"Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh....But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ." — Ephesians 2:11-13
The word “barbarian” comes from the Greek word “barbaroi.” The ancient Greeks, hearing the language of their foreign neighbors on the battlefield, thought they heard this constant chattering bar, bar bar! Thus anyone who was not Greek = barbaroi.
Likewise today if you play a Swedish person a clip of the Swedish Chef, they will say that he actually sounds Norwegian.
(Not relevant but always hilarious...)
Human beings are tribal by nature and will always assume the innate superiority of their nation and culture over others. Because this is a universal phenomenon it must be a part of fallen human nature, and the only remedy for humanity’s fallen nature is the regeneration of the Holy Spirit.
So, when the Bible classifies someone as a Greek, a Gentile, or a heathen it is important to understand how Scripture uses these terms and not look to external cues.
Scripture tells us that God “hath made of one blood all nations of men,[1]” and has redeemed His elect “out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation[2].” That means exactly what it says. The elect are and will continue to be taken from every nation, society, and culture from every corner of the earth over the course of redemptive history. Is he the God of the Jews only? Is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith[3].
The Israel of God[4] is not confined to any particular nation-state on earth. It is foolish to say that America is a Christian nation or Israel is the chosen nation of God. The Israel of God has no earthly borders. The God of the whole earth shall He be called.[5]
Paul wrote to the Hebrews (yes I’m going to state my opinion) that if Abraham, Sarah, and the patriarchs had been nationalistic they would not have been able to come out of the world, be separate, and receive the kingdom promised to them by God.
“But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city[6].”
Christians must maintain a level of separation from the world with its ungodly lusts, practices, and temptations. As I stated earlier, heathen religion is characterized by devil-worship. Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils.[7]
But the Bible everywhere encourages us to be part of the world to glorify our Savior. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.[8]
A "Gentile," heathen, Greek, or "goyim" is not to looked down upon with the contempt of the Pharisees. An unregenerate person is not unregenerate because they are genetically inferior or less intelligent than a believer. Apart from Christ, we are as hopeless and helpless as anyone else before a Holy God. Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature children of wrath, even as others.[9]
No man can say that Jesus is Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.[10]
Therefore, he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.[11]
Sola Deo Gloria.
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