Ephesians 2:11 – Spiritual Snobbery
Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh—who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands—
Truth to Learn
Spiritual snobbery should not exist in the life of any Christian, for we are saved by God’s grace.
Behind the Words
“Remember” is from the Greek verb mnēmoneuō, from which we get our English word mnemonic (a device to help you remember). This particular Greek word means “to recall to one’s mind” or “to remember.”
“Gentiles” is translated from ethnos, which simply means “a race” or “a tribe;” specifically, a foreign one. From the Jewish veiwpoint, anyone of a foreign race is a Gentile.
We looked at the word translated “flesh” back in verse three. It is the word sarx, which literally refers to “the flesh of a living creature.” This word is commonly used to refer to the physical part of our existence as opposed to the spiritual part.
“Uncircumcision” is from akrobustia, which is made up of akron, meaning “the tip” and a form of the verb buō, meaning “to cover.” Therefore, this word refers to someone who has not had his foreskin cut off.
The word “Circumcision” is translated from peritomē, which is a compound word made up of peri, meaning “around” and a form of the verb temnō, meaning “to cut off.” Hence, this word refers to a circular cutting off of the foreskin.
Meaning Explained
On first glance, one might think that Paul is suddenly changing the subject on this verse. However, a rule of thumb in Bible study is “when you see a ‘therefore’ or a ‘wherefore,’ you need to see what it is there for.”
Paul has been talking about God’s mercy and how by His grace we have been saved through faith. In the past two verses he specifically pointed out that we are not saved by works, but that good works should be the evidence of our salvation. He now contrasts this faith with the religion of works that the Jews have been steeped in for millennia. The Jewish faith goes all the way back to Abraham, who was saved by faith just as we are. As a result of his faith and God’s covenant with him concerning a coming Messiah, Abraham was commanded to circumcise himself and every male in his household (several hundred at that time).
Through the years, the Jews have held fast to circumcision as a sign of their religion and their relationship with God. Because it was an indication in the flesh that they were God’s people, the Jews looked down on all uncircumcised foreigners and declared the gods of the uncircumcised to be false gods. It is as if they built a wall between themselves and everyone else. But, in the coming verses Paul will tell us that the wall has been broken down.
Application
Lest we be too hard on the Jews for their spiritual snobbery, we Christians need to make sure that we are not exhibiting the same attitude toward others. We are no better than the unsaved people of the world. Apart from God’s grace, we would be destined for Hell just like they are. Thank you, God, for your grace and for the faith to believe your promises.
In God’s service, for His glory,
Copyright © 2011 Will Krause. All rights reserved.
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