Colossians 1:21
Verse
Context
The Supremacy of the Son
20and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through the blood of His cross.21Once you were alienated from God and were hostile in your minds, engaging in evil deeds.22But now He has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy, unblemished, and blameless in His presence—
Sermons
Brian Brodersen
David Servant
Miles J. Stanford
A.B. Simpson
H.J. Vine
Samuel DaviesSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And you, that were sometime alienated - All men are alienated from God, and all are enemies in their minds to him, and show it by their wicked works; but this is spoken particularly of the Gentiles. The word απαλλοτριοω, which we render to alienate, to give to another, to estrange, expresses the state of the Gentiles: while the Jews were, at least by profession, dedicated to God, the Gentiles were alienated, that is, given up to others; they worshipped not the true God, but had gods many and lords many, to whom they dedicated themselves, their religious service, and their property. The verb αλλοτριοω, to alienate, being compounded here with the preposition απο, from, signifies to abalienate, to estrange utterly, to be wholly the property of another. Thus the Gentiles had alienated themselves from God, and were alienated or rejected by him, because of their wickedness and idolatry. Enemies in your mind - They had the carnal mind, which is enmity against God; and this was expressed in their outward conduct by wicked works. See the note on Rom 5:10. The mind is taken here for all the soul, heart, affections, passions, etc.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The Colossians are included in this general reconciliation (compare Eph 2:1, Eph 2:12). sometime--"once." alienated--from God and salvation: objectively banished from God, through the barrier which God's justice interposed against your sin: subjectively estranged through the alienation of your own wills from God. The former is the prominent thought (compare Rom 5:10), as the second follows, "enemies in your mind." "Actual alienation makes habitual 'enemies'" [BENGEL]. in your mind--Greek, "in your understanding" or "thought" (Eph 2:3; Eph 4:18). by wicked works--rather as Greek, "in your wicked works" (wicked works were the element in which your enmity subsisted). yet now--Notwithstanding the former alienation, now that Christ has come, God hath completely reconciled, or restored to His friendship again (so the Greek, compare Note, see on Col 1:20).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And you that were sometime alienated,.... The general blessing of grace and reconciliation, which belongs to the whole body of Christ, the church universal, all the elect of God, whether in heaven or in earth, is here particularly applied to the saints at Colosse, who were eminent instances of it; and that the free grace of God towards them in it might more illustriously appear, the apostle takes notice of what they were before the coming of Christ in the flesh, before the Gospel came among them, and while in a state of unregeneracy, as that they were "alienated": that is from God, not from his general presence, power, and providence, which reach to all his creatures, but from the life of God; see Eph 4:18; from living agreeably to the will of God, being estranged from him who is the fountain of moral and spiritual, as well as natural life; from the law, the rule of life, and from a principle of life in themselves; and altogether disapproving of such a life, as contrary to their carnal affections and lusts: and which alienation from God greatly lay in their forsaking him, the one only and true God, and following and serving strange gods, not attending to the dictates and light of nature; and being destitute of a divine revelation, they went further and further off from God, and from his people, worship, and ordinances; and were aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise; the source of all which was sin, and was owing to themselves: God did not alienate himself from them first; they alienated themselves from him; their sins separated between God and them, set them at a distance from him, and at enmity to him, and which very early appeared, for they were estranged from the womb: and enemies in your mind by wicked works. They were enemies to God, the true God, and were lovers and worshippers of idols; they were enemies to the being and perfections of God, as all men in a state of nature are; and more or less show it, by either denying there is a God, or wishing there was none, or fancying him to be such an one as themselves; or they dispute his sovereignty, deny his omniscience, arraign his justice and faithfulness, and despise the riches of his grace and goodness; they are enemies to his purposes, providences, and word; cannot bear that he should determine any thing concerning them or others; their eye is evil to him because he is good to others; they reply against him, they run upon him, and charge his decrees with unrighteousness and cruelty; murmur at and quarrel with the dispensations of his providence, as unequal and unjust; cast away the law of the Lord, will not be subject to it, and condemn the revelation of his will. They are enemies to Christ in one shape or another; either to his person, denying his proper deity, or real humanity; or to his offices, not hearkening to him as a prophet, trampling on his blood and sacrifice as a priest, and unwilling to have him to rule over them as a King; or to the way of salvation by him, of pardon by his blood, atonement by his sacrifice, justification by his righteousness, and acceptance with God through his person; or to his doctrines and ordinances, which are unsuitable to their vicious tastes, carnal affections, and appetites: they are enemies to the Spirit of Christ, by either denying his deity and personality, or by ridiculing the operations of his grace; or treating with contempt, and as foolish, everything of his, the Bible and all the truths contained in it, dictated by him. They are enemies to the people of God, exceeding mad against them, hate them and persecute them, reckon them the faith of the world, and the offscouring of all things, living in malice to them, and hateful and hating one another: and this enmity to everything divine and good is seated "in the mind"; the mind is not the object of this enmity, as some read the words, "to the mind": for the mind of a carnal man is enmity itself against God; but it is the subject of it, where it has its chief place, and from whence it proceeds, and shows itself in evil actions; and though the word "your" is not in the original text, it is rightly supplied; for the meaning is not that they were enemies "of his mind"; of the mind of the Lord, of his counsels and will, as some read and explain the words, though there is a truth in this, but in their own minds: so that not the body but the soul is the seat of this enmity; and not the inferior faculties of the soul only, the sensitive appetite and passions, but the understanding, the judgment and will, the more noble and rational powers of the soul; from hence spring all the malice and enmity expressed in word and actions: where then is man's free will to that which is good? and hence it is that the mind stands in need of being renewed, enlightened, cleansed and sanctified, and renovation begins here, which is the effect of almighty power; for nothing else can remove the rooted enmity in the heart of men; and which, as deep and as secret as it is, sooner or later, in one way or another, shows itself "by wicked works"; and that frequently, as by loving what God hates, and hating what he loves; by omitting what he commands, and committing what he forbids; by maintaining friendship with the world, and by harbouring his professed enemies, and persecuting his dear friends; and by their wicked words, and evil lives and conversations; and by the various works of the flesh, which are manifest, some being more directly against God, others by which they wrong themselves, and others by which they injure their neighbours: yet now hath he reconciled; which may be understood either of the Father's reconciling them to himself by his Son; and so the words are a continuation of the account of the Father's grace, as to all the elect in general, so to the Colossians in particular, notwithstanding the black characters in which they stand described in their natural estate: or else of Christ's reconciling them to his Father, by the sacrifice of himself, which he voluntarily offered for them, though this was their case, and of enemies made them friends: and may be meant either of the impetration of reconciliation for them by his sufferings and death; or of the virtue and efficacy of it in the application of it; in the former sense the "now" refers to the coming of Christ into the world, and the time of his death, and the offering up of his body once for all, when peace and reconciliation were completely made at once for all God's elect; in the latter sense it refers to the time of the conversion of these Colossians, when Christ by his Spirit, in consequence of reconciliation made in the body of his flesh, through death reconciled them to God; to his mind and will, to the way of salvation by himself, to the saints the excellent in the earth, to the Gospel and the ordinances of it, and to all his ways and worship.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:21-23 Paul applies the truth of 1:15-20 to the Colossian Christians. As people who have been reconciled to God, they enjoy a new spiritual status and need to stand firm in the truth they have been taught. 1:21 The phrase once far away from God probably refers to their condition as Gentiles (see Eph 2:12).
Colossians 1:21
The Supremacy of the Son
20and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through the blood of His cross.21Once you were alienated from God and were hostile in your minds, engaging in evil deeds.22But now He has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy, unblemished, and blameless in His presence—
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Colossians) Once Alienated-Now Reconciled
By Brian Brodersen97858:04MAT 6:33COL 1:12COL 1:21COL 1:23In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of redemption through Jesus Christ and the forgiveness of sins. He emphasizes that God chose to demonstrate his love by sending his son to die in the place of rebels, even though he could have wiped out humanity. The speaker compares this act of love to a parent offering up their beloved child in exchange for a criminal's release. He highlights that every person, regardless of their external appearance, is in a state of rebellion against God and in need of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Calvinism's Perseverance of the Saints
By David Servant0MRK 13:13JHN 10:27ROM 8:281CO 15:1COL 1:21REV 3:11David Servant discusses the Calvinistic doctrine of the Perseverance of the Saints, emphasizing the belief that true saints will persevere in faith and those who don't were never genuinely saved. He critiques John Piper's views on unconditional election, glorification, and the contradictions within Calvinistic beliefs regarding the certainty of salvation. Servant highlights the importance of genuine faith and the possibility of believers falling away, contrary to the Calvinistic doctrine.
Satisfaction Guaranteed
By Miles J. Stanford0PHP 3:3COL 1:21COL 2:13Miles J. Stanford emphasizes the profound truth that our reconciliation with God is solely through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, presenting us as holy and blameless in God's sight. He highlights the importance of finding satisfaction in Christ rather than in our own efforts or achievements, as our faith is tested on the basis of our relationship with God. Stanford reminds believers that our link with God is through Jesus Christ alone, not through our own merits, and that our perfect security lies in realizing our position in the Lord Jesus.
Of Christ, the Mediator of the Covenant.
By John Gill0ReconciliationMediation of ChristJHN 3:16ACT 20:28ROM 5:102CO 5:19EPH 2:18COL 1:211TI 2:5HEB 8:6HEB 9:15HEB 12:24John Gill expounds on Christ as the Mediator of the Covenant, emphasizing His unique role in reconciling God and humanity. He explains that Christ, being both fully divine and fully human, is the only suitable mediator who can bridge the gap caused by sin. Gill highlights that Christ's mediation involves not only intercession but also the satisfaction of divine justice through His sacrifice. He asserts that this reconciliation restores the relationship between God and the elect, who were once alienated due to sin. Ultimately, Gill underscores the necessity of Christ's dual nature for His mediatorial work, affirming that He is the sole mediator for both Jews and Gentiles.
Colossians Chapter 2 the Christian in Colossians
By A.B. Simpson0Christian CharacterHope in ChristCOL 1:3COL 1:10COL 1:13COL 1:21COL 2:13COL 3:3COL 3:10COL 3:17COL 3:24A.B. Simpson emphasizes the foundational Christian graces of faith, hope, and love as essential to the character of the Colossian believers. He illustrates their transformation from darkness to light, highlighting their new life in Christ, which is characterized by a redeemed and resurrected existence. Simpson further discusses the importance of living a life that reflects Christ, including the need for a new wardrobe of virtues and a walk that pleases God. He concludes with the hope of eternal glory, urging believers to be prepared for Christ's return and to live in a manner that honors their calling.
Redeemed and Reconciled
By H.J. Vine0ROM 3:24ROM 5:102CO 5:20COL 1:14COL 1:21HEB 9:121PE 1:18REV 5:9REV 21:9H.J. Vine preaches about the profound concepts of redemption and reconciliation in the Bible. He emphasizes that believers are redeemed by the precious blood of Christ, securing eternal redemption through God's grace. While redemption deals with judicial rights, reconciliation addresses the desires of the heart, showing God's deep love and desire for communion with His people. Both redemption and reconciliation are based on Christ's completed work at the cross, bringing believers into intimacy and oneness with God.
Sinners Entreated to Be Reconciled to God
By Samuel Davies0COL 1:21Samuel Davies preaches about the urgent need for sinners to be reconciled to God, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging our enmity and rebellion against God, and the necessity of repentance, humility, and submission to God's terms of reconciliation through Christ. He passionately pleads with the congregation to consider the gravity of their situation, the impending consequences of remaining enemies of God, and the merciful offer of peace and forgiveness extended to them through Jesus Christ. Davies highlights the divine condescension and love displayed in God's appeal for reconciliation, urging listeners to respond with deep conviction, genuine repentance, and a sincere desire to be restored to a right relationship with God.
Submitted to the Righteousness of God
By David Wilkerson0GraceRighteousness1CO 10:13COL 1:21David Wilkerson emphasizes that striving to please God through our own efforts leads to a lack of joy and peace. He explains that human attempts at righteousness are insufficient and often result in failure, as we are tempted and fall short. However, through Christ's sacrifice, we are reconciled to God and can claim His promises of deliverance from temptation. Wilkerson encourages believers to reject the accusations of the enemy by affirming their identity in Christ and the completeness of His grace. Ultimately, he reminds us that true righteousness comes from submitting to God's righteousness rather than relying on our own efforts.
The Christian in Colossians
By A.B. Simpson0Christian CharacterHope in ChristCOL 1:3COL 1:10COL 1:13COL 1:21COL 2:13COL 3:3COL 3:10COL 3:17COL 3:24A.B. Simpson emphasizes the foundational Christian graces of faith, hope, and love as essential to the character of the Colossian believers. He illustrates their transformation from darkness to light, highlighting their redeemed, resurrected, and hidden life in Christ. Simpson encourages believers to embody these principles in their daily walk, speech, and interactions, while also stressing the importance of spiritual education and a joyful disposition. He concludes with a reminder of the hope laid up in heaven, urging Christians to live in readiness for Christ's return.
Avoiding the Wall of Antagonism
By Ray Comfort0COL 1:21Ray Comfort emphasizes the importance of using the Law in evangelism, highlighting how arguments from the sinner's intellect can create a barrier to accepting God. He explains that the human mind is naturally at enmity with God and encourages speaking directly to the conscience, which is God's ally and testifies for Him. Comfort shares a powerful testimony of a Catholic individual whose heart was prepared for the Gospel through the use of the Law, leading to a life-changing experience and a desire to share the message with others.
God Was in christ." 2 Corinthians 5
By John Nelson Darby0New CreationReconciliationJHN 3:16ROM 5:1ROM 8:12CO 5:17GAL 5:5EPH 2:8COL 1:211TH 2:121JN 1:9John Nelson Darby emphasizes the dual aspects of the gospel in 2 Corinthians 5: our calling to God's kingdom and the reconciliation achieved through Christ's work. He explains that true reconciliation is found in the new creation, where the old is judged and set aside. The presence of God reveals our sinfulness, leading to a conviction that we are lost without Him, yet through Christ, we are justified and called into His glory. Darby urges believers to recognize their identity in Christ and the necessity of being suited for the glory they are called into, highlighting the importance of living in light of this truth. Ultimately, he calls for a deep understanding of our reconciliation with God and the transformative power of Christ's love.
The Threefold Cord
By P.T. Forsyth0JHN 17:19ROM 5:191CO 1:302CO 5:21GAL 2:20EPH 2:10COL 1:21HEB 10:101PE 2:24P.T. Forsyth preaches about the three great aspects of the work of Christ: its triumphant aspect, satisfactionary aspect, and regenerative aspect. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the unity of these aspects in Christ's work, as seen in 1 Corinthians 1:30. Forsyth stresses the need for a comprehensive view of Christ's work, highlighting the significance of His perfect obedience of holy love in overcoming evil, satisfying God's holiness, and sanctifying humanity. He challenges the separation of justification and sanctification, advocating for a balanced understanding that connects Christ's work on the Cross with both the deliverance from sin's power and the regeneration of humanity.
The Happiness of Drawing Near to God
By Thomas Watson0JOB 28:18PSA 73:28PSA 119:165PSA 139:15PSA 139:17PRO 18:10PRO 23:26LUK 15:20COL 1:21HEB 10:22Thomas Watson preaches on the importance and benefits of drawing near to God, emphasizing that it is good for believers to seek closeness with Him. He delves into the nature of our distance from God due to sin and the necessity of repentance to draw near. Watson explains how drawing near to God is made possible through Jesus Christ as our mediator, and he highlights the various ways believers can draw near to God through prayer, His Word, and the sacraments. The sermon concludes with exhortations to draw near to God out of love, honor, safety, peace, and for the riches of His blessings, warning of the consequences of drawing back from God or drawing near hypocritically.
What Battle?
By Ray Comfort0MAT 9:37MRK 16:15ACT 1:8ROM 5:10ROM 8:71CO 9:16COL 1:212TI 4:2JAS 4:4Ray Comfort preaches about the importance of true Christianity being like a battleship stationed at the gates of Hell, emphasizing the need for believers to actively engage in spiritual warfare and evangelism. He highlights the spiritual deadness of those who are not born again, contrasting them with the call for believers to be bold witnesses for Christ. Comfort challenges the modern Church to move from a passive, divided state to a zealous, unified body that actively shares the Gospel and fulfills the Great Commission.
The Depth of the Fall
By J.C. Philpot0GEN 6:5PSA 51:5PRO 4:23JER 17:9MRK 7:21ROM 1:29ROM 8:7EPH 2:3COL 1:21J.C. Philpot delves into the depth of the fall of man, emphasizing the clear and decisive testimonies in the Scriptures that reveal the sinful nature of humanity before God. From the murder of Abel to the depiction of human depravity in Romans, the Bible paints a vivid picture of man's fallen state and the wickedness that stems from the heart. Despite outward reforms brought by Christianity, the human heart remains corrupt and rebellious, described as a fountain of evil that continues to spew forth wickedness. The ultimate revelation is that the carnal mind is enmity against God, a position of enduring and irreconcilable hatred towards the Creator.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And you, that were sometime alienated - All men are alienated from God, and all are enemies in their minds to him, and show it by their wicked works; but this is spoken particularly of the Gentiles. The word απαλλοτριοω, which we render to alienate, to give to another, to estrange, expresses the state of the Gentiles: while the Jews were, at least by profession, dedicated to God, the Gentiles were alienated, that is, given up to others; they worshipped not the true God, but had gods many and lords many, to whom they dedicated themselves, their religious service, and their property. The verb αλλοτριοω, to alienate, being compounded here with the preposition απο, from, signifies to abalienate, to estrange utterly, to be wholly the property of another. Thus the Gentiles had alienated themselves from God, and were alienated or rejected by him, because of their wickedness and idolatry. Enemies in your mind - They had the carnal mind, which is enmity against God; and this was expressed in their outward conduct by wicked works. See the note on Rom 5:10. The mind is taken here for all the soul, heart, affections, passions, etc.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The Colossians are included in this general reconciliation (compare Eph 2:1, Eph 2:12). sometime--"once." alienated--from God and salvation: objectively banished from God, through the barrier which God's justice interposed against your sin: subjectively estranged through the alienation of your own wills from God. The former is the prominent thought (compare Rom 5:10), as the second follows, "enemies in your mind." "Actual alienation makes habitual 'enemies'" [BENGEL]. in your mind--Greek, "in your understanding" or "thought" (Eph 2:3; Eph 4:18). by wicked works--rather as Greek, "in your wicked works" (wicked works were the element in which your enmity subsisted). yet now--Notwithstanding the former alienation, now that Christ has come, God hath completely reconciled, or restored to His friendship again (so the Greek, compare Note, see on Col 1:20).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And you that were sometime alienated,.... The general blessing of grace and reconciliation, which belongs to the whole body of Christ, the church universal, all the elect of God, whether in heaven or in earth, is here particularly applied to the saints at Colosse, who were eminent instances of it; and that the free grace of God towards them in it might more illustriously appear, the apostle takes notice of what they were before the coming of Christ in the flesh, before the Gospel came among them, and while in a state of unregeneracy, as that they were "alienated": that is from God, not from his general presence, power, and providence, which reach to all his creatures, but from the life of God; see Eph 4:18; from living agreeably to the will of God, being estranged from him who is the fountain of moral and spiritual, as well as natural life; from the law, the rule of life, and from a principle of life in themselves; and altogether disapproving of such a life, as contrary to their carnal affections and lusts: and which alienation from God greatly lay in their forsaking him, the one only and true God, and following and serving strange gods, not attending to the dictates and light of nature; and being destitute of a divine revelation, they went further and further off from God, and from his people, worship, and ordinances; and were aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise; the source of all which was sin, and was owing to themselves: God did not alienate himself from them first; they alienated themselves from him; their sins separated between God and them, set them at a distance from him, and at enmity to him, and which very early appeared, for they were estranged from the womb: and enemies in your mind by wicked works. They were enemies to God, the true God, and were lovers and worshippers of idols; they were enemies to the being and perfections of God, as all men in a state of nature are; and more or less show it, by either denying there is a God, or wishing there was none, or fancying him to be such an one as themselves; or they dispute his sovereignty, deny his omniscience, arraign his justice and faithfulness, and despise the riches of his grace and goodness; they are enemies to his purposes, providences, and word; cannot bear that he should determine any thing concerning them or others; their eye is evil to him because he is good to others; they reply against him, they run upon him, and charge his decrees with unrighteousness and cruelty; murmur at and quarrel with the dispensations of his providence, as unequal and unjust; cast away the law of the Lord, will not be subject to it, and condemn the revelation of his will. They are enemies to Christ in one shape or another; either to his person, denying his proper deity, or real humanity; or to his offices, not hearkening to him as a prophet, trampling on his blood and sacrifice as a priest, and unwilling to have him to rule over them as a King; or to the way of salvation by him, of pardon by his blood, atonement by his sacrifice, justification by his righteousness, and acceptance with God through his person; or to his doctrines and ordinances, which are unsuitable to their vicious tastes, carnal affections, and appetites: they are enemies to the Spirit of Christ, by either denying his deity and personality, or by ridiculing the operations of his grace; or treating with contempt, and as foolish, everything of his, the Bible and all the truths contained in it, dictated by him. They are enemies to the people of God, exceeding mad against them, hate them and persecute them, reckon them the faith of the world, and the offscouring of all things, living in malice to them, and hateful and hating one another: and this enmity to everything divine and good is seated "in the mind"; the mind is not the object of this enmity, as some read the words, "to the mind": for the mind of a carnal man is enmity itself against God; but it is the subject of it, where it has its chief place, and from whence it proceeds, and shows itself in evil actions; and though the word "your" is not in the original text, it is rightly supplied; for the meaning is not that they were enemies "of his mind"; of the mind of the Lord, of his counsels and will, as some read and explain the words, though there is a truth in this, but in their own minds: so that not the body but the soul is the seat of this enmity; and not the inferior faculties of the soul only, the sensitive appetite and passions, but the understanding, the judgment and will, the more noble and rational powers of the soul; from hence spring all the malice and enmity expressed in word and actions: where then is man's free will to that which is good? and hence it is that the mind stands in need of being renewed, enlightened, cleansed and sanctified, and renovation begins here, which is the effect of almighty power; for nothing else can remove the rooted enmity in the heart of men; and which, as deep and as secret as it is, sooner or later, in one way or another, shows itself "by wicked works"; and that frequently, as by loving what God hates, and hating what he loves; by omitting what he commands, and committing what he forbids; by maintaining friendship with the world, and by harbouring his professed enemies, and persecuting his dear friends; and by their wicked words, and evil lives and conversations; and by the various works of the flesh, which are manifest, some being more directly against God, others by which they wrong themselves, and others by which they injure their neighbours: yet now hath he reconciled; which may be understood either of the Father's reconciling them to himself by his Son; and so the words are a continuation of the account of the Father's grace, as to all the elect in general, so to the Colossians in particular, notwithstanding the black characters in which they stand described in their natural estate: or else of Christ's reconciling them to his Father, by the sacrifice of himself, which he voluntarily offered for them, though this was their case, and of enemies made them friends: and may be meant either of the impetration of reconciliation for them by his sufferings and death; or of the virtue and efficacy of it in the application of it; in the former sense the "now" refers to the coming of Christ into the world, and the time of his death, and the offering up of his body once for all, when peace and reconciliation were completely made at once for all God's elect; in the latter sense it refers to the time of the conversion of these Colossians, when Christ by his Spirit, in consequence of reconciliation made in the body of his flesh, through death reconciled them to God; to his mind and will, to the way of salvation by himself, to the saints the excellent in the earth, to the Gospel and the ordinances of it, and to all his ways and worship.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:21-23 Paul applies the truth of 1:15-20 to the Colossian Christians. As people who have been reconciled to God, they enjoy a new spiritual status and need to stand firm in the truth they have been taught. 1:21 The phrase once far away from God probably refers to their condition as Gentiles (see Eph 2:12).