Ephesians Chapter 2, Verse 11
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11: διο μνημονευετε οτι υμεις ποτε τα εθνη εν σαρκι οι λεγομενοι ακροβυστια υπο της λεγομενης περιτομης εν σαρκι χειροποιητου
11: 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;
11: For which cause be mindful that you, being heretofore gentiles is
the flesh, who are called uncircumcision by that which is called
circumcision in the flesh, made by hands:
Wherefore remember. The design of this evidently is to excite a sense of gratitude in their bosoms for that mercy which had called them from the errors and sins of their former lives to the privileges of Christians. It is a good thing for Christians to "remember" what they were. No faculty of the mind can be better employed to produce humility, penitence, gratitude, and love, than the memory. It is well to recall the recollection of our former sins; to dwell upon our hardness of heart, our alienation, and our unbelief; and to remember our wanderings and our guilt, until the heart be affected, and we are made to feel. The converted Ephesians had much guilt to recollect and to mourn over in their former life; and so have all who are converted to the Christian faith.
That ye being in time past. Formerly -- pote.
Gentiles in the flesh. You were Gentiles in the flesh, i.e., under the dominion of the flesh, subject to the control of carnal appetites and pleasures.
Who are called uncircumcision. That is, who are called "the uncircumcised." This was a term similar to that which we use when we speak of "the unbaptized." It meant that they were without the pale of the people of God; that they enjoyed none of the ordinances and privileges of the true religion; and was commonly a term of reproach. Comp. Jdg 14:3, Jdg 15:18 1Sam 14:6, 1Sam 17:26; 1Sam 31:4 Ezek 31:18.
By that which is called the Circumcision. By those who are circumcised, i.e., by the Jews.
In the flesh made by hands. In contradistinction from the circumcision of the heart. See "Rom 2:28, See "Rom 2:29".
They had externally adopted the rites of the true religion, though it did not follow that they had the circumcision of the heart, or that they were the true children of God.
