Eph 2:11-14 | 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 ).

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).
2:13 ^h Only by being united with Christ Jesus through trust in him can a person be reconciled to God (see Rom 5:10-12 ⁱ; 2 Cor 5:18-21 ^j). The blood of Christ—his sacrificial death—makes this possible (see Eph 1:7 ^k; Rom 3:24-25 ^l; 5:9 ^m; Col 1:20 ⁿ; cp. Heb 9:12-15 ^o; 1 Pet 1:19 ^p; 1 Jn 1:7 ^q; Rev 1:5 ^r; 5:9 ^s).
2:14 ^t Christ himself has brought peace to us: Peace with God (2:16-17 ^u; Rom 5:1 ^v, 10-11 ^w, 18-21 ^x; Col 1:20-22 ^y) and between Jews and Gentiles (see Eph 2:15-16 ^z; 4:3 ^aa).

• the wall of hostility that separated us: Social and religious practices traditionally divided Jews from Gentiles. A low wall around the Temple in Jerusalem marked the boundary beyond which Gentiles were not allowed to step. It symbolized the distinction Jews drew between themselves and Gentiles.