Galatians 2:8

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

(For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)

Complete Jewish Bible:

since the One working in Kefa to make him an emissary to the Circumcised had worked in me to make me an emissary to the Gentiles.

Berean Standard Bible:

For the One who was at work in Peter’s apostleship to the circumcised was also at work in my apostleship to the Gentiles.

American Standard Version:

(for he that wrought for Peter unto the apostleship of the circumcision wrought for me also unto the Gentiles);

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

(For{G1063} he that wrought effectually{G1754} in Peter{G4074} to{G1519} the apostleship{G651} of the circumcision{G4061}, the same{G2532} was mighty{G1754} in me{G1698} toward{G1519} the Gentiles{G1484}:)

Cross-References (KJV):

Acts 9:15

  • But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:

Acts 19:11

  • And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul:

Acts 19:12

  • So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them.

Acts 15:12

  • Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.

Acts 21:19

  • And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry.

Acts 2:14

  • ¶ But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all [ye] that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:

Acts 2:41

  • Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added [unto them] about three thousand souls.

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Commentary for Galatians 2:8

Galatians 2:8 is a verse that captures a pivotal moment in the early Christian church, reflecting the theme of unity and diversity in the mission of spreading the Gospel. The Apostle Paul is writing to the Galatian churches, addressing a controversy regarding the inclusion of Gentiles (non-Jews) into the Christian faith without the requirement of adhering to Jewish law, particularly circumcision.

In this verse, Paul acknowledges the divine calling and effectiveness of Peter's ministry to the Jewish people ("the circumcision"). He then draws a parallel to his own apostolic mission, emphasizing that the same God who empowered Peter for his work among Jews has also empowered Paul for his work among the Gentiles. This verse underscores the idea that both Jews and Gentiles are recipients of God's grace and that the early church leaders, despite their different missions, were united in their recognition of each other's callings and the common source of their apostolic authority—God Himself.

The historical context of this verse is rooted in the early church's struggle to define its identity and mission. As the church grew beyond its Jewish origins, there was tension between those who believed that Gentile converts should follow Jewish customs, like circumcision and dietary laws, and those who argued that faith in Christ was sufficient for salvation. Paul's letter to the Galatians, and specifically Galatians 2:8, serves as a defense of his ministry and the principle of justification by faith alone, without the necessity of adhering to the Mosaic Law. This principle was crucial in shaping the universal nature of the Christian message and in affirming that the Gospel is for all people, regardless of ethnic or cultural background.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

  1. Strong's Number: G1063
    There are 1016 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: γάρ
    Transliteration: gár
    Pronunciation: gar
    Description: a primary particle; properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles):--and, as, because (that), but, even, for, indeed, no doubt, seeing, then, therefore, verily, what, why, yet.
  2. Strong's Number: G1754
    There are 19 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: ἐνεργέω
    Transliteration: energéō
    Pronunciation: en-erg-eh'-o
    Description: from ἐνεργής; to be active, efficient:--do, (be) effectual (fervent), be mighty in, shew forth self, work (effectually in).
  3. Strong's Number: G4074
    There are 157 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: Πέτρος
    Transliteration: Pétros
    Pronunciation: pet'-ros
    Description: apparently a primary word; a (piece of) rock (larger than λίθος); as a name, Petrus, an apostle:--Peter, rock. Compare Κηφᾶς.
  4. Strong's Number: G1519
    There are 1513 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: εἰς
    Transliteration: eis
    Pronunciation: ice
    Description: a primary preposition; to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases:--(abundant-)ly, against, among, as, at, (back-)ward, before, by, concerning, + continual, + far more exceeding, for (intent, purpose), fore, + forth, in (among, at, unto, -so much that, -to), to the intent that, + of one mind, + never, of, (up-)on, + perish, + set at one again, (so) that, therefore(-unto), throughout, til, to (be, the end, -ward), (here-)until(-to), …ward, (where-)fore, with. Often used in composition with the same general import, but only with verbs (etc.) expressing motion (literally or figuratively).
  5. Strong's Number: G651
    There are 4 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: ἀποστολή
    Transliteration: apostolḗ
    Pronunciation: ap-os-tol-ay'
    Description: from ἀποστέλλω; commission, i.e. (specially) apostolate:--apostleship.
  6. Strong's Number: G4061
    There are 32 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: περιτομή
    Transliteration: peritomḗ
    Pronunciation: per-it-om-ay'
    Description: from περιτέμνω; circumcision (the rite, the condition or the people, literally or figuratively):--X circumcised, circumcision.
  7. Strong's Number: G2532
    There are 5212 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: καί
    Transliteration: kaí
    Pronunciation: kahee
    Description: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.
  8. Strong's Number: G1698
    There are 87 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: ἐμοί
    Transliteration: emoí
    Pronunciation: em-oy'
    Description: a prolonged form of μοί; to me:--I, me, mine, my.
  9. Strong's Number: G1484
    There are 152 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: ἔθνος
    Transliteration: éthnos
    Pronunciation: eth'-nos
    Description: probably from ἔθω; a race (as of the same habit), i.e. a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-Jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan):--Gentile, heathen, nation, people.