From Division to Unity: Understanding Our Identity in Christ

"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;" - Ephesians 2:11

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Ephesians 2:11 in the King James Version reminds us, "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;" This verse serves as a poignant reminder of our past and our transformation through faith in Christ. To fully grasp the significance of this scripture, we must delve deeper into the historical and spiritual context of its message.

The Apostle Paul writes to the Ephesians, a group primarily comprising Gentiles, encouraging them to remember their status before Christ. The terms "Gentiles" and "Uncircumcision" were not mere labels but heavy markers of division that highlighted a cultural and religious chasm between Jews and non-Jews. The Jews, chosen people of God, saw themselves as belonging to God’s covenant, while the Gentiles were often viewed as outsiders, alienated from the blessings and promises God made to Israel.

In many respects, Paul’s message serves as a historical testament to the barriers created by religious identity. The Gentiles were often marginalized, their inability to adhere to the Jewish law marking them as unworthy of God’s grace. The phrase "Circumcision in the flesh made by hands" references the physical rite that was more than just a covenant symbol; it became an exclusionary factor. The Gentiles, because of their non-observance of this ritual, were often viewed as less than or 'other'.

Yet, Paul calls on the Ephesians to "remember"—this is not merely a recollection of facts but an imperative to reflect on the transformative power of what Christ has done. To remember is to acknowledge where we came from—to understand our past in order to fully appreciate our present and future.

For many of us, this can mirror our spiritual journeys. Are there points in our lives when we felt like outsiders? Perhaps due to sin, lack of faith, social circumstances, or even our past choices, we might have felt unworthy of God’s grace. In recognizing this, we find solidarity with the Gentiles Paul is addressing.

However, the crux of this verse leads us to a greater understanding: in Christ, divisions are dismantled. It's as Paul continues in Ephesians 2:12-13, where he beautifully transitions from the weight of exclusion into the empowerment of inclusion: "That at that time ye 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: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ."

Through Christ, the uncircumcised no longer remain outside but are brought near. This powerful shift from distance to closeness communicates the heart of the gospel: a message of reconciliation. In understanding our identity as redeemed despite our past, we must strive to foster unity in our communities, just as God sought to unify Jew and Gentile. How often do we allow differences—whether personal, cultural, or ideological—to create barriers among us today?

As believers, we are called not to forget the past but to learn from it. Ephesians 2:11 teaches us that our identity is not defined merely by our prior status or actions but by the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. We are no longer outsiders but adopted children of God, partakers of His promises and heirs of His kingdom. As we reflect on our identity in light of this truth, let us strive to be instruments of reconciliation, extending the same grace and acceptance that we have received from Christ.

In closing, let us remember our journey from being 'Gentiles in the flesh' to being united in the Spirit with all believers. This is our identity in Christ—one of inclusion, grace, and hope. And as we embrace this identity, may we also extend it into a world that so desperately needs to see the love of Christ reflect in our lives.

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Ephesians 2:11 - "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;"

"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;" - Ephesians 2:11

Ephesians 2:11-18 - "Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called "uncircumcised" by those who call themselves "the circumcision" (which is done in the body by human hands)— remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit."

Ephesians 2:11-22 - "Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called "uncircumcised" by those who call themselves "the circumcision" (which is done in the body by human hands)— remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit."

"Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called "uncircumcised" by those who call themselves "the circumcision" (which is done in the body by human hands)— remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit." - Ephesians 2:11-22