That is a widely held understanding within certain Hebrew Israelite teachings and related scriptural interpretations. Here’s a deeper breakdown:
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Paul’s Use of “Gentiles” Referring to Lost Israelites
In traditional Christianity, “Gentiles” usually means non-Israelites or non-Jews. However, in the Hebrew Israelite perspective, the term can refer to Israelites who were scattered, Hellenized, or living as Gentiles, having lost their heritage and identity due to exile, captivity, or assimilation.
This interpretation finds support in various scriptures:
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Key Scriptural References
1. Hosea 1:9–10, 2:23
“Then said God, Call his name Loammi: for ye are not my people, and I will not be your God… Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be as the sand of the sea… and it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people, there it shall be said unto them, Ye are the sons of the living God.”
This prophecy refers to Israel (the Northern Kingdom) becoming “not my people”—losing their identity—then being restored.
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2. Romans 9:24–26 (Paul quotes Hosea)
“Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles… As he saith also in Osee [Hosea], I will call them my people, which were not my people…”
Paul directly applies Hosea’s prophecy to the “Gentiles” — suggesting he viewed these Gentiles as lost Israelites being restored.
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3. 1 Corinthians 12:2
“Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols…”
This implies the audience used to be Gentiles, but now are being brought back — aligning with the view of Israelites who were once living as pagans.
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4. John 7:35
“Will he go unto the dispersed among the Gentiles, and teach the Gentiles?”
The “dispersed among the Gentiles” clearly refers to scattered Israelites, again showing that some Israelites were living as Gentiles and indistinguishable from them.
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Summary
• Paul’s “Gentiles” were often Israelites scattered among the nations, no longer practicing their heritage.
• His mission was to reclaim the “lost sheep” (see Matthew 10:6, 15:24).
• The Northern Kingdom was divorced (Jeremiah 3:8) and assimilated among the nations, but prophecy declared they’d be gathered again — which Paul saw himself helping fulfill.
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Would you like a visual chart showing this breakdown — with scriptures and identity loss timeline?