Yes, Gentiles were outsiders because God dealt only with Israel, His covenant people, leaving Gentiles as aliens and strangers to the covenants.
During the Old Testament period and even Christ's earthly ministry, God's dealings were primarily with Israel, who received the covenant promises. Consequently, Gentiles were not citizens of Israel's commonwealth and had no part in those promises, leaving them without hope and without God.
Ephesians 2:12 — This verse explicitly lists the status of Gentiles as aliens from Israel's commonwealth and strangers from the covenants of promise.
In Ephesians 2:11-12, the Apostle Paul reminds Gentile believers that they were once called uncircumcision by the circumcision (Jews), and at that time they were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise. They had no hope and were without God in the world. This indicates that while God was dealing with Israel, Gentiles were outside the scope of the covenant promises.
Les Feldick emphasizes that from the Abrahamic covenant through the Book of Acts, God dealt primarily with Israel as His covenant people. Consequently, Gentiles were not citizens of Israel and could not partake of the covenant promises. He points to Ephesians 2:11-12 to show that this was a clear scriptural reality, and he stresses that God was always fair and righteous in this arrangement. Les also notes that the term 'uncircumcised dogs' was used by Jews to refer to Gentiles, reinforcing the separation.
According to Les Feldick and Paul's words in Ephesians 2, Gentiles before Christ were without Christ, aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world. This was true while God was dealing with Israel on a covenant basis.
Les Feldick explains that Jews used the term 'uncircumcised' and often added 'dogs' as an insult. This reflects the disdain and separation between Jews and Gentiles during the Old Testament period.
Les Feldick insists that God is always fair, just, and righteous in His dealings. Even though Gentiles were without hope, they could have known God through creation, so God held them responsible.
God Dealt Only with Israel
Les explains that God dealt only with Israel, His covenant people, and reminds Gentiles of their past status in Ephesians 2.
Gentiles Without Christ and Hope
Les emphasizes that Gentiles were aliens from Israel's commonwealth and strangers to the covenants, having no hope and without God.
No Rights in Israel
Les clarifies that everything God did for the Jew did not apply to Gentiles because they were not citizens of Israel.
Exclusion During Christ's Ministry
Les notes that even during Christ's earthly ministry, Gentiles were still outsiders, as God dealt with Israel.
Gentiles Had No Hope
Les reinforces that Gentiles were strangers to the covenant promises and had no hope in the world.
Gentiles Lost but Responsible
Les explains that Gentiles were without hope but still responsible before God because they could know a Creator.
Jews' Insulting Term
Les describes that Jews called Gentiles 'uncircumcised dogs,' showing the deep separation.
Gentile Forefathers' Lot
Les reiterates that Gentile forefathers were without Christ, aliens, strangers, and without hope.
Ephesians 2:11: 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;
This establishes the identity of the readers as Gentiles and the label applied to them by Jews.
Ephesians 2:12: That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
This verse directly states the outsider status of Gentiles relative to Israel's covenants.
Romans 1:18-21: For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
This verse demonstrates that even though Gentiles were without hope, they were still responsible before God because of general revelation.
Jews called Gentiles uncircumcised because they did not practice the physical sign of the Abrahamic covenant. It was a term of separation and often used as an insult, sometimes adding 'dogs.'
According to Ephesians 2 and Les Feldick's teaching, Gentiles had no hope in the world and were without God because they were strangers to the covenants of promise. However, God still held them responsible for knowing Him through creation.
No, Les Feldick affirms that God is always fair, just, and righteous. Even though Gentiles were outsiders, God's dealings were part of His plan, and He held them accountable for the knowledge of a Creator.
Watch the Teaching: Why Did Jesus Only Go to Israel? Matthew 10:5-6 Explained