Galatians 2:8
(For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γὰρ
(For
G1063
γὰρ
(For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 14
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
Πέτρῳ
in Peter
G4074
Πέτρῳ
in Peter
Strong's:
G4074
Word #:
4 of 14
a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
5 of 14
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
περιτομῆς
of the circumcision
G4061
περιτομῆς
of the circumcision
Strong's:
G4061
Word #:
8 of 14
circumcision (the rite, the condition or the people, literally or figuratively)
καὶ
the same
G2532
καὶ
the same
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
12 of 14
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Cross References
Acts 9:15But 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 15:12Then 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.Acts 21:19And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry.Acts 22:21And he said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles.
Historical Context
Peter's Pentecost sermon converted 3,000 Jews (Acts 2:41), his ministry brought healing and judgment (Acts 5:15, 5:1-11), and he opened the gospel to Gentiles at Cornelius's house (Acts 10). Paul's missionary journeys established churches across the Gentile world, performed miraculous signs, and brought thousands to faith. The identical source and similar results of their ministries demonstrated God's equal validation of both apostles.
Questions for Reflection
- What role does visible fruit play in confirming God's calling and empowerment for ministry?
- How does recognizing God as the active power in ministry protect against both pride and despair?
- In what ways might you be trusting your own abilities rather than expecting God to work powerfully through your weakness?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles. The participial phrase ho gar energēsas Petrō (ὁ γὰρ ἐνεργήσας Πέτρῳ, "for the one having worked in Peter") identifies God as the active agent. The verb energeō (ἐνεργέω) means to work powerfully or effectively—divine energy producing results. The dative Petrō indicates God worked in Peter, not merely through him; it's God's power, not human ability, that produces apostolic fruit.
The phrase eis apostolēn tēs peritomēs (εἰς ἀποστολὴν τῆς περιτομῆς, "for apostleship to the circumcision") defines Peter's mission field. The same God who empowered Peter energēsen kai emoi eis ta ethnē (ἐνήργησεν καὶ ἐμοὶ εἰς τὰ ἔθνη, "also worked in me toward the Gentiles"). The parallel structure establishes complete equality of divine calling and empowerment between Peter and Paul.
Paul's argument is irrefutable: the same God, producing the same powerful results, validates both apostles equally. This isn't competitive but complementary—one gospel, one divine power, multiple mission fields. The evidence of God's working (conversions, churches established, miracles) testified to Paul's authentic apostleship as clearly as Peter's ministry testified to his.