How does Ephesians 2:11 remind us of our past without Christ? Remembering Who We Were “Therefore remember that formerly you, the Gentiles in the flesh—called ‘uncircumcision’ by the so-called circumcision, which is performed in the flesh by human hands—” (Ephesians 2:11) Why Paul Tells Us to Remember • Anchors gratitude: recalling the darkness makes the light of grace shine brighter (cf. Colossians 1:13–14). • Guards against pride: we contributed nothing to our salvation (Romans 3:27). • Fuels unity: all believers share the same rescue story, erasing superiority (Galatians 3:28). What Our Past Looked Like, According to the Verse • Gentiles in the flesh – outside Israel, strangers to covenant privilege. • Labeled “uncircumcision” – marked by spiritual separation, lacking the covenant sign (Genesis 17:10-11). • Defined by human opinion – identity shaped by what others called us, not by God’s promise. Expanded Picture from the Surrounding Passage • “Separate from Christ” (v. 12) – no Messiah, no mediator. • “Excluded from citizenship in Israel” (v. 12) – no place among God’s people. • “Strangers to the covenants of the promise” (v. 12) – no legal claim to God’s pledged blessings. • “Without hope and without God in the world” (v. 12) – spiritually orphaned and futureless. Parallel Reminders in Scripture • Romans 5:6-8 – we were “helpless,” “ungodly,” and “sinners.” • Colossians 1:21 – “alienated and hostile in mind.” • 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 – “such were some of you,” yet now washed and justified. Living in Light of the Reminder • Celebrate grace daily—worship springs from remembrance. • Extend mercy to outsiders—our past mirrors their present. • Pursue humble fellowship—boasting dies when history is kept in view. |
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