Who are called 'uncircumcision' in Ephesians 2:11?
In Ephesians 2:11, Paul explains that Gentiles who were non-Jews in the flesh, not part of the Abrahamic family or covenant, are called “uncircumcision” by those called “the circumcision,” the circumcised Jews. This labels the former separation between Gentile and Jew.
Les explains that Ephesians 2:11 follows the teaching that believers are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works. He notes that from Abraham through the Old Testament and well into the New, God dealt with Jew only, with an exception here and there. Then Paul puts the frosting on the cake: “Remember that you, being in times past Gentiles in the flesh, non-Jews, not part of the Abrahamic family or covenant, who are called uncircumcision by that which is called the circumcision.” In plain English, the circumcised Jew would call a Gentile “uncircumcised.” This distinction shows the former separation between Gentile and Jew.
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 are 'Gentiles in the flesh' in Ephesians 2:11?
In Ephesians 2:11, Paul tells former Gentiles that they were once 'Gentiles in the flesh,' meaning non-Jews who were not part of the Abrahamic family or covenant.
Who are 'the circumcision' in Ephesians 2:11?
Les explains that Paul is writing to Gentile believers in Ephesus, a Gentile church. He identifies 'the circumcision' as the Jews, and notes that Jews often called Gentiles 'uncircumcised dogs.' Paul is referring to that, addressing Gentiles who were called uncircumcised by the Jew. At that time, while God was dealing with His covenant people, the Jew, including Christ's earthly ministry, Gentiles were without Christ, aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in this world.
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.
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.