The word “ta ethne” is found in two passages of Scripture where the Lord Jesus Christ commands His disciples, then and now, to go to the “nations” and preach repentance for the forgiveness of sins (Luke 24:47) and make disciples (Matthew 28:19).
Many misunderstand the word “nations,” as “ta ethne” is translated in many versions of the Bible, to mean the geo-political entities of the world when, in fact, it does not.
I’ve recently read an article by Dr. Jim Slack of the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention on the subject of “ta ethne” as it is used in Scripture. The article helps us to correctly understand that “ta ethne” means ethnolinguistic people groups.
If you are interested in reaching the “nations” for Christ, please read Slack’s article and my post. Our understanding of “ta ethne” may change the way that we look at and do missions, globally and locally.
I have written a post on Dr. Slack’s article on my other blog, taethnenetwork.
Dr. Slack’s article can be found here.