The term ‘Gentile’ refers to anyone who is not ethnically Jewish - that is, someone who belongs to the other ‘nations’ of the world rather than to God’s ancient people ‘Israel’. The word translated ‘Gentiles’ in Greek is the plural word ethne, from which we get the word ‘ethnic’. The singular word ethnos simply means ‘nation’ or ‘people group’ and is used of the Jews - the ‘people’ of God (e.g. Luke 7:5). The plural word ethne normally refers to the other ‘peoples’ or ‘nations’ in the world. It has always been God’s plan to use His people to reach the other nations with good news about Him (Genesis 18:18). He did this through sending His Son Jesus Christ (Isaiah 42:5-7, Luke 2:29-32), and wants to continue this mission through His people today (Matthew 28:16-20). Most of the references to the Gentiles come in the book of Acts, where we see the Jewish disciples of Jesus fulfil His command and go out to those of other nations with the Gospel (e.g. Acts 13:47-48).
