The Uncircumcison were Biblically termed as Gentiles by the Jewish Nation.
The Jewish Nation were those termed as the "circumcision in the flesh made by hands". Biblical Circumcision was a seal from God that separated His elect into a distinct people who would thus bring the promised Messiah into humanity. The seal of circumcision originated the Hebrew nation which thus birthed the Israelites. Abram was the father of the Hebrew nation. Circumcision was covenant relationship between Hebrew people and God that separated God's elect. God's chosen Hebrew nation later birthed Isaac, Jacob, Israel, Judah, Jews, etc.
"The uncircumcision were considered strangers, heathen, Gentiles, and aliens from the nation of Israel".
All Old Testament promises of God were given to the Hebrew people and the Jew. Never were any of these promises originally given to the Gentile. For instance:
- Hebrews (Abraham) were given promises from God.
- Hebrews were given the covenant of circumcision.
- Hebrews birthed Isaac and Jacob.
- Jacob means Israel in Hebrew.
- Jews were given the oracles of God.
- Oral Torah
- Jews were given the Law and Commandments on Sinai.
- Jews were given Old Testament Prophets of God.
- Jews were given a Levitical Priesthood.
- Jews were expected to offer sacrifice to God.
Abram the first Hebrew...Genesis 14:3
Jacob means Israel...Genesis 32:28
Jews stemmed from Judah and thus came from the split between Israel and Kingdom of Judah
Gentiles in Old Testament records were also called "strangers". Gentiles were termed as "heathens or heathen nations". Gentiles were even termed as "dogs" by the Lord Jesus Himself.
Matthew 15:24-28...But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me. But he answered and said, "It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs". And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table. Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt.
Samaritans (who were only half Jewish) were also not given Promises in the Old Testament records. All various names for Gentiles were considered "outsiders" or "aliens from the commonwealth of Israel". All concerned strict covenant relationship between God and His elect people, Israel.
Distinction is to be made between Jew and Gentile and circumcision and uncircumcision. It is important for students of the Bible to understand such distinction when studying God's Word. In order to rightly divide the Word of God one must clearly understand God's covenant relationship with the Jew; and with Gentile. Circumcision (the Jew) and Uncircumcision (the Gentile) of Biblical records.
"Circumcision separated God's people from the world. The Gospel today separates God's people from the world".
The Apostle Paul a Jewish scholar and a Pharisee who was converted by the power of the Grace of God was given revelation about the Church the body of Christ. This New Testament revelation concerning Jew and Gentile showed how both were "united" in Christ through the blessing of the Church and Holy Spirit that was birthed through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Paul clarified with great distinction the difference between Jew and Gentile, Circumcision and Uncircumcision, and Israel and the Church.
Here's how Paul classified the Gentiles who were considered the uncircumcision in the Ephesian Letter.
1. Aliens from the commonwealth of Israel
2. Strangers from the covenants of promise
3. Having no hope and without God
4. Those who were afar off
It clearly shows how the Gentiles were observed by the Jewish brethren and by God.
In the birth of the New Testament the middle wall of partition between God's Promises to Israel was torn in half. Gentiles were now made "one" with God through the death of a Savior on the Savior on the Cross.
Ephesians 2:11-18...Wherefore remember, that ye 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 ye 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 ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
Also consider the distinction between Law and Grace when rightly dividing God's Word. The Gospel of the Grace of God now separates man from works of the Law and allows him to have the "work of the Holy Spirit" in the human soul. Right division makes distinction between:
- Law and Grace
- Do or Christ did
- Sow to the flesh - sow to the Spirit
- Earthly ordinance - Heavenly ordinance
- Demands - gives
- Demanded obedience - God-given obedience
This beautiful work of the Spirit of Christ is what now "unites" the Gentile with the Jew and reconciles "both" to God according to the language of the Bible. The blessing of the Grace Age. The birth of the Church. The omnipresence of the Holy Spirit. No difference between Jew or Gentile or circumcision or uncircumcision. Both "one" in Christ!
Ephesians 2:14-16...For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby
The Law abolished! Grace that reconciles! To make unto Himself one new man...
Ephesians 2:17-18...And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
Those afar off...Gentile. Those who are near....Jew. The uncircumcison the Gentile. The circumcision the Jew....but through Christ they both have access to God through the Gospel. The Gospel of Christ separates people both Jew and Gentile...from the world. Either or both are heirs according to the promise because of acceptance of Christ for personal Salvation.
