What did Paul mean when he described the ancient world as 'without God'?
Paul meant that the ancient world was steeped in idolatry and paganism, having no knowledge of the one true God. They were without God, far off, and ignorant of the God of Abraham. That condition changed “but now” through the finished work of the cross, when Gentiles were made nigh by the blood.
Les explains that the ancient world was steeped in idolatry, paganism, and had no knowledge of the one true God—illustrated by the Parthenon being a temple to a goddess rather than a seat of government. Paul reminds us they were “without God.” But now, on the basis of the finished work of the cross, God deals with Gentiles: Ephesians 2:13 says Gentiles who were far off, steeped in paganism and without knowledge of the God of Abraham, are made nigh by the blood. Only faith and the shed blood deal with old Adam.