What does 'heathen' mean in the New Testament?
In the New Testament, 'heathen' means anybody who is not a Jew—not of the twelve tribes or the sons of Abraham. It refers to the non-Jew, the Gentile. The context states this definition directly, clarifying that Paul was sent to preach among the heathen, meaning to non-Jews.
Les explains that in the New Testament, the word 'heathen' is not a specific ethnic group but a general term for anyone who is not a Jew. He defines it as anybody not of the twelve tribes or the sons of Abraham, which means the non-Jew, or Gentile. This definition comes in the context of Paul's testimony that it pleased God to call him by His grace and reveal His Son in him so that he might preach Christ among the heathen. Therefore, when Paul says he was sent to the heathen, he means he was sent to the Gentiles. The same account is confirmed in Acts chapter 9, where God directs Ananias to go to Saul, showing that Scripture agrees.