Luke 2:32 Commentary and Bible Study

That the Gentiles will be called is the oft-repeated theme of Isaiah’s prophecy. Given the great emphasis in the Old Testament about Israel keeping itself separate from and distinct from the nations, this is remarkable. Israel was in danger of being corrupted by the nations around it and their idolatrous practices. For this reason they were to destroy all the idolatrous places of worship of the nations occupying Canaan before them. They were to abstain from marriage with them, and any male proselytes that turned to the living God from those nations were to be circumcised. They were to destroy many of their cities, and at time put to death the people. And yet, Christ is a light to lighten the Gentiles (Isaiah 42:6). What has happened to the danger that the pagan nations previously presented to Israel? Why is it now safe to go to them, to send missionaries to their lands, to invite them to come to Christ for salvation? Why is there this great change of policy? It has to be said that even in Old Testament times Israel was encouraged to publicise to the nations around the truth of God’s word. The quote above from Psalm 98:2 describes not only what would be true in the future, but defines the role of Israel even then. Worship was certainly centred in Jerusalem and in the temple located there, but it was understood from the start that strangers may join themselves to the nation, and if they did, Israel was to welcome them and to love them, remembering how they were strangers in Egypt (Exodus 22:21; Deuteronomy 10:19). The existence of strangers among them was assumed even in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:10). But while Israel remained a mixed multitude, it was necessary for them to be kept physically apart. Those who were not converted were not capable of living in close proximity with the unbeliever without being affected by his unbelief. Isarel was like a sheepfold in which the sheep were kept together and apart from the nations round about, so that they could have a distinctive and identifiable witness. When however Christ established his church, it was no longer a mixed multitude. It is a regenerate church, composed entirely of those who possess faith, and who have overcome the world, and therefore, for another reason, it is suited to go into the world and preach the gospel to all and try to win those from every nation under the sun. The believer is sufficiently protected by God that he is ready for the great commission, ready to live alongside the unbeliever without yielding to his influence.Christ is also the glory of God’s people Israel. The Lord will not regret his purpose in calling out a nation to be his people. Though many were only his people in an outward formal sense, he has continued to call his elect from among them, and it is important that the church is composed of Jews and Gentiles.