Who was Paul writing to in Ephesians 2?
Paul was writing to predominantly Gentile believers in the city of Ephesus. He reminded them that in times past they were Gentiles in the flesh, called uncircumcision by the circumcision, and he addressed them as those saved by grace.
Les explains that Paul was writing to predominantly Gentile believers at the city of Ephesus. Paul had been going to the Gentiles and seeing them saved by grace, but he reminded them it was not always that way. In Ephesians 2, he tells them to remember that in times past they were Gentiles in the flesh, called uncircumcision by the circumcision made in the flesh with hands. The Jews referred to them as uncircumcised and even called them dogs. Les points out that Paul is referring to the Old Testament period when Israel was under the covenant promises and God dealt only with His covenant people, with exceptions such as Jonah going to Nineveh, Rahab the harlot, and the Syrian.
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;
More Questions
Who is Paul talking to in Ephesians 2:11?
In Ephesians 2:11, Paul is speaking to people who had once been Gentiles in the flesh, that is, he is addressing Gentiles.
In Ephesians 2:11, who are 'the uncircumcision' that Paul is addressing?
In Ephesians 2:11 Paul is speaking to Gentiles, whom Jews called 'the uncircumcision'—in fact, that was the way a Jew would refer to a Gentile.