Why does Paul tell Gentile believers to remember their past in Ephesians 2?
Paul reminds Gentile believers of their former condition so they grasp the grace that saved them. In time past they were Gentiles in the flesh, called uncircumcision, outside Israel's covenant promises while God dealt primarily with His covenant people. Remembering this past magnifies their present salvation by grace.
Les explains that Paul writes to predominantly Gentile believers at Ephesus. He reminds them that it was not always this way, so they would remember their past as Gentiles in the flesh, called uncircumcision by the circumcision—the Jews called them uncircumcised and even dogs. Paul points 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 and Rahab the harlot. This remembrance highlights their salvation by grace.
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
Why does Paul remind the Ephesians that Gentiles were once outsiders?
Paul, who had been going to the Gentiles and seeing them saved by grace, reminds the Ephesian believers that it was not always that way.
Who is Paul writing to in Ephesians 2:11?
In Ephesians 2:11 Paul is writing to Gentiles at Ephesus, that is, to us, calling them 'Gentiles in the flesh.'
Who was Paul addressing in Ephesians 2:11?
Paul was writing Ephesians 2:11 to Gentile believers, since the church at Ephesus was a Gentile church.