Wherefore remember, that you 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;
The relationship between Jews and Gentiles has always been complicated. Even in biblical times, it was unfortunately marked by hostility and mistrust. The early church began as a Jewish community, but soon many Gentiles joined its ranks. As you can imagine, this caused its share of problems. Paul evidently felt the need to address this issue. He now opens a section dedicated to the relationship between Jews and Gentiles in the church.
The word “wherefore” points to the previous paragraph. Paul is essentially saying, “in light of everything that God has done for you, remember what your situation once was and how God has changed it.”
The term “Gentile” is the Greek word “ethnos.” Its basic meaning is “a nation or people group.” The common Jewish usage, especially in the plural, referred to anyone who isn’t a Jew. The believers in Ephesus were mostly Gentiles.
Circumcision was commanded by God to the Israelite nation as a physical sign of being part of the covenant between God and Israel. It became the defining sign of Jewish identity. Even today, Jewish baby boys are circumcised on their eighth day of life.
Over time, however, it became a sign of spiritual superiority. Yet for God, what’s in a person’s heart has always been just as important as outward appearances. Religious symbols or rituals, by themselves, have never been enough to make a person acceptable to God.
The Ephesian believers, being Gentiles, were called “the uncircumcision” by the Jews. This nickname was a term of derision. But Paul is critical of his fellow-countrymen who let human labels cause division. The phrase “that which is called” could be translated as “the so-called.” We see what he truly thinks of them. They may call themselves “the circumcised,” but as far as Paul is concerned, they aren’t.
Why is Paul so blunt? He’s criticizing those Jews who were letting the external distinctions between the Jews and Gentiles cause alienation. Paul emphasizes that those differences are “in the flesh’ and “made by hands.” They impact the body but not the heart.
As we continue reading through this section, we will see more clearly how God’s plan transformed the relationship between Jews and Gentiles, bringing them together as one people in the church.