Now in Christ Jesus

Ephesians 2:11-13 Wherefore remember, that you 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; That at that time you 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 you who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. 

‘Gentiles’ – The first intimation that Paul is writing mainly to Gentile Christians (2:11, 19; 3:1, 8; 4:17). The sixfold former state of Gentiles: uncircumcised (2:11); without Christ (2:12); aliens to Israel’s blessings; strangers to the covenants; having no hope in God; without God in the world.

‘Made by hands’ [Greek: cheiropoietos] It refers to being made Jews by circumcision.

‘Aliens’ [Greek: apallotrioo] to estrange (4:18; Col.1:21).

‘Commonwealth’ [Greek: politeia] rights of a citizen (Acts 22:28).

‘Covenants of promise’ – The Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic covenants that promised the Jews all earthly and heavenly blessings (Gen. 12:1-3; Ex. 20:1-26; 2Sam. 7:1-29).

‘Now in Christ Jesus’ – Tenfold present state as Christians: In Christ (2:13). Brought near to God by the blood of Christ (2:13). Have peace with God (2:14). One with Israel (2:14-16). Part of the body of Christ (2:15-16). Reconciled to God (2:16). Access to God by the Spirit (2:18). Fellow citizens with saints (2:19). Built upon the true foundation (2:20; 2Cor. 3:11). God’s habitation (2:22).

‘You who sometimes were far off’ – here it refers to the Gentiles.

‘Sometimes were far off’ Literally, who were once far off.

‘By the blood of Christ’ – i.e., by His death (Rom. 5:9; Php. 2:8; Col. 1:14, 20; Heb. 10:19-23).