Ephesians 2:11-12

2:11

Therefore – Because of the gift of salvation, and because that gift has a divinely ordained purpose, then as a result the following is true:

remember – bring to mind, keep this in mind

that formerly – in my previous condition; this speaks to a point at which my life changed from the previous lifestyle to how I am now called to live

you who are Gentiles – Those born into non-religious homes

by birth – through no choice of their own

called “uncircumcised” – treated as inferior, unclean

by those who call themselves – claim to be, whether true or not

“the circumcision” – claims of attitude of superiority

(that done … of men) – Paul frequently distinguishes between physical circumcision versus spiritual/heart circumcision

2:12

at that time – the former time. To a degree this applies to us all, whether born in a Christian home or in a non-religious one. As a pastor’s kid, I certainly had the religious context for my upbringing. But I still look back at a former time and by God’s grace, I see a different person now.

you were separate from Christ – There was a gulf between Christ and me.

excluded – While “separate” simply describes a current condition, in a passive sense, “excluded” goes to the next step: Someone has taken specific action to cause my separation, to set me aside from the elite.

from citizenship in Israel – In spite of growing up in a Christian home, I was prevented from enjoying the benefits of citizenship: Benefits include right or privilege of coming to the King with my petitions, enjoying the full blessings of the kingdom.

and foreigners – I did not speak the language or grasp the customs of the citizens. Granted, I said the words that all my religious friends used. But the significance, the meaning of those terms escaped me. I simply echoed the sounds without the understanding.

to the covenants of the promise – the whole concept of a contractual agreement between the infinite, holy God and finite, sinful people was foreign, alien to me. I still thought I had to keep earning His favor.

without hope – Hopeless, no vision for the future, no prospect of improvement. I kept trying, not realizing the futility of my situation.

without God – Godless. That is a frightening way to say it. True, there is a general sense in which God is with all humankind. But in the more particular sense, I received little to no help or strength from Him. (I’m referring to the “former time”.)

in the world – If I was hopeless and Godless, then I was left at the mercy of the world, those beings who oppose God. That means, at the mercy not only of godless humans, but also of anti-god spirits.