Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands— remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.

Since God has prepared for the works that we should do, we are to remember something. Verse 11 begins with “therefore.”

Therefore remember. We should remember that at one time in history, before the good news came to the Gentiles, we were called uncircumcision by the Jews. In other words, we were excluded from the promises of God as he explains in verse 12. Look at the words he uses here: separated from Christ, Alienated from the people of God, strangers (excluded) from the covenants, having no hope and without God.

That is the dire situation Gentiles were in up until the time Christ came and His apostles announced that the mystery was being revealed that Gentiles were to be included in the covenants God was making with His people.

This had been an entirely hopeless situation. Without hope and without God! And remember, we are talking about the way things actually work in God’s plan. Before Christ, Gentiles all over the world were excluded, not just from attending some event. They were excluded from participating in the life of God’s people and enjoying the benefits of God’s promises, and without God. A few Gentiles became part of God’s people, but very few.

Exported from Logos Bible Software, 9:42 AM November 9, 2020.