Eph 2:11 | MHM | STEP | The Miserable Condition of the Ephesians by Nature Paul wants the Ephesians to remember how hopeless their lives were before they knew Christ. He encourages them to look back at their past so they can stay humble and be more thankful to God. He reminds them that they were Gentiles, separated from the blessings that belonged to God’s people. v. 11 : Paul says, Wherefore remember, that you being in time past Gentiles in the flesh (Ephesians 2:11 ). They did not have the sign of circumcision, which showed a person belonged to God’s covenant people. The Jews looked down on them and called them “uncircumcised.” The Jews were proud of their outward sign, but it was only an outward thing and not enough by itself. Paul teaches that we should not be proud of outward things or look down on others who do not have them.

‏ Ephesians 2:11

The Miserable Condition of the Ephesians by Nature

Paul wants the Ephesians to remember how hopeless their lives were before they knew Christ. He encourages them to look back at their past so they can stay humble and be more thankful to God. He reminds them that they were Gentiles, separated from the blessings that belonged to God’s people.

v. 11: Paul says, Wherefore remember, that you being in time past Gentiles in the flesh (Ephesians 2:11 ^a). They did not have the sign of circumcision, which showed a person belonged to God’s covenant people. The Jews looked down on them and called them “uncircumcised.” The Jews were proud of their outward sign, but it was only an outward thing and not enough by itself. Paul teaches that we should not be proud of outward things or look down on others who do not have them.