Dictionary of Biblical Words:
are the nations of the earth excepting the seed of Abraham. Previous to the cross they were regarded as dogs, as afar off, but now on believing are on equal ground of blessing with the Jew (see latter part of Eph. 2.). Dispensationally, indeed, they are for the time in a position of greater favor (Rom. 11). We must remember that in Christ there is neither Greek (Gentile) nor Jew.
Boyd’s Bible Dictionary:
(nations). In O. T. sense, all peoples not Jewish (Gen. 10:5; 14:1; Neh. 5:8). In N. T., Greeks and Romans seem to type Gentiles (Luke 2:32; {vi 27841-27844}Acts 26:17-20; {vi 27945-27947;28180}Rom. 1:14-16; 9:24). “Isles of the Gentiles” (Gen. 10:5), supposed to embrace Asia Minor and Europe.
Concise Bible Dictionary:
A name commonly used in scripture to denote any and every nation except Israel. At times, when Israel as a people is referred to, the same words are used for them. Thus
1. goi, ἔθνος, is translated “nation,” and refers to the Jewish nation (Deut. 26:5; Luke 7:5; John 11:48). In the plural the same words refer to the nations generally in distinction from Israel, and are translated “nations,” “Gentiles,” and “heathen” (Deut. 18:9; Deut. 32:43; Isa. 60:3; Isa. 62:2; Joel 2:19; {vi 27309;27326}Acts 11:1,18; Acts 13:19; Acts 28:28; etc).
2. “Έλλην (in plural) is translated “Gentiles” (John 7:35; {vi 27972-27973}Rom. 2:9-10; Rom. 3:9; 1 Cor. 10:32; 1 Cor. 12:13), in contrast to the Jews; but would be better translated “Greeks,” as it is in most places.
God had raised a wall between the Jews and the Gentiles, which in Christ’s death was broken down for believers, “to make in himself of twain one new man” (Eph. 2:14). “There is neither Jew nor Greek.... for ye are all one in Christ Jesus” (Gal. 3:28). This does not touch unbelieving Jews and Gentiles, who are kept separate in God’s present and future dealings.
Jackson’s Dictionary of Scripture Proper Names:
nations