Rav Shaul's Discussions in the Brit Chadasha​

Rav Shaul’s writings in the Brit Chadasha are rich with references to the inclusion of Gentiles into the family of G-d, particularly through faith in Yeshua, the Mashiach of Israel. One of the key passages where Rav Shaul addresses Gentile believers in a transformative way is found in 1 Corinthians 12:2:

 

“You know that when you were Gentiles, you were led away to mute idols, however you were led.” 

 

Here, Rav Shaul refers to the Gentile converts in Corinth as former Gentiles, implying a fundamental shift in their identity. This language signals that something profound has happened to them—through their faith in Yeshua, they are no longer identified as Gentiles in a spiritual sense, but as members of the people of G-d. The idea of being a "former Gentile" underscores the transformative nature of their conversion. They are no longer outsiders to G-d’s covenant people; they have been brought into the community and commonwealth of Israel.

 

The Spiritual Transformation: From Stranger to Citizen of Israel

 

In Ephesians 2:11-13, Rav Shaul elaborates on the spiritual transformation of the Gentiles, who were once estranged from G-d’s promises but are now part of the commonwealth of Israel:

 

“Therefore remember that formerly you, the Gentiles in the flesh—who are called ‘uncircumcision’ by the so-called ‘circumcision,’ which is performed in the flesh by human hands—remember that you were at that time separate from Mashiach, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without G-d in the world. But now in Mashiach Yeshua, you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Mashiach.”

 

This passage explains that Gentiles, before their belief in the Mashiach, were “strangers to the covenants of promise” and “excluded from the commonwealth of Israel.” However, through their faith in Yeshua, they have been “brought near” and are now part of the people of G-d. Rav Shaul’s use of covenantal language here is significant because it shows that Gentiles are no longer strangers or foreigners but are integrated into the spiritual and communal life of Israel.

 

This inclusion is not based on ethnicity, nationality, or bloodline but on the condition of their heart and their desire to follow the G-d of Israel through belief in His Mashiach Yeshua. As such, it can be said that Rav Shaul views these former Gentiles as spiritually Jewish, grafted into the olive tree of Israel (Romans 11:17-24), and fully part of the people of G-d.

 

Rav Shaul’s Understanding of Israel: A Matter of the Heart

 

Rav Shaul’s theological position and acceptance of the foreigners as a part of Israel is rooted in the Torah, which emphasizes that being part of Israel is not solely a matter of ethnicity, but also a matter of the heart. In Deuteronomy 10:16, G-d commands Israel to “circumcise the foreskin of your heart, and be stiff-necked no longer.” This command reveals that what G-d truly desires is not just outward conformity to rituals or ethnic identity but inward transformation—a heart aligned with His will. Rav Shaul picks up this theme in Romans 2:28-29, where he redefines Jewish identity based on the condition of the heart:

 

“For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that which is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter; and his praise is not from men, but from G-d.” 

 

Here, Rav Shaul explicitly teaches that true Jewishness—being part of the covenant people of G-d—is a matter of the heart, not merely physical descent or external signs like circumcision. This internal transformation is the work of the Ruach HaKodesh and is available to all who believe in Yeshua, Jew and Gentile alike. Therefore, Gentiles who have placed their faith in Yeshua are no longer strangers or foreigners but are spiritually part of Israel.

 

The Stranger as Part of Israel: From Torah to Rav Shaul

 

The idea that Gentiles can become part of Israel is not a new concept introduced by Rav Shaul. It finds its roots in the Torah in the form of a command, as seen in Leviticus 19:33-34, where G-d commands Israel to treat the ger (stranger) living among them as if they were native-born:

 

“And if a stranger dwells with you in your land, you shall not mistreat him. The stranger who dwells among you shall be to you as one born among you, and you shall love him as yourself; for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the L-RD your G-d.” 

 

This command reflects G-d’s inclusive vision for Israel. The stranger, or foreigner, who chooses to dwell with Israel and follow the ways of the G-d of Israel is to be treated as a full member of the community. They are to be loved, respected, and integrated into the life of Israel. The Torah thus lays the foundation for the adoption of Gentiles into the people of G-d, as long as they align themselves with G-d’s covenant and commandments.

 

Rav Shaul, as a Jewish teacher deeply familiar with the Torah, extends this principle into the new reality of the Messianic era. Through faith in Yeshua, the promised Mashiach, coming to this world as Mashiach Ben Yoseph, the Gentiles who were once strangers are now full participants in the covenant promises given to Israel. Their status as former Gentiles reflects the transformative power of the gospel of salvation through the death of our Mashiach, which erases the division between Jew and Gentile and creates one new man in Yeshua (Ephesians 2:14-16).

 

One House for All Nations

 

Rav Shaul’s vision is ultimately one of unity—a single house composed of both Jews and former Gentiles who are united in their faith in Yeshua. This vision aligns with the prophetic promises of the TaNaK, where Gentiles would one day be brought into the fold of Israel, as reflected in Isaiah 56:6-7, as G-d declares:

 

“Also the sons of the foreigner who join themselves to the L-RD, to serve Him, and to love the name of the L-RD, to be His servants—everyone who keeps from defiling the Shabbat, and holds fast My covenant—even them I will bring to My holy mountain, and make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on My altar; for My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations.” 

 

This prophecy reveals that G-d’s plan has always been to include the nations in His house, as long as they choose to align themselves with His covenant. Rav Shaul sees the fulfillment of this prophecy with the adoption of Gentiles into the people of G-d through the work of Yeshua.

 

The Stranger’s Heart and Adoption in Israel

 

Rav Shaul’s reference to “former Gentiles” in 1 Corinthians and his broader teachings about Gentiles being grafted into Israel through faith in the Mashiach reflect a deep continuity with the Torah’s vision of adoption. The status of the stranger as part of Israel is not dependent on ethnicity but on the condition of the heart and a desire to follow the G-d of Israel.

 

Through their belief in Yeshua, the Gentiles in Rav Shaul’s day—and today—are no longer “strangers” or “foreigners” but full members of the commonwealth of Israel, spiritual heirs to the covenants and promises of G-d. In Mashiach, Jew and former Gentile become one people, unified by faith and transformed by the Ruach HaKodesh, erasing the distinctions that once divided them and creating one house under the reign of the One True G-d.