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The concept of Foreign nations in Christianity

Foreign nations in Christianity are primarily described as the various groups and nations outside of Israel that are often associated with hostility, idolatry, and immorality. Prophets such as Joel, Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Jeremiah addressed these nations within their writings, discussing themes of divine judgment and the potential influence on Israel. Foreign nations also encompass those who engaged in conflict with Israel, emphasizing their role in biblical narratives while highlighting Israel's unique covenant with God. The term reflects the broader implications of foreign relations throughout scripture.

Synonyms: Distant nations, Foreign countries, Nations

In Malay: Bangsa asing; In Finnish: Vieraat kansat; In Swedish: Främmande nationer; In Spanish: Naciones extranjeras; In Dutch: Buitenlandse naties; In German: Ausländische Nationen; In French: Nations étrangères

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Christian concept of 'Foreign nations'

Christianity Books

Significance in Christianity (general):

From: A Dictionary of the Bible (Hastings)

(1) Foreign nations are often associated with idolatry and immorality, and they are contrasted with Israel, which is often referred to as the people of Jahweh within the provided text.[1] (2) Foreign nations refer to the district at the northern boundary of Israel, which was a frontier surrounded by foreigners on three sides, and this name was used to describe Galilee.[2] (3) Countries outside of the Chosen People with whom treaties and alliances were made, particularly during the patriarchal age and later periods.[3] (4) References to countries or peoples outside of Israel who are often subject to judgment or condemnation in Isaiah's prophecies.[4] (5) Nations such as the Phœnicians and Philistines denounced in the Book of Joel for their hostility towards Israel.[5]

From: A Cyclopedia of Biblical literature

(1) Foreign nations were the subject of Ezekiel's predictions, which were uttered during the interval between the divine intimation that Nebuchadnezzar was besieging Jerusalem and the news of its fall, indicating the scope of his prophecies.[6] (2) Many predictions of the Old Testament concern, indeed, the events of foreign nations, but they are always uttered and written with reference to Israel.[7] (3) These are the other countries that influenced the Jewish practice of wills, with the idea seeming to be adopted from them at a later time.[8] (4) Nations outside of Israel that posed a risk of drawing the Israelites into idol worship.[9] (5) Other kingdoms or peoples outside of Israel addressed in the context of Isaiah's prophecies.[10]

From: Bible cyclopedia, critical and expository

(1) These nations are the subjects of prophecies that are found between the two main divisions of Ezekiel's work, according to the text.[11] (2) Foreign nations are the recipients of Jeremiah's concise, sublime, and energetic writing style, particularly evident in the rhythmical parts of his work.[12] (3) The nations discussed in the later chapters of Isaiah, which address issues beyond Judah and Israel.[13]

From: Expositions of Holy Scripture

(1) This phrase refers to the groups over whom the speaker anticipates victory, signaling a shift in the scope of the conflict.[14]

Significance in Early Christian church and writers:
Early Christianity Books

From: Ante-nicene Fathers

(1) Foreign nations are mentioned in the context of Lysimachus and Alexander holding the empire of the whole world, and being able to subdue all foreign nations and the whole race of then.[15] (2) This refers to the group of people from which God would assemble a more faithful population, if the original people persisted in their wrongdoings.[16] (3) Populations that do not originate from the chosen people of Israel but who can receive God's grace and covenant.[17] (4) Countries or peoples outside one's own nation; reference to those who do not belong to the Jewish tradition.[18] (5) Countries outside of their own where people were carried into captivity.[19]

Early Christianity (also known as Early Church) refers to the period starting roughly in the 6th century BC up until 325 A.D. during which year the first council of Nicaea was convened. Popular literature includes the writings by the early Church Fathers which forms the basis of later Christian theology.

Significance in Protestantism (Christian movement emphasizing faith and scripture):
Protestantism Books

From: The Existence and Attributes of God

(1) Countries or groups outside of the Jewish entity that harbored negative intentions toward them, illustrating the broader scope of divine protection.[20]

Protestantism (or simply the protestant church) is a major branch of Christianity originating from the Reformation in the 16th century, led by figures like Martin Luther. It emphasizes salvation by faith alone and the Bible as the ultimate authority. Variants of Protestantism include Lutheranism, Calvinism, Anglicanism, Methodism and Presbyterianism, each with unique practices but generally united by these core principles.

Significance in Church of the East (or the East Syriac Church):
Church of the East Books

From: The Book of the Bee

(1) This refers to the places where the kings were destroyed by Joshua, the son of Nun, as stated in the text.[21]

The Church of the East emerged in the 5th century and separated from the Roman Empire's state church by adopting Nestorianism. It emphasizes the distinct human and divine natures of Jesus Christ. It is also called the Assyrian Church, Nestorian Church or the East Syriac Church.

Significance in Global Christian community:
Catholic Church Books

From: The city of God

(1) Nations that caused fury and barbarian ferocity, and the text compares them to the violence among citizens in Rome's civil wars.[22]

The Catholic Church is a global Christian community with over a billion members, rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ. It is led by the Pope and emphasizes the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist. Catholicism is a denomination centered on the teachings thereof. It has a rich theological and cultural heritage.