What does "the fullness of the Gentiles" mean, and why is it significant in God’s plan? This article explores the biblical concept of the Gentiles, Israel’s role in history, and how salvation for all people unfolds according to God’s ordained order. Using key Scripture passages, we will unpack the mystery Paul refers to in Romans 11:25-27, explain how God’s covenant with Israel relates to Gentile believers, and highlight why understanding this truth matters for Christians today.
Who Are the Gentiles?
The term "Gentiles" refers Other nations except Israel. In the Old Testament, Israel was unique because they were chosen by God as His covenant people. Unlike other nations, Israel had no earthly king but was led directly by God. Before making decisions, they sought His guidance through prophets, and God actively fought their battles. This set them apart and made them different from all other nations.
However, God’s plan was never to exclude the Gentiles permanently. Instead, through Israel, He intended to bless all nations. His covenant with Abraham stated that through his descendants, “all the nations of the earth shall be blessed” (Genesis 12:3). This divine purpose unfolds throughout Scripture, culminating in Jesus Christ, who brings salvation to both Jews and Gentiles alike.
The Mystery of the Fullness of the Gentiles
Paul speaks of a divine mystery in Romans 11:25-27:
"I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in."
The word "mystery" in Greek is mustērion, meaning a hidden truth now revealed. Paul explains that Israel's temporary blindness (their rejection of Jesus Christ) allows the Gospel to reach the Gentiles. But this blindness is temporary —it will remain until the full number of Gentiles has come to faith. Only then will Israel as a nation recognize Jesus as their Messiah and all be saved.
This means God’s plan involves both groups: salvation comes to the Gentiles, which in turn leads to the eventual salvation of Israel. One event must take place before the other can be fulfilled.
When Did the Time of the Gentiles Begin?
Some people are confused about when the time of the Gentiles started. While God has always loved all people equally, He initially worked through Israel to demonstrate His power, love and righteousness.
In Romans 1:20-25, Paul explains that from the beginning, humanity have clear evidence of God’s existence through creation. However, people chose to worship idols instead of the Creator. This rebellion led God to allow nations to follow their own ways—until He chose Israel as a example of the world. However, when Israel rejected Jesus, their messiah the Gospel shifted toward the Gentiles. John 1:11-12 says:
"He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God."
Paul and Barnabas made this shift clear in Acts 13:46-48 when they said:
"It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it… behold, we turn to the Gentiles."
This marked the beginning of the Gospel going to the nations, fulfilling God's promise that through Abraham, "all the families of the earth shall be blessed" (Genesis 12:3).
Did Israel Stumble Beyond Recovery?
Some might wonder: did Israel fall so far from God that they can never return? Paul answers this question in Romans 11:11-15:
"Have they stumbled that they should fall? Certainly not! But through their fall, to provoke them to jealousy, salvation has come to the Gentiles."
God’s plan isn’t to abandon Israel but to use Gentile believers to stir them to jealousy and bring them back. If Israel’s temporary rejection brought blessings to the world, imagine how much greater the blessings will be when they are restored!
Jesus’ Prophecy About the Time of the Gentiles
Jesus Himself spoke about the time of the Gentiles in Luke 21:24:
“And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.”. This passage refers to a temporary period of Gentile political dominance. However, its fulfillment came when the gospel reached the Gentiles and was ultimately realized when they received the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ. Today, many Gentiles believe in Jesus Christ of Nazareth. When their fullness is complete, this period will come to an end, and salvation will turn to Israel, restoring the nation to the center of God’s divine plan.
God’s Mercy for All People
Paul marvels at God’s wisdom in Romans 11:30-36:
"For as you were once disobedient to God, yet have now obtained mercy through their disobedience, even so these also have now been disobedient, that through the mercy shown you they also may obtain mercy." Both Jews and Gentiles have experienced disobedience, and both receive mercy through Christ. This proves that salvation is not based on nationality or religious efforts but purely on God’s grace.
God Commands Everyone to Repent
Throughout history, Gentiles worshipped false gods, but God showed patience. However, in Acts 17:30-31, Paul declares:
"Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness."
Now is the time for all people—Jew and Gentile alike—to turn to God before judgment comes.
God’s Appointed Messengers to the Gentiles
God specifically sent messengers to bring the Gospel to the Gentiles. Two key figures were:
• Jonah – He was sent to Nineveh but initially refused. After spending three days in the belly of a fish, he obeyed, and the Gentiles repented.
• Peter (Simon Bar-Jonah) – He was also hesitant to preach to Gentiles but later brought the Gospel to Cornelius, marking a turning point in salvation history (Acts 10-11).
Their obedience changed the world, showing that God's plan always included the Gentiles.
What Happens When the Fullness of the Gentiles Is Complete?
The phrase "until the fullness of the Gentiles" suggests a set number of Gentiles must come to faith before God turns His focus back to Israel. When this moment arrives:
• The church (including Gentile believers) will have completed its mission.
• Israel will recognize Jesus as their Messiah.
• Prophecies regarding Israel’s salvation will be fulfilled.
Paul warns against being ignorant of this truth. Romans 10:1-3 shows that many in Israel still try to establish their own righteousness instead of accepting Christ. However, Proverbs 19:21 reminds us: "There are many plans in a man’s heart, nevertheless the Lord’s counsel—that will stand." God’s plan is unfolding exactly as He decreed, and nothing can stop it.
Conclusion: The Urgency of Salvation
The time of the Gentiles will not last forever. Jesus fulfilled everything written about Him (Luke 24:44), and the final fulfillment of prophecy is approaching.
For Gentiles, now is the time to accept Christ before this period closes. For Israel, national salvation is coming, but only through Jesus. The fullness of the Gentiles is part of God's perfect plan, leading to the restoration of Israel and the return of Christ. Are you ready?
Author Bio
Am Kyle and am passionate about biblical truth and making Scripture accessible to all. With years of studying and God mercy and His knowledge in faith-based writing and teaching, I enjoys unpacking complex topics in a way that resonates with both lifelong believers and those exploring faith for the first time. Rooted in a deep love for God's Word, I seeks to inspire others to grow in their understanding of Scripture and walk confidently in their faith.