Galatians 2:7
What does Galatians 2:7 mean?
A plain-English look at Galatians 2:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Galatians 2:7 means
Instead of correcting Paul, the leaders recognized that God had entrusted him with the gospel for the uncircumcision, just as Peter had a primary mission to the circumcision. This is not two different gospels but one gospel carried into distinct contexts. The acknowledgment underscores both diversity and unity: different fields, same message. God’s entrusting shows calling and authority come from Him. The Gentile mission is not a secondary afterthought but a divinely assigned sphere, on par with Peter’s work among Jews. This recognition assures Gentile believers that their path to Christ does not require becoming Jewish first.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000but contrariwise, when they saw that I had been intrusted with the gospel of the uncircumcision, even as Peter with the gospel of the circumcision
KJV
King James Version · 1611But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter;
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901but contrariwise, when they saw that I had been intrusted with the gospel of the uncircumcision, even as Peter with the gospel of the circumcision
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But, quite the opposite, when they saw that I had been made responsible for preaching the good news to those without circumcision, even as Peter had been for those of the circumcision
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862but, on the contrary, having seen that I have been entrusted with the good news of the uncircumcision, as Peter with <FI>that<Fi> of the circumcision,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But contrariwise, when they had seen that to me was committed the gospel of the uncircumcision, as to Peter was that of the circumcision.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890but, on the contrary, seeing that the glad tidings of the uncircumcision were confided to me, even as to Peter that of the circumcision,
Context
Coming right after the assertion that the leaders added nothing to Paul’s message, verse 7 explains what they did do: they discerned God’s specific entrusting of fields—Paul to Gentiles, Peter to Jews. Verse 8 will reinforce that it is the same God empowering both, highlighting the unity of source and mission. This prepares for verse 9’s formal gesture of fellowship, sealing the agreement and charting practical cooperation between the apostles.
v.6But from those who were reputed to be somewhat (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth not man’s person)—they, I say, who were of repute imparted nothing to me:
v.7This passage
v.8(for he that wrought for Peter unto the apostleship of the circumcision wrought for me also unto the Gentiles);
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Corinthians 9:17
For if I do this of mine own will, I have a reward: but if not of mine own will, I have a stewardship intrusted to me.
- Acts 15:12
And all the multitude kept silence; and they hearkened unto Barnabas and Paul rehearsing what signs and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles through them.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:4
but even as we have been approved of God to be intrusted with the gospel, so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God who proveth our hearts.
- Acts 15:25
it seemed good unto us, having come to one accord, to choose out men and send them unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,
- Galatians 2:9
and when they perceived the grace that was given unto me, James and Cephas and John, they who were reputed to be pillars, gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship, that we should go unto the Gentiles, and they unto the circumcision;
- Acts 28:28
Be it known therefore unto you, that this salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles: they will also hear.
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