Read the words in their own chapter
Ephesians 2 KJB describes both salvation by grace and the relationship of Jew and Gentile in Christ. The expressions “time past,” “but now,” and “ages to come” help organize the study. Their first meaning comes from the sentences Paul actually wrote, not from a chart imposed on the chapter.
Time past: the former distance
11 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;
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.
Paul tells these Gentile believers to remember their former condition. They were strangers from Israel’s covenants of promise. Studying Genesis 12 KJB, Exodus 19 KJB, and Romans 9:4–5 KJB helps explain the covenant distinction he describes. The contrast concerns their standing and relationship, rather than implying God never cared about Gentiles.
But now: made nigh in Christ
14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
15 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;
16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
The blood of Christ is the basis of their new relationship. Paul describes one new man and reconciliation in one Body by the cross. Membership in that Body is not gained by becoming nationally Israel or by adopting the law’s ordinances. Both believing Jews and Gentiles have access through Christ.
Read through Ephesians 2:22 KJB. Paul uses the images of citizenship, household, and a building to explain their shared relationship. Ephesians 3 KJB then develops the mystery of Gentiles as fellowheirs and of the same Body.
Ages to come: the riches of His kindness
That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
In its immediate context, verse 7 describes God’s future display of grace toward those He has quickened and raised with Christ. It is not, by itself, a complete list of future prophetic events. For Israel’s future and Christ’s earthly reign, compare Romans 11 KJB with the prophetic passages concerning the kingdom.
The chart uses “ages to come” as a broad timeline heading. Keep the fuller chart outline distinct from the exact scope of Ephesians 2:7 KJB. This makes the chart a useful guide without allowing it to replace the passage.
Use the chart as a map
Explore the dispensational chartLocate the prophetic kingdom material, the present dispensation of grace, and the future hope. Then verify each reference from the Bible. A chart summarizes; Scripture establishes the doctrine.