In times past (before the cross), God was forming Israel to be the light and salvation to the Gentiles. God was going to use Israel to reach the Gentiles with His presence and His Word. This is why they are called a royal priesthood and holy nation in Exodus 19:5-6.
The verse in Eph 2:12 is speaking of this time (before the cross) where Israel was still the center of God’s focus. God was not showing Himself to any Gentile nations as this would be the role of Israel after their Messiah came. This is why Paul says the following,
Eph 2:12 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: 13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
Verse 13 however tells of a radical change in events. Due to Israel’s unbelief, God suspended His dealings with them (temporarily), and converted Paul and sent him with a new gospel and doctrine to the Gentiles. This is why he writes, BUT NOW… God was now saving Gentiles WITHOUT the use of Israel. This is unique and completely un-prophesied in the scriptures. That is why Paul calls his doctrine “a mystery” (see Rom.16:25–26).
Israel will be recalled to their preeminent status after the grace program closes. There are still prophecies to fulfil, and this will happen during the tribulation period and the Millennial Kingdom where Israel is the head nation over the nations of earth. But for now, God’s grace is saving both Jews and Gentiles by the cross of Christ. If you believe in Jesus Christ, in his death for you, in His resurrection for your justification, then you will be saved (without the need of Israel). Today, the Gentiles have hope and are not without Gid in this world, but when grace ends at the rapture of the Body of Christ, then Gentiles will go back into the state referred to in Eph.2:12.
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