Gentiles are the nations outside the covenant nation of Israel, whom God has graciously brought near through the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Throughout the Old Testament, the Gentile nations stood outside the covenants given to Israel, yet God's purpose always included bringing blessing to all peoples through Abraham's seed. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, believing Gentiles are brought near to God, becoming fellow heirs, fellow citizens, and members of one body with believing Jews. Salvation is therefore offered equally to Jew and Gentile through faith in Christ, while Scripture continues to distinguish the nations from Israel within God's unfolding redemptive plan.
See in Scripture: Genesis 12:1–3; Isaiah 49:6; Acts 10:34–48; Romans 1:16; Romans 11:11–24; Ephesians 2:11–22