Ephesians 2:11-12
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— remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Paul uses the terms "uncircumcision" and "circumcision" here not just as labels, but to expose the irony of how these external markers were used. While "circumcision" was meant to signify God's covenant people, Paul points out it was merely a physical act performed by human hands, and those who boasted in it looked down on Gentiles as "uncircumcision." This highlights how easily outward religious practices can become a source of pride, obscuring the true spiritual reality.
Paul is urging the Ephesians to recall their former state as Gentiles, emphasizing their exclusion from God's covenant people who were identified by physical circumcision. This remembrance is meant to highlight the radical grace that now includes them alongside Jewish believers, dissolving the old barriers that separated "us" (Jews) from "you" (Gentiles) and making them one new humanity in Christ. The verse sets the stage for explaining how God broke down the dividing wall of hostility, bringing peace and unity through Christ's work.
Ever felt like an outsider, defined by what you lacked? Paul reminds the Ephesians of a past identity that shaped their worldview and their relationship with God.
Paul begins by calling the Gentile believers to 'remember' their past. He uses the phrase 'Gentiles in the flesh' to describe their former state.
What does 'in the flesh' mean here?
This phrase points to their physical, external reality. It highlights their lack of the physical mark of circumcision, which was the outward sign of the covenant for Israel. This wasn't just about a physical difference; it represented a profound separation from God's covenant people.
The Identity of 'Uncircumcision'
They were called 'the uncircumcision.' This was a derogatory term used by the Jews, marking them as outside God's favor and promises. It was a label that signified spiritual alienation and ignorance of God's ways.
This reminder served a crucial purpose: to underscore the immensity of God's grace in bringing them into His covenant community.
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The Bible often uses physical acts to point to spiritual realities. But what happens when the physical act becomes the main focus, overshadowing its true meaning?
Paul contrasts the Gentiles' identity as 'the uncircumcision' with those who were 'called the circumcision.' However, he immediately qualifies this by adding 'which is made in the flesh by hands.'
An External Mark
This refers to the physical act of circumcision performed on Jewish males. For the Jews, it was a sign of their covenant relationship with God, distinguishing them from other nations.
The Danger of the External
Paul’s addition of 'made in the flesh by hands' subtly critiques the Jewish reliance on this physical rite. While divinely instituted, when it was performed and prided in without a corresponding inner reality, it became merely an outward ceremony. It was something done to them, not something that transformed them from within.
The emphasis here is on the external nature of this Jewish distinction, highlighting that both 'circumcision' and 'uncircumcision' in this context were defined by physical markers rather than spiritual realities.
Understand the original words
ethnē · Greek Noun
A term used by Jews to refer to non-Jewish nations, often signifying those outside the covenant community of God, though in the New Testament it refers to those now brought into the family of God through faith in Christ.
peritomē · Greek Noun
The act of cutting off the foreskin, serving as the sign of the covenant between God and Abraham; in this context, it refers to the physical mark of Jewish identity.
Christos · Greek Noun
The Messiah; the Anointed One of God. He is the mediator between God and humanity and the source of salvation and reconciliation for both Jew and Gentile.
apallotriothenēs · Greek Adjective/Participle
The status of being excluded from the community, rights, and covenantal benefits that God granted to His chosen people, Israel.
politeia · Greek Noun
The corporate identity of God’s people in the Old Testament, set apart by covenant, law, and the presence of God to represent Him to the world.
diathēkai · Greek Noun
The sacred promises and legal agreements God made with humanity (such as with Abraham and Moses) that define His relationship with His people and reveal His plan of salvation.
This verse highlights the sharp historical divide between Jews and Gentiles, where circumcision was a physical marker of covenant and identity, and uncircumcision was a term of otherness and often contempt. Paul reminds the Gentile believers in Ephesus of this former alienation to underscore the radical grace of God in bringing them into one new humanity in Christ.
c. 2000 BC
Abrahamic Covenant Established
God establishes a covenant with Abraham, promising him descendants and land, and marks this covenant with the sign of circumcision for all males.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
The Israelites are liberated from slavery in Egypt, marking a pivotal moment in their identity as God's chosen people, distinct from the surrounding nations.
c. 586 BC
Babylonian Exile
Jerusalem and the Temple are destroyed, and many Jews are exiled to Babylon, a traumatic event that redefined Jewish identity and relationship with God.
c. 330 BC - 63 BC
Hellenistic Period
Greek culture and language spread throughout the region, creating a complex social and religious environment with increased interaction between Jews and Gentiles.
c. 63 BC
Roman Conquest of Judea
Rome exerts control over Judea, leading to further political and social changes that impact both Jewish and Gentile populations in the region.
c. AD 30-33
Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus
The central events of Christianity, leading to the spread of the Gospel message that salvation is available to all, regardless of ethnic or religious background.
c. AD 60-62— this verse
Paul Writes Ephesians
The Apostle Paul, likely imprisoned in Rome, writes his letter to the church in Ephesus, addressing profound theological truths about the unity of believers in Christ.
This passage introduces circumcision as a physical sign of God's covenant with Abraham and his descendants, establishing the 'Circumcision' identity that Paul contrasts with the Gentiles.
Deuteronomy 23:3This verse explicitly states that an Ammonite or Moabite shall not enter the assembly of the LORD, showing the strong separation and exclusion felt by 'the Nations' (Gentiles) from God's people in the Old Testament.
Romans 2:28-29Paul here directly contrasts outward circumcision with the inward circumcision of the heart, echoing the distinction in Ephesians 2:11 between the 'circumcision in the flesh made by hands' and true spiritual belonging.
Galatians 3:28This verse speaks to the breaking down of old divisions in Christ, stating there is 'neither Jew nor Greek,' which directly addresses the reconciliation of the 'Gentiles in the flesh' and 'the Circumcision' through faith.
Colossians 2:11This passage describes a 'circumcision of Christ' not done by human hands, highlighting the spiritual reality that supersedes the physical rite mentioned in Ephesians 2:11 and signifies true belonging.
vincentEphesians 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;"
Uncircumcision - circumcisionAbstract for concrete terms, the uncircumcised and circumcised.Which is calledNotice the irony, giving back the called of the circumcised.
bengelEphesians 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;"
Ephesians 2:11 . Μνημονεύετε , remember ) Such remembrance sharpens gratitude and strengthens faith, Ephesians 2:19 .— τὰ ἔθνη ) הגוים , the Gentiles. ἐν σαρκὶ , in the flesh) Paul purposely joins this expression with Gentiles, for the Jews simply called the Gentiles the uncircumcision, not the uncircumcision i…
Paul uses the terms "uncircumcision" and "circumcision" here not just as labels, but to expose the irony of how these external markers were used. While "circumcision" was meant to signify God's covenant people, Paul points out it was merely a physical act performed by human hands, and those who boasted in it looked down on Gentiles as "uncircumcision." This highlights how easily outward religious practices can become a source of pride, obscuring the true spiritual reality.
Paul is urging the Ephesians to recall their former state as Gentiles, emphasizing their exclusion from God's covenant people who were identified by physical circumcision. This remembrance is meant to highlight the radical grace that now includes them alongside Jewish believers, dissolving the old barriers that separated "us" (Jews) from "you" (Gentiles) and making them one new humanity in Christ. The verse sets the stage for explaining how God broke down the dividing wall of hostility, bringing peace and unity through Christ's work.
Paul is urging the Ephesians to recall their former state as Gentiles, emphasizing their exclusion from God's covenant people who were identified by physical circumcision. This remembrance is meant to highlight the radical grace that now includes them alongside Jewish believers, dissolving the old barriers that separated "us" (Jews) from "you" (Gentiles) and making them one new humanity in Christ. The verse sets the stage for explaining how God broke down the dividing wall of hostility, bringing peace and unity through Christ's work.
"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— remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from t…" — Paul uses the terms "uncircumcision" and "circumcision" here not just as labels, but to expose the irony of how these external markers were used. While "circumcision" was meant to signify God's coven…
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