King James Version

What Does Galatians 2:7 Mean?

Galatians 2:7 in the King James Version says “But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circum...” — study this verse from Galatians chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter;”

Galatians 2:7 · KJV

Context

5

To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.

6

But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man's person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me:

7

But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter;

8

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

9

And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter. The adversative tounantion (τοὐναντίον, "on the contrary") introduces the Jerusalem apostles' recognition of Paul's distinct calling. The perfect passive verb pepisteumai (πεπίστευμαι, "I have been entrusted") appears twice—Paul was entrusted with to euaggelion tēs akrobystias (τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τῆς ἀκροβυστίας, "the gospel of the uncircumcision/Gentiles"), while Peter received tēs peritomēs (τῆς περιτομῆς, "of the circumcision/Jews").

Critically, Paul speaks of one gospel with two spheres of ministry, not two different gospels. The genitive tēs akrobystias is objective—the gospel directed toward the uncircumcised—not a different message but the same grace applied to different audiences. The verb episteuō with the dative means "entrust" as a stewardship; God is the one who assigns mission fields, not human committees.

This divine division of labor validated Paul's apostleship to Gentiles as fully as Peter's to Jews. The Jerusalem leaders saw (ἰδόντες, idontes)—recognized through evidence, not merely theory—God's hand on Paul's ministry. His success among Gentiles demonstrated divine approval, requiring no human validation or modification of his message.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Peter's ministry focused primarily on Jewish audiences (Acts 2-12), while Paul became the apostle to Gentiles (Acts 13-28). This division wasn't absolute—Peter preached to Cornelius (Acts 10), and Paul regularly began ministry in synagogues—but reflected primary callings. The Jerusalem leaders' recognition of this distinction prevented a damaging power struggle and allowed complementary ministries to flourish.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's diverse gifting of different workers for different ministries demonstrate the unity and breadth of the gospel?
  2. What evidence in your life demonstrates God's calling to specific ministry rather than merely personal preference?
  3. Why is it vital to distinguish between one gospel with diverse applications versus multiple competing gospels?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
ἀλλὰ1 of 13

“But”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

τοὐναντίον2 of 13

“contrariwise”

G5121

on the contrary

ἰδόντες3 of 13

“when they saw”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

ὅτι4 of 13

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

πεπίστευμαι5 of 13

“was committed unto me”

G4100

to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch

τὸ6 of 13
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

εὐαγγέλιον7 of 13

“the gospel”

G2098

a good message, i.e., the gospel

τῆς8 of 13
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀκροβυστίας9 of 13

“of the uncircumcision”

G203

the prepuce; by implication, an uncircumcised (i.e., gentile, figuratively, unregenerate) state or person

καθὼς10 of 13

“as”

G2531

just (or inasmuch) as, that

Πέτρος11 of 13

“was unto Peter”

G4074

a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle

τῆς12 of 13
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

περιτομῆς13 of 13

“the gospel of the circumcision”

G4061

circumcision (the rite, the condition or the people, literally or figuratively)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Galatians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Galatians 2:7 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Galatians 2:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 9:151 Thessalonians 2:41 Timothy 2:7Galatians 1:161 Timothy 1:11Galatians 2:9

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