Exactly what is the meaning of the term ‘time of the gentiles’? And who are considered the gentiles?

It is often believed that Gentiles refer to any nations that are not descended from the Jews. However, the word gentile first appeared in the Bible, Genesis10:5, when it listed the descendants of Noah’s children after the flood. The passage stated:

From these the coastland peoples of the Gentiles were separated into their lands, everyone according to his language, according to their families, into their nations. (Genesis 10:5)

 This was before Abraham was chosen by God to be the father of the Jews.

Dictionary.com gives several definitions of a gentile. It means a heathen or pagan, a non-Jewish set of people especially the Christians, a linguistic term expressing nationality or local origin.

Base on the above verse, Gentiles refer to a group of people from the coastland who separated themselves into different areas according to their language and families.

Even though this account was documented in Genesis Chapter Ten, it would appear that the separation of people occurred after the tower of Babel which was told in Genesis Chapter Eleven. Therefore, it seemed that when all the nations separated, those who strayed from the true knowledge of God were described as gentiles.

The nation of people which continued to worship the true and living God was descended from Shem. God selected Abraham, from the loins of Shem, to be the father of the Israelites (Jews) who would continue to uphold the law of God.

Gradually the word gentiles became stigmatized to mean non-Jewish people.

The redemptive work of Jesus Christ has leveled the field for everyone. We all have the opportunity to become partakers of the family of God if we believe and accept the Lord Jesus Christ.

When we are baptized into Christ, we have put on Christ. Thus, we are considered neither Jews, Greek or Gentile, neither are we slave nor free; male or female but all are spiritually one in Christ. Since we belong to Christ, then we are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to his promise. (Galatians 3:26-29)

Therefore, when the Bible refers to Gentile, in our dispensation of grace, it means non-believers in God. Those who strayed away from the teaching and principles of God which were the original meaning in the beginning.

We should also bear in mind that the Bible is the prophetic word of God. When He declares His word, it encompasses all dimensions – the past, present, future and beyond when Christ returns.

Thus, His word has a literal meaning and also a spiritual revelation. It is the spiritual revelation which will deliver you from the bondage of sin.

Ezekiel prophesied that the day of the Lord is near and it will be a day of clouds, the time of the Gentiles (Ezekiel 30:3). The day of the Lord refers to the outpouring of Gods wrath upon the unbelievers (Gentiles).

While Christ was on earth, He prophesied the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans. This was the second and final physical abomination of desolation spoken by Daniel the Prophet.

The first was the invasion of the Assyrians on the Israel and the Babylonians on Judah. The enemies conquered the people and took them captive while others were scattered all over the earth. The land became desolate – a waste place.

The Lord later restored the Jews back to Judah and sent them the Messiah, Jesus Christ, to deliver them spiritually, but they were looking for a king who would overthrow the nations that had conquered them and reinstated their country as the dominant empire.

Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. (Acts 1:6-7)

Of course, this was not the purpose of Christ mission on earth, so they rejected Him. They continued in their sins so Christ prophesied that they would once more be overthrown by the enemy and Jerusalem destroyed. (Luke 21:20-24)

The prophecy of Jesus was fulfilled when the Romans destroyed Jerusalem, and everyone was scattered all over the face of the earth. Since then and to this very day Jerusalem is being trampled or occupied by the gentiles or unbelievers of Jesus Christ.

It will continue until the time of the gentiles is fulfilled which means when Christ return to pour out His wrath on unrepentant men.

When the Babylonian conquered the land of Judah, the Lord protected the Jews from mass slaughter to preserve the lineage of David until the birth of Christ.

It was according to the prophecy of Jacob which stated that the scepter would not depart from Judah until Shiloh comes and then shall the gathering of the people be (Genesis 49:10 KJV).

Shiloh referred to Jesus Christ while ‘gathering of the people’ meant unity of all nations through the redemption of Jesus Christ.

Christ accomplished His purpose on earth and is the last King from the lineage of David. He is the ultimate King of kings and Lord of lords.

Thus, after Christ ascension to the Father in heaven, God did not and will not restore another nation from the seed of Abraham on earth. The final restoration of the Jews will be at His second coming along with everyone who is washed in His blood and written in the Lambs book of life (Daniel 12:1).

Therefore, do not be deceived. The time of the Gentiles has not yet being fulfilled thus Jerusalem is still being trampled or occupied by non-believers in Christ irrespective of what the people who lived in that area called themselves. Some of the occupants claimed to be the Jewish people while others are Palestinians.

Some of the occupants claimed to be the Jewish people while others are Palestinians. They all said that they are the chosen people of God who have the rights to the land.

However, in the eyes of God and according to His word, if they do not believe and accept Christ as their Savior they are considered unbelievers or Gentiles. The invitation is opened to anyone to become part of God’s chosen generation through the blood of Jesus Christ irrespective of where you live.

It is possible that you may be considered anti-Semitic if you question whether the nation if Israel is the original descendants from the seed of Abraham.

But, as I stated before it is time to open our mind and pick sense out of nonsense.

As Christians, let us ask ourselves these questions: Is it okay to send money to any nation who does not believe in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ? Will we be blessed by God because we bless Israel? Which belief system is the worst: anti-Semitic or anti-Christ?