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;
Read it in contextThose once far off brought near
Start reading at Ephesians 2:11 (Ephesians 2:11 to Ephesians 2:22).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The Gentile readers' former exclusion is contrasted with reconciliation through Christ and their place in God's household and dwelling through the Spirit.
2:11Wherefore 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;
2:12That 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:
2:13But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
2:14For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
2:15Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
2:16And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
2:17And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.
2:18For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
2:19Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
2:20And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
2:21In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
2:22In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Paul the apostle is the named author. Pauline authorship is the traditional position, though some historical scholars dispute it. Biblical references: Ephesians 1:1. stated in the text
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Ephesians 1:1–3:21): Paul addresses the saints and faithful in Christ, explicitly recalling his Gentile readers' former separation and their inclusion with Jewish believers in one body. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? The saints and faithful in Christ Jesus, addressed as being at Ephesus in the KJV. Some early manuscripts omit the location, so wider circulation is possible. The letter expressly addresses believers of Gentile background. Biblical references: Ephesians 1:1; Ephesians 2:11. stated in the text
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? Those once far off brought near. Read Ephesians 2:11 through Ephesians 2:22 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? The Gentile readers' former exclusion is contrasted with reconciliation through Christ and their place in God's household and dwelling through the Spirit. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? Paul identifies himself as a prisoner, but the letter does not name a calendar date or explicitly identify the city of imprisonment. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? The KJV address names Ephesus. References to heavenly places and the church's spiritual standing are not ordinary geographic locations. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in Those once far off brought near (Ephesians 2:11 to Ephesians 2:22).
Start reading at Ephesians 2:11. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The letter locates blessing, redemption, and the gathering of all things in Christ. Its purpose and inheritance language should be read with the repeated phrase in Christ and the exhortations addressed to the church. See Ephesians 1:3, Ephesians 1:7, Ephesians 2:10, Ephesians 4:1. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Walk consistently with the calling received, pursuing unity, holiness, truthful speech, and mutual care. Promises to the church should not erase the subsequent demands on its conduct. interpretation
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Ephesians 2
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul addresses saints and faithful people in Christ Jesus. The letter describes God's purpose in Christ and a people brought together in Him, then calls those readers to walk worthy of that calling rather than treating their identity as permission for disobedience.
Connection to the wholePaul contrasts the readers' former condition with God's mercy, joining salvation by grace through faith with their creation in Christ for good works.
Connection to the wholeThe Gentile readers' former exclusion is contrasted with reconciliation through Christ and their place in God's household and dwelling through the Spirit.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Ephesians
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul addresses saints and faithful people in Christ Jesus. The letter describes God's purpose in Christ and a people brought together in Him, then calls those readers to walk worthy of that calling rather than treating their identity as permission for disobedience.
Connection to the wholePaul blesses God for spiritual blessings in Christ and prays that the readers understand their hope, inheritance, and the power displayed in Christ.
Connection to the wholePaul describes salvation by grace and the reconciliation of Jews and Gentiles in one body, then explains his ministry and prays for the church.
Connection to the wholePaul applies the new life to speech, desires, worship, households, and work, repeatedly grounding conduct in belonging to the Lord.
Connection to the wholeThe closing exhortation calls the readers to stand in God's strength and armour, joining vigilance with prayer and mutual encouragement.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.