When is the time of the Gentiles?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The Gentiles referred to non-Jewish people. Their time means that Gentiles rule over the world, including having dominion over the Jewish people. A look at the Old Testament prophets helps to define the beginning of this period. Prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah warned God’s people of coming destruction and captivity because of their idolatry (2 Kings 20:16-18; Jeremiah 25:8-14). Jewish rule ended and Gentile rule began when the Jewish temple was destroyed in 586 BC by the Babylonians. In the New Testament, Luke 21:24 speaks of the times of the Gentiles, indicating that God’s people will face persecution until Christ’s Second Coming. Revelation depicts Gentiles still ruling Jerusalem even during the seven-year tribulation period (Revelation 11:2). Christ returns at the end of these seven years to begin His millennial reign (Revelation 19:17—20:6), a period of one thousand years during which Jesus will lead His people from Jerusalem (Revelation 20). Though we don’t know the date or time of Jesus’ Second Coming, Christians today are called to live as if Jesus could come at any moment (Matthew 25:1-13; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6).

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• The time of the Gentiles means that Gentiles rule over the world, including having dominion over the Jewish people. Jeremiah told about the start of that time when he prophesied about Judah’s captivity through Babylon (Jeremiah 25:8-14).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Luke 21:24 speaks of the times of the Gentiles: "They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive among all nations, and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled." Throughout history, this has been true of the Jewish people. After AD 70, the Jews were displaced and scattered throughout the world. In the twentieth century, anti-Semitism, especially under Nazi Germany, caused the deaths of millions of Jews. Prophecies in Revelation indicate Gentile rule has not yet ended, even if the Jewish people temporarily lead their own nation. The phrase, "Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles," may refer to the ongoing conflict in and around Jerusalem even today.
• Historically, the time of the Gentiles began with the Babylonian exile and continued through successive empires—Persian, Greek, Roman—and even into modern times, as Jerusalem has often been under non-Jewish control. But beyond political dominance, the New Testament reveals a deeper spiritual purpose for this time. In Romans 11:25, Paul writes, “Lest you be wise in your own sight, I do not want you to be unaware of this mystery, brothers: a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.” This shows that during this time, God is gathering a people for Himself from among the Gentiles. The gospel is being preached to all nations, and many Gentiles are coming to faith in Christ.
• The time of the Gentiles is not just about Gentile rule but about Gentile inclusion in the promises of God. Ephesians 3:6 explains this mystery clearly: “This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.” So, during the time of the Gentiles, they are not only ruling in a worldly sense but are also being invited into the kingdom of God through faith in Jesus.
• The time of the Gentiles will end at Christ’s Second Coming, which calls believers to be patient, trusting in God to fulfill His promises at His perfect time (2 Peter 3:9).
• In Revelation, Gentiles are still ruling Jerusalem even during the seven-year tribulation period (Revelation 11:2). This does not change until Christ returns at the end of these seven years to begin His millennial reign (Revelation 19:17—20:6), a thousand-year period during which Jesus will lead His people from Jerusalem (Revelation 20).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

“Are we there yet?” Parents who have driven long distances with their kids probably have that playing on repeat in their minds. Hearing the same question repeatedly has to be a form of torture.

But as children of God, maybe that’s the question we’re mentally asking when we wonder when Christ will come again and the time of the Gentiles Luke speaks of will end. Christians who are old enough have lived through many end times predictions from those who ignore what Jesus said (Mark 13:32).

Our goal as believers, though, isn’t to focus on when but on how—i.e., how we live our lives to the glory of God until Christ’s return. The gospel still needs to be preached in the world. The harvest isn’t fully gathered yet (Matthew 9:37). If we think about it, we surely have friends and family who do not know Christ. Perhaps God is waiting for us to tell such people about Him (2 Peter 3:9). God is perfect, and so is His timing.

UNDERSTAND

• The time of the Gentiles began with Babylon’s conquest of Jerusalem in 586 BC.
• The time of the Gentiles is when Gentile rule mostly dominates the world and God’s redemptive plan focuses on including the Gentiles.
• The time of the Gentiles will end when Jesus establishes His millennial reign, urging believers to live faithfully.

REFLECT

• How does knowing we live in the time of the Gentiles shape the way you trust God’s timing for His promises?
• How are you participating in God’s plan to reach the Gentiles with the gospel today?
• How can you live faithfully while waiting for Christ’s return, rather than focusing on when it will happen?

ENGAGE

• How does understanding the historical and spiritual aspects of the time of the Gentiles affect our view of current world events?
• What does Romans 11:25 teach us about God’s plan for both Jews and Gentiles during this period?
• How can we encourage one another to remain faithful and active in God’s mission while living in this time of the Gentiles?