Schnabel reflects in this article on the universal context for the narrative of Israel in Scripture and the universal perspective of the identity of Israel. After providing an overview of the Old Testament narrative of the relationship between Israel and the nations, he argues that the apostles were convinced that the promised era of salvation for the nations was inaugurated with the ministry of the Messiah. The nations are now drawn to Zion. The foundation of the new Israel is not ethnic Israel but the witness of the apostles to the work of Jesus Christ.