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.
¶ 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:
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)
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.
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).
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.