What is the context?
Paul asks his Gentile readers to remember the distance that once marked their lives. The labels circumcised and uncircumcised identified a division in the flesh, marked by something done with human hands.
He names what they lacked: they were separate from Christ, outside the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, without hope and without God in the world. The reminder sets their present belonging against their former condition.
Verse 13 gives the turning point. In Christ Jesus, those who were far away have been brought near through His blood. The change comes through the same Christ whose saving work Paul has been describing throughout the chapter.
The next paragraph explains how this nearness includes both reconciliation with God and a shared life between Jewish and Gentile believers. Remembering the former distance is meant to deepen their appreciation of the welcome they now share.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Christians commonly read this as a reminder of the Gentiles’ former separation and their welcome through Christ. Wesley’s notes on verses 11–13 and the USCCB notes on verses 11–22 both connect nearness to God with the inclusion of Gentiles among His people.
Where does this fit in God's plan?
Genesis 12:1–3 gives Abraham the promise that all the families of the earth will be blessed through him. Galatians 3:6–14 explicitly connects that promise with the gospel reaching Gentiles and the blessing received through Christ.
Acts 10:34–48 shows that welcome taking place as Gentiles hear the message of Jesus and receive the Holy Spirit. Their inclusion belongs to God’s long-standing purpose of blessing the nations, now made known and accomplished through His Son.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.