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

GALATIANS 2:8KJV
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Galatians 2:8 (KJV)

What does Galatians 2:8 mean?

Galatians 2:8 says that the same God who empowered Peter to be an effective apostle to the Jewish people also worked powerfully through Paul to reach the non-Jewish, or Gentile, people. Paul is pointing out that both he and Peter were given their missions by God and that God’s power was at work in both of them, just in different groups.

Paul is writing to the believers in Galatia, explaining how his ministry to the Gentiles is just as valid as Peter’s ministry to the Jews. Paul wants the Galatians to understand that the division of labor between him and Peter was not a human idea, but something God Himself arranged and empowered. This helps the readers see that Paul’s authority and calling are genuine and come from the same source as Peter’s.

The Greek behind Galatians 2:8

  • The word "effectually" and "mighty" both come from the Greek ἐνεργέω (energeō), which means "to work" or "to be active." The repetition shows that the same divine power was at work in both Peter and Paul, emphasizing equality in their missions.
  • "Apostleship" is from ἀποστολή (apostolē), meaning "a sending" or "mission." This highlights that Peter and Paul were both sent out by God, but to different groups.
  • "Circumcision" is from περιτομή (peritomē), a term often used for the Jewish people, since circumcision was a sign of the Jewish covenant. This clarifies that Peter’s focus was on Jews.
  • "Gentiles" is from ἔθνος (ethnos), meaning "nations" or "non-Jews." This shows Paul’s focus on spreading the message to people outside the Jewish community.

Why Galatians 2:8 matters

  • Galatians 2:8 clears up any idea that Paul’s mission was less important or less divinely authorized than Peter’s. Both apostles were empowered by the same God for their specific callings.
  • The verse helps explain why there were different approaches to sharing the message of Jesus with Jews and Gentiles, showing that this was God’s design, not a human division.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage where Paul is defending his apostleship and the legitimacy of his message, helping the Galatians trust that his teaching is from God.

Where else these words appear

“apostleship” Greek G651 · used in 4 verses

  • Acts 1:25 That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.
  • Romans 1:5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:
  • 1 Corinthians 9:2 If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord.

“effectually” Greek G1754 · used in 19 verses

  • Matthew 14:2 And said unto his servants, This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead; and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him.
  • 2 Corinthians 4:12 So then death worketh in us, but life in you.
  • Ephesians 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

“circumcision” Greek G4061 · used in 32 verses

  • John 7:22 Moses therefore gave unto you circumcision;(not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers;) and ye on the sabbath day circumcise a man.
  • Romans 3:1 What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision?
  • Galatians 2:12 For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.

“me” Greek G1698 · used in 87 verses

  • Matthew 10:32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.
  • John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
  • 2 Corinthians 9:4 Lest haply if they of Macedonia come with me, and find you unprepared, we(that we say not, ye) should be ashamed in this same confident boasting.