of Repentance to God and the principle of Reward and Punishment from God.
7 Laws For Gentiles
There are seven laws for gentiles, considered the moral duties required by all Bible for all men or gentiles.
- Law no 1: Do not worship idols
- Law no 2: Do not put a curse on God
- Law No. 3: Do not commit murder
- Law No. 4: Do not commit adultery or engage in sexual immorality
- Law No. 5: Do not eat a limb removed from a living animal
- Law No. 6: Do not steal
- Law no 7:Establish courts of justice and bring the criminals to court.
Law no 1: Do Not Worship Idols
This law states that only one God is more significant than all other idols. So, it is necessary to worship only that infinite God, whereas all other idols are finite. These idols have no power over the success and failure of any person. It is essential not to replace the supreme God with yourself or any other thing. This law includes specific acts such as learning, contemplation and prayer. This is the law for the Gentiles.
Law no 2: Do Not Put Curse On God
This law states that it is essential to respect your creator. Speech is the only thing that makes humans superior to all other species. It is equally important not to use this speech to curse God. It does not matter whether you are angry or frustrated; never put the course on God. Because he is the creator and maker of all human beings, cursing God is like showing ingratitude for his mercy. This is the fundamental law for gentiles.
Law no 3: Do Not Commit Murder
This law states that do not commit murder or do not kill any human being. It is necessary to respect all human beings. To respect and save the life of one human is considered as respecting and saving the lives of all human beings. It is an excellent deed to help others and save the life of all human beings. This is an essential law for gentiles.
Law No. 4: Do not Commit Adultery Or Engage In Sexual Immorality
This law states that the institution of marriage is vital. Gentiles are not commanded to marry but are advised to do so to avoid any kind of engagement in sexual immorality. Moreover, the Jews and Gentiles are forbidden to marry each other because of the differences in commandments.
Law no 5: Do Not Eat A Limb Removed From A Living Animal.
The purpose behind this restriction is generally to protect human sexual integrity. Moreover, according to this law, it is essential to respect all the creatures and eat the meat of only dead animals. This meat was permitted but with a warning after a great flood.
Law No. 6: Do Not Steal.
This law states that respecting the rights and property of all human beings is very necessary. It is important to remain fair in the dealings of business. This law made the Gentiles trust in God as the provider of life.
Law no 7: Establish Courts Of Justice And Bring The Criminals To Court.
The Gentiles are commanded by their God to avoid injustice and exercise the sovereign jurisdiction to make the court of justice punish criminals according to the law. The Gentile’s laws for punishing criminals differ from those of other nations based on their guidelines. It is also essential to maintain justice. To make fair and just judgments when dealing with a criminal case. Doing justice is also the business of God, and if we right the wrongdoings of society, we are destroying the creature.