What does Ephesians 2:11 mean?

"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;" - Ephesians 2:11

Ephesians 2:11 in the King James Version of the Bible reads: "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."

This verse is a reminder to the Ephesian believers of their former state as Gentiles. The apostle Paul is addressing the Gentile believers to remind them of their past, in order to emphasize how they have been included in the promises of God through Christ. The main themes of this verse are the unity of believers in Christ, the abolishment of division, and the power of God's grace.

The context of this verse is important to understand its full significance. In the previous verses, Paul talks about the reconciliation of Jews and Gentiles through the blood of Christ. He emphasizes that through Christ, the dividing wall between Jews and Gentiles has been broken down, and they are now one in Christ. In verse 11, Paul specifically addresses the Gentile believers, reminding them of their former status as outsiders to the promises of God.

The term "Uncircumcision" was a derogatory label used by Jews to refer to Gentiles, highlighting their lack of adherence to the Mosaic law and their exclusion from the covenant community. Conversely, the term "Circumcision" refers to the Jews, who were circumcised as a sign of their covenant relationship with God. The circumcision of the flesh made by hands symbolized the physical act of circumcision, which was a defining marker of Jewish identity.

Paul's purpose in reminding the Gentile believers of their former identity as "Uncircumcision" is to contrast it with their current state in Christ. By calling them "Gentiles in the flesh," Paul is drawing attention to the physical aspect of their former identity, which was based on outward markers such as circumcision. This stands in stark contrast to their new identity in Christ, which is based on faith and spiritual transformation rather than outward observances.

The symbolism in this verse is significant. The physical act of circumcision represented the outward conformity to the Mosaic law and the cultural markers of Jewish identity. However, Paul reminds the Gentile believers that their inclusion in the promises of God is not based on these external factors, but on the grace of God through faith in Christ.

The broader theological implication of this verse is the universality of the gospel. Paul is addressing the Gentile believers to remind them that they are no longer excluded from the promises of God, but are now partakers of the inheritance of the saints. This reflects the larger theme in the book of Ephesians of the reconciliation of all things in Christ and the unity of believers in Him.

In conclusion, Ephesians 2:11 serves as a reminder to the Gentile believers of their former status as outsiders to the promises of God, and their current inclusion in Christ. It highlights the unity of believers in Christ, the abolishment of division, and the power of God's grace to transcend cultural and religious barriers. The verse underscores the transformative nature of the gospel, which transcends external markers of identity and unites believers in a common faith.

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Ephesians 2:11 - "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;"

"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;" - Ephesians 2:11

Ephesians 2:11-18 - "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)— remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit."

Ephesians 2:11-22 - "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)— remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit."

"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)— remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit." - Ephesians 2:11-22