Charles Ellicott Commentary Ephesians 2:11

"Wherefore remember, that once ye, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called Circumcision, in the flesh, made by hands;" — Ephesians 2:11 (ASV)

Gentiles in the flesh: that is, not having the physical mark of circumcision, which sealed the Jewish covenant.

Who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision. The use of the word "called" here—with a touch of the contempt implied in our phrase "the so-called"—simply implies that Circumcision and Uncircumcision were now mere names, virtually "nothing." The declaration of the nullity of circumcision as a religious distinction is often repeated, yet takes various forms. Thus, in 1 Corinthians 7:19, it is contrasted with the practical reality of obedience to God’s commandments; in Galatians 5:6, with the inner reality of faith working by love; in Galatians 6:15, with the divine gift of the new creation; and in Colossians 3:11, with the spiritual unity of all in Christ. (Compare also the whole argument of Romans 2:25 to Romans 4:12.)

In the flesh made by hands. St. Paul, however, not content with this, suggests by the addition of these last words a contrast between the false or carnal circumcision and the true or spiritual circumcision, attributing the former to the unbelieving Jews and the latter to all Christians. This contrast is expressly announced in the other Epistles of this period. In Philippians 3:2-3, we read, Beware of the concision; for we are the circumcision.

In Colossians 2:11, this contrast is shown still more distinctly. There, in significant connection with the appointed means of entrance into the Christian covenant and in significant contrast with the effete Jewish ordinance, it is written: In whom also you are circumcised with the circumcision not made with hands . . . in the circumcision of Christ; buried with Him in baptism, in which also you are risen with Him. In that true circumcision lies the distinction between the Church, which is the spiritual Israel, and the heathen world outside.