As we read through Romans we will see what appears to be a clash of cultures: Jews vs. Gentiles. We will go a little deeper into this when we meet together but I wanted to give you something to take with you as you read Chapters 1 and 2.
A ‘Jew’ is a descendant of the patriarch, Israel. Often times, the term ‘Jew’ and ‘Israelite’ are used interchangeably in the Bible. They are also known as ‘God’s Chosen People’.
When God spoke to Abraham about 2000 years before Christ was born, He promised Abraham that he would have descendants through whom all nations of the earth would be blessed. This promise was later extended to Isaac, son of Abraham, and later to Jacob, son of Isaac. Jacob was given the name ‘Israel’ by God. His descendants (the people of the twelve tribes, or his twelve sons) were referred to as the Israelites, and later, the Jews.
In very basic terms, a Jew is a descendant of Israel.
Practically everyone else was referred to as a Gentile. So, unless you are born of Jewish blood, you are a Gentile. I am a Gentile.
The Jews regarded the Gentiles as pagans who did not know the truth of God. Gentiles were considered unclean and were referred to as ‘dogs’, and the ‘true uncircumcision’.
As the gospel spread in the years after the Resurrection, many Gentiles were converted from paganism and became recipients of God’s new covenant promise. Acts 11:18 says, “So then, even to the Gentiles, God has granted repentance that leads to life.”
Here are a few things to keep in mind as we continue to walk through Romans:
- It is believed that the church in Rome was predominately Gentile.
- Paul was a Jew, (he was a descendant of Benjamin, a son of Israel)
- Many Jews in Rome still doubted that the righteousness of God could be revealed to the Gentiles
- The covenants and promises of God were initially made solely to the Jews. This is why the coming of Christ was truly good news to the Gentile! The blood of Christ destroyed the barrier between Jew and Gentile and extended the right to receive eternal life to all who would, by grace, turn to the Lord in repentant faith. (see Ephesians 2:11-14)
I pray your time in God’s Word is sweet this week!
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