For centuries the Gentiles had been on the outside looking in when it came to the faith of Israel. There were provisions for them to embrace the Jewish faith, but even in converting they were still second class citizens in the covenant. Gentiles could go to the temple in Jerusalem to worship, but they could go no farther than the outside court. The middle court reserved for Jewish women and the inner court reserved for Jewish males was forbidden to them. Even in the synagogue, the place of study and prayer, Gentiles had to stay in their place. No matter how loyal they were to God and no matter how faithful they were to the commandments, the Gentiles were always on the outside looking in.
How did the early church arrive at a turning point where insiders were willing to include outsiders?
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