Overview
The Bible addresses gentiles across 17 verses, drawn from the New Testament. These passages cluster most in Acts and Romans. Closely related themes include Idolatry, Rome, Wicked and Crime. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Peter and Jesus.
Key Bible verses about gentiles
New Testament
Acts
Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)
That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;
How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:
Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;
Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.
And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.
To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Romans
And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; to retain: or, to acknowledge a reprobate: or, a mind void of judgment or, an unapproving mind
Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: without natural: or unsociable
Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. have: or, consent with
People in the Bible and gentiles
Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.
In the Bible dictionary
Studying gentiles for yourself
- Begin with Acts 10:34, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Compare how Acts and Romans each treat the theme.
- Consider the lives of Peter and Jesus and how their stories intersect with it.
- Widen the study to related themes: Idolatry, Rome, Wicked and Crime.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about gentiles?
The Bible addresses gentiles across 17 verses, drawn from the New Testament. These passages cluster most in Acts and Romans. Closely related themes include Idolatry, Rome, Wicked and Crime. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Peter and Jesus.
How many Bible verses are about gentiles?
The Bible references gentiles in 17 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention gentiles?
In canonical order, the first of these passages is Acts 10:34: “Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:”
Which people in the Bible are associated with gentiles?
Peter and Jesus.
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