Devine Scripture

Galatians 2:8

What does Galatians 2:8 mean?

A plain-English look at Galatians 2:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Galatians 2:8 means

Paul clarifies that the same divine power that enabled Peter’s apostleship to the circumcision also worked through him for the Gentiles. This undercuts any suggestion that Paul’s ministry was inferior or independent. Equal empowerment shows equal legitimacy. The unity of the Spirit’s work across different audiences assures believers that the gospel is not culturally bound. It also counters factionalism: loyalty is to the God who works, not to human personalities. Therefore, the results among Gentiles bear the same divine signature seen in Peter’s ministry among Jews, confirming one gospel and one Lord at work through various servants.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

(Because he who was working in Peter as the Apostle of the circumcision was working no less in me among the Gentiles);

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for He who did work with Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, did work also in me in regard to the nations,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

(For he who wrought in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision wrought in me also among the Gentiles.)

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

(for he that wrought in Peter for [the] apostleship of the circumcision wrought also in me towards the Gentiles,)

Context

Following the recognition of distinct spheres in verse 7, this verse grounds that division of labor in God’s own activity, not human strategy. By asserting that the same One worked in both Peter and Paul, it prepares the way for the handshake of fellowship in verse 9. That handshake will not create unity; it will acknowledge the unity God has already established by His grace and power operating in their ministries.

v.7but contrariwise, when they saw that I had been intrusted with the gospel of the uncircumcision, even as Peter with the gospel of the circumcision

v.8This passage

v.9and 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;

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 1 Corinthians 1:5

    that in everything ye were enriched in him, in all utterance and all knowledge;

  • 1 Corinthians 9:2

    If to others I am not an apostle, yet at least I am to you; for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord.

  • Acts 26:17

    delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom I send thee,

  • Galatians 3:5

    He therefore that supplieth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?

  • 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 2:14

    But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and spake forth unto them, saying, Ye men of Judæa, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and give ear unto my words.

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