Featured Is there any other way to read this verse?

It's a matter of not accepting assertions. I know there were Gentiles there. I've not said that they weren't there you have asserted this your self. Yet no one has the authority to call a Gentile elect. It has never been pronounced by God so why should I believe it. Not to mention it is not salvific. No where does scripture say we must be elect to be saved.
MB

 

Either "strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia" are the Gentiles, those being Gentile locations or Peter was referring to fellow Jews as strangers scattered in Gentile places. Where Paul's letter to the Galatian churches would be a letter to churches in Gentile places suggesting his letter was to Gentile Christians. Where Paul calls Jewish Christians the "Israel of God" in contrast to uncircumced Gentile Christians, Galatians 6:15-16. Believers being an equal brotherhood.

 

Based on What? The Ephesian church Paul wrote, "
blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, . . ." In the KJV "chosen" is not translated "elect." But is the root word of the word that is.

 

One only needs to show you one Gentile to prove the point.

Romans 16:1-16 is more than sufficient to make that point.

I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae, that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron of many and of myself as well. Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but all the churches of the Gentilesgive thanks as well. Greet also the church in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in Asia. Greet Mary, who has worked hard for you. Greet Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners. They are well known to the apostles, and they were in Christ before me. Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord. Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and my beloved Stachys. Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ. Greet those who belong to the family of Aristobulus. Greet my kinsman Herodion. Greet those in the Lord who belong to the family of Narcissus. Greet those workers in the Lord, Tryphaena and Tryphosa. Greet the beloved Persis, who has worked hard in the Lord. Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord; also his mother, who has been a mother to me as well. Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers who are with them. Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.

MB, I think your complaints are now fully answered. It is best if you simply admit you are wrong.

 

I guess the Bible teaches predestination, but I believe that predestination is on the basis of who God knows in advance will choose Him, not whom he chooses without reason before the foundation of the world, as Calvinists say.

 

What does the Greek word for ordain mean, in the Received Text?

 

Predestination is for being conformed to the likeness of Jesus Christ

 

It means to appoint Like an ordained minister is ordained to preach.
MB

 

Show me where God said gentiles have been elected and I'll believe it. Until then you're just blowing smoke
MB

 

ἀνατάσσομαι
anatassomai
an-at-as'-som-ahee
From G303 and the middle of G5021; to arrange: - set in order.

MB

 

You have already rejected Gentiles Christians to be "as" elect. Then there is the equality of Gentiles and the Israel of God in Christ, Galatians 6:15-16 and they being the bride of Christ, Revelation 21. What you are asking is like arguing there is no "Trinity" because that term is not used.

 

So God chooses based upon what the other person does.

That is merit-based salvation. Works salvation, not grace.

Romans 11:6 But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.

 

Paul, both in Galatians and Romans, tells us that the elect are the children of the promise that come from every nation, tribe and tongue.

MB has a very strange desire to ignore Paul's point.

 

He and Van both have some very interesting theology!