Galatians 2:8

Authorized King James Version

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

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#2
γὰρ
G1063
(For
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#3
ἐνήργησεν
G1754
he that wrought effectually
to be active, efficient
#4
Πέτρῳ
G4074
in Peter
a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle
#5
εἰς
G1519
to
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#6
ἀποστολὴν
G651
the apostleship
commission, i.e., (specially) apostolate
#7
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
περιτομῆς
G4061
of the circumcision
circumcision (the rite, the condition or the people, literally or figuratively)
#9
ἐνήργησεν
G1754
he that wrought effectually
to be active, efficient
#10
καὶ
G2532
the same
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#11
ἐμοὶ
G1698
in me
to me
#12
εἰς
G1519
to
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#13
τὰ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
ἔθνη
G1484
the Gentiles
a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection