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"The gospel for the uncircumcised..."

Text: Galatians 2:7a

RECOGNITION FROM THE APOSTLES AND ELDERS OF JERUSALEM

The apostles in Jerusalem had been personally trained by the Lord Jesus Christ. They had also matured further through experience in ministry. Peter himself had a personal experience with reference to ministry to the Gentiles. As they listened to Paul and Barnabas they came to a good and correct conclusion.

But on the contrary, when they saw that the gospel
for the uncircumcised had been committed to me,
as the gospel for the circumcised was to Peter
(for He who worked effectively in Peter for the apostleship
to the circumcised also worked effectively in me toward
the Gentiles).

Galatians 2:7-8

1. “The gospel for the uncircumcised”

a) This is a reference to the same gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

b) The focus of this gospel was the Gentile community.

c) It became apparent to the Jerusalem Council leaders that this gospel ministry to the Gentiles had been committed to the apostle Paul.

2. “The gospel for the circumcised”

a) The content of the gospel remains the same.

b) The focus was the Jewish community.

c) This ministry was obviously given to Peter to head up.

3. The Contents of this Gospel

a) Christ is at the centre of the gospel.

b) Redemption was made possible through faith in the Lord Jesus.

c) Faith must be exercised and evidenced.

4. “He who worked effectively”

a) Great power was needed to drive both ministries.

b) The Person behind both ministries was the Holy Spirit Himself.

c) The ministry of the Holy Spirit was unmistakable.

i) There was power for ministry.

ii) Signs and miracles confirmed the apostolic ministries of both Peter and Paul.

iii) Many were brought to faith in Christ.

iv) Churches were established by Peter and Paul.

v) He was the One who led both Peter and Paul in their ministry.