EPHESIANS 2:11-13 A COVENANT

EPHESIANS 2:11-13 Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh—who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands— 12 that at that time you 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. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

Starting off in Verse 11.

NSB - Notes: Because the sign of the Abrahamic covenant was circumcision, the Jews proudly referred to themselves as the Circumcision. Somewhat less kindly they called the gentiles the Uncircumcision. 

Uncircumcision, Circumcision; upon the preaching of the gospel to, and the conversion of gentiles, a sect of Jewish believers arose who argued that the gospel without the fulfillment of circumcision, would make void the law and make salvation impossible.  

The Greek word for circumcision is περιτομή peritome. Strong's G4061. lit., a cutting round, circumcision" (the verb is peritemno), was a rite enjoined by God upon Abraham and his male descendants and dependents, as a sign of the covenant made with him, Gen. 17. The addition of "un" negates. 

Cross-reference: Romans 2:26-29 Therefore, if an uncircumcised man keeps the righteous requirements of the law, will not his uncircumcision be counted as circumcision? 27 And will not the physically uncircumcised, if he fulfills the law, judge you who, even with your written code and circumcision, are a transgressor of the law? 28 For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; 29 but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God. 

One thing that needs to be clear is that circumcision is NOT the same as mutilating your body. It is part of a covenant with God that is entirely sacred. It would be like trying to say a mountain range of gold is the same as a coffee cup. 

This cross-reference demands a whole different study, but we will move on to Verse 12. 

NSB - Paul painted vividly with the bleak condition of pagans. They had no hope for God had not reached out to them to establish a covenant relationship. 

Aliens or alienate; The Greek word is ἀπαλλοτριόω apallotrioo. Strong's G526, Vines (def. prime).  consists of apo, from," and the above; it signifies "to be rendered an alien, to be alienated." the RV corrects to the verbal from "alienated," for the noun "aliens;"

Commonwealth of Israel; A civil polity, the condition of a state, a commonwealth. Said of Israel. The Greek word for commonwealth is πολιτεία politeia. Strong's G4174. Vine's expands on this under citizen, citizenship. (def. b) with the note I have above. 

Strangers; Strange. Denotes a stranger or foreigner. This is an adjective that differs from the use of the word "aliens". In the Greek this is ξένος xenos. Matthew 25:35, Matthew 25:38, Matthew 25:43-Matthew 25:44; Matthew 27:7; Acts 17:21; Ephesians 2:12, Ephesians 2:19; Hebrews 11:13; 3 John 1:5.

My notes: One theme we do find in scripture is the idea of borders, various lands, nations, and foreigners. This isn't a construct, it's something that has existed since the dawn of time and what can draw those individuals together is Christ in which we find a savior, but also common values. 

Covenants; a promise or undertaking on the part of God. The Greek word is διαθήκη diatheke. Strong's G1242, Vine's (def. b). The word is used to indicate different kinds of covenants determined by the surrounding text. 

Promise; The covenant of promise does not indicate different covenants, but a covenant often renewed all centering in Christ. As the promised messiah, redeemer, and comprising of the blessings to be bestowed through Him. The Greek word is ἐπαγγελία epangelia Strong's G1860, Vine's (def. A-1) "the promise of the Spirit" denotes "the promised Spirit:" cp. Luke 24:49; Acts 2:33; Ephesians 1:13; To proclaim or announce. Primarily a law term denoting summons. 

Hope; In Ephesians, 1:18, 2:12, and 4:4; the "hope" is objective. The objective and subjective use of the word needs to be distinguished. See "The Hope Of His Calling". 

NSB - Notes: However, the shed blood of Christ could bring gentiles back to their creator. 

In Jesus Christ; See top of this study. 

Far Off; The Greek word for "far" is μακρός makran. It has the idea of metaphorically, "far (from the kingdom of God)," Mark 12:34; in spiritual darkness. Strong's G3117. Vine's (def. B-1 b) 

Blood Of Christ; The Greek word is αἷμα haima of the "blood" of Christ, which betokens His death by the shedding of His "blood" in expiatory sacrifice; Strong's G129, Vine's (def. d). 

Takeaway - 

1. Without Christ we are in spiritual darkness. God has reached out to us and we cannot ever do an amount of good without Jesus Christ that will allow us to be brought near to God. Hence "spiritual darkness" Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.