Ephesians 2:11 - Meaning and Application

In these verses, the apostle continues his description of the miserable condition the Ephesians were in by nature. He says, “Remember, then,” meaning, “Think back on what you once were, and compare it with what you are now.” That reminder should humble them and stir up love and thankfulness to God. Converted sinners should often look back on the sin and misery of the state they lived in by nature.

He calls them Gentiles in the flesh, meaning they were living in the corruption of their sinful nature and were without circumcision, the outward sign that someone belonged to the covenant of grace, God’s saving promise. He says they were called the uncircumcision by the so-called circumcision, meaning formal Jews who took pride in outward religion and looked no farther than the external sign. Hypocritical professors often value themselves mainly for outward privileges and then mock and despise those who do not have them.

The apostle then describes their former misery in several ways. At that time, while they were Gentiles and unconverted, they were without Christ. They had no saving knowledge of the Messiah, and no real share in him. This is true of all unconverted sinners, all who lack faith, because they have no saving interest in Christ. It is a sad thing for a soul to be without Christ.

They were also aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, meaning they did not belong to Christ’s church and had no fellowship with it. At that time, that privilege was tied to the nation of Israel. It is a great blessing to belong to Christ’s church and to share in its special advantages.

They were strangers to the covenants of promise. The covenant of grace, God’s saving agreement with his people, is one in substance through all ages, though it has been added to and made clearer over time, so it is spoken of as covenants. It is called the covenants of promise because it is full of promises, especially the promise of the Messiah and eternal life through him. The Ephesians, while still Gentiles, had never been taught this covenant or offered it. In the same way, all unconverted sinners are strangers to it, since they have no part in it. Those who are without Christ, the Mediator, also have no share in the covenant’s promises.

They had no hope, that is, no true hope beyond this life and no solid hope in God for spiritual and eternal blessings. Those who are without Christ and outside the covenant cannot have good hope, because Christ and the covenant are the foundation of all Christian hope.

They were also without God in the world. This does not mean they had no idea that a god existed, because they worshiped idols. It means they lived without any right regard for the true God, without any real dependence on him, and without any special claim on him. In effect, they lived as atheists in the world. They may have worshiped many gods, but they were without the true God.

The apostle then shows the happy change that had taken place. But now, in Christ Jesus, you who once were far off have been brought near. They had been far from Christ, from his church, from the promises, from Christian hope, and from God himself. They were like the prodigal son in the far country. Unconverted sinners move themselves away from God, and God also sets them at a distance, for he looks on the proud from afar. But when they were converted, and through union with Christ and faith in him, they were made near.

They were brought home to God, received into the church, taken into the covenant, and given all the blessings that go with those gifts. The saints are a people near to God. Salvation is far from the wicked, but God is close to help his people. All of this came through the blood of Christ, through the merit of his suffering and death. Every believing sinner owes nearness to God and favor with him to Christ’s death and sacrifice.