GENTILE

(Lat. gens, nation.) The original meaning of the Latin word gentil is is, one of the same kith or nation with the speaker. In a later age of Latinity, individuals of foreign or barbarous races were called Gentiles. (At is on; and Cod. Thcodos.) The Jews designated all not profe ing their religion indiscriminately as " the nations," roc. Wvyj (N.T.); and hence the Greek word iOvixe; (whence our heathen and the corresponding Latin word gentile) became used to signify Pagans, in opposition to Christians and Jews. The v/ord gentil is is used in this sense by St.Jerorae, Prudent i us, and Christian writers of that age in general. The jealousy with which the Jews regarded all foreign nations, and the bigotted obstinacy with which they clung to their notions of their own peculiar sanctity and favour in the sight of God, are well known. The earlier half of the history of the Acts contains the account of the struggle which Christianity maintained against these prejudices before it finally subdued them, even in ttie breasts of the Apostles and first teachers themselves. The design of Christ that all nations should be admitted to the benefits of his mi ion, is clearly shown in many of his own words and actions; but, upon l)is crucifixion, his followers appear in the first instance to have shrunk from carrying out this great principle. Their preaching is confined for some time'to Jerusalem; and there, it is to be remarked, they are treated with no severity, and obtain considerable succe . But upon the appointment of the deacons, who appear to be Hellenists — much more lax in their Judaical notions and prejudices than the Jews of Palestine,— and upon the preaching of Stephen, which was probably the first bold declaration of the equality of the Gentile with the Jew, the anger of the people is immediately roused; the flame of persecution breaks suddenly forth; the disciples are driven from Jerusalem, and scattered abroad in places where they are brought more in contact with foreigners; and the vision which is vouchsafed to Peter recognizes distinctly the claim of the Gentiles to the benefits of the Gospel. The observance of certain Jewish ceremonies continued, however, for a long time to be a stumbling-block to the most devout and sincere Christians. St. Paul combats the notion of the nece ity of submitting to some of these, — especially circumcision; yet even he feels obliged to make some indulgence to the prejudices of the Judaizing party. In after times this party occupied one distinct division of the Christian world, split itself into various sects, such as the Ebionites and Nicol a i tans, and for a long time exercised considerable influence even within the pale of the church. [s. 502]