Ephesians 2:11 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands—

NIV: Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called 'uncircumcised' by those who call themselves 'the circumcision' (which is done in the body by human hands)--

NASB: Therefore remember that previously you, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called 'Uncircumcision' by the so-called 'Circumcision' which is performed in the flesh by human hands—

CSB: So, then, remember that at one time you were Gentiles in the flesh--called "the uncircumcised" by those called "the circumcised," which is done in the flesh by human hands.

NLT: Don’t forget that you Gentiles used to be outsiders. You were called 'uncircumcised heathens' by the Jews, who were proud of their circumcision, even though it affected only their bodies and not their hearts.

KJV: Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;

NKJV: Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh—who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands—

Paul transitions from his discussion of salvation by grace through faith to an explanation of our unity in Christ. Writing to Gentile Christians, he begins by stating that these people are still uncircumcised. This stood in strong contrast to circumcised Jews, who saw that ritual as a necessary sign of membership among God's chosen people. In addition, these non-Jewish believers were often dismissed as "the uncircumcision" by those who held to traditional Judaism. In other words, they were both labelled as outsiders and treated as outsiders. To traditional Judaism, these were people who did not belong to God's family.

Paul's point here is these attitudes were completely manmade. The physical condition of circumcision was something people could do, but it was only a symbol. The spiritual, "true" circumcision was something only God could change. Paul will begin a transition in verse 13 to show that this separation on the basis of circumcision has ended thanks to Jesus. Through Him, all people can believe and become part of God's one united family. These Gentile Christians were no longer excluded but were now family with all of God's people.

Ephesians 2:11–22 explains how those who are saved, by grace through faith in Christ, have become part of a single family. Prior to the coming of Jesus, the Jewish people considered Gentiles to be unclean and inferior. Here, Paul explains how the gospel extends hope, promise, and a relationship with God to Jews and Gentiles alike. Most of the Ephesian church would have been Gentiles, and Paul frequently found himself countering anti-Gentile sentiment among various churches.

Paul repeatedly emphasizes that salvation is accomplished on the basis of grace, through faith. Good works, human effort, and our best intentions will never be enough to earn salvation. Every person is marked with sin, both deliberate and accidental, and for this reason we deserve to be separated from God. Only through His mercy and grace can we be saved, leaving no room for bragging. This also means that all who are saved, Jew and Gentile alike, are part of the same spiritual family. There is no cause for hostility between believers; we are all unworthy, and all saved by the same kindness of God.

The first three chapters of Ephesians focus on doctrinal issues; the last three show how those principles should be applied in real life. Chapter 2 makes a pair of related points about our status as saved believers. First, salvation is entirely dependent on the grace of God, not human efforts. Second, this means all Christians are part of the same family, Jew and Gentile alike. This bridges chapter 1's explanation of God's awesome glory to chapter 3's discussion of God bringing His long-awaited plan into action.

Ephesians follows a theme common in Paul's writings: connecting theory with practice. In this book, however, he goes into greater depth before making the transition. As a letter meant to be read by more than just the believers at Ephesus, this is an important look at how Christian belief should translate into Christian action. The first three chapters lay out spiritual ideas, the last three chapters show how these truths should be applied in the life of a mature believer. Paul focuses heavily on love, the unity of the Christian church, and the incredible value of our salvation through Christ.