Eph 2:11-12 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Eph 2:11-22: 2:11-22 Paul now focuses on the grace that God has given particularly to Gentiles (non-Jews), bringing them into his family and uniting them with Jews in a new, unified, multiethnic community—the body of Christ, the church. Paul’s emphasis on the inclusion of Gentiles might suggest they were experiencing discrimination from Jewish Christians. 2:11 Traditionally, Jews disdained Gentiles , considering them “uncircumcised heathens” who were excluded from God’s people (see Gen 17:9-14 ). Paul argues that judging people by their bodies and not their hearts is superficial—in Christ, physical circumcision means nothing (see Rom 2:28-29 ).

a2:11-22►

cGen 17:9-14►

dRom 2:28-29►

gCol 1:21►

‏ Ephesians 2:11-12

Summary for Eph 2:11-22: 2:11-22 ^a Paul now focuses on the grace that God has given particularly to Gentiles (non-Jews), bringing them into his family and uniting them with Jews in a new, unified, multiethnic community—the body of Christ, the church. Paul’s emphasis on the inclusion of Gentiles might suggest they were experiencing discrimination from Jewish Christians. 2:11 ^b Traditionally, Jews disdained Gentiles, considering them “uncircumcised heathens” who were excluded from God’s people (see Gen 17:9-14 ^c). Paul argues that judging people by their bodies and not their hearts is superficial—in Christ, physical circumcision means nothing (see Rom 2:28-29 ^d).
2:12 ^e Before their conversion, Gentiles had no part in God’s people or the covenant promises God had made to them; they were without God and without hope (see 4:18 ^f; Col 1:21 ^g).