11 Therefore remember that formerly you, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called "Uncircumcision" by the so-called "Circumcision," which is performed in the flesh by human hands--
12 remember that you were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.
13 But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
Vs. 11 - “ Therefore remember that formerly you, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called "Uncircumcision" by the so-called "Circumcision," which is performed in the flesh by human hands-- ” - Paul continues on in his drive to instill in our minds our position in Christ. Verses 11-22 explain the household of God, the unity of the believers, whether Jew or Gentile. If we are in Christ; if He is our only means of salvation then there is no distinction between any of us.
“You Gentiles” - See: Eph 5:8; 1 Cor 12:2; 1 Pet 4:3. It is very difficult for us to realize just what a Gentile is, to a Jew. Everything that a Jew was to be (with respect to reverence to God) the Gentile was not. Gentiles were despised, etc., etc., etc. There are probably not enough words to describe just how low the Gentile was in the Jewish estimation.
“Uncircumcision... circumcision” - Again, to us for whom circumcision is merely a medical decision, this doesn’t seem like such a big deal. But it must have been - but we don’t see it from the viewpoint of the Jew. To be uncircumcised meant that one was a Gentile - therefore lower than dirt!
Part of these verses are aimed at getting the Christians together. If the Jewish Christians (“circumcised”) were deriding the non-Jewish Christians (“uncircumcision”) because of their low initial position as Gentiles, then these verses are to show that we all have the same salvation - Jesus Christ!
“By human hands” - How important was this circumcision question? Picture people asking “Are you circumcised?”, or nowadays, “Have you been baptized?” See? We look at the outside, God looks at the heart. (1 Sam 16:7)
Paul is saying that this physical ritual - circumcision - cannot be that important, because it was done to man, by man. (See: Rom 2:25-29) Our hearts’ condition and attitude is the important thing. Circumcision does not change the spiritual condition, it only shows that your parents were obedient to God’s commands. It is not a predictor of your behavior or spiritual condition.
Vs. 12 - “ remember that you were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.” -
“remember that you were at that time” - Before Christ’s work on the cross, when circumcision or uncircumcision might have made a difference. Before Christ’s sacrifice, and before they had believed in Him, they were cut off, “separated” from any relationship with Him.
“Excluded... strangers” - (See: Rom 9:4; Matt 21:33-46) The Jews were God’s chosen people, through whom the whole world was to be blest. There were covenants made between God and man, based on the promises made.
“Having no hope and without God” - What else could be expected? The Gentiles were completely forsaken, without hope not knowing God. Christ had not yet removed the barriers; and the Gentiles, not having any part in the promises, not understanding or having any part in the covenants had no direct access to God, therefore: no hope.
Vs. 13 - “ But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. “ -
“But now... “ - Then - you had no hope. Now - there is life.
“In Christ Jesus... by the blood of Christ” - We, who were not part of the covenant were “far off” (Isa 57:19). But in Christ, by the blood of Christ, we have been allowed to come to the presence of God. (Rom 3:25; Col 1:20; Heb 9:14, 22 ). We are no longer slaves, but are friends. (See: John 15:14-15)
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