The biblical record for the ministries of Peter and Paul is extensive and stands out as distinct from each other, each ordained by God for unique purposes. A closer look at their ministries reveals the clear differences, each designed for specific audiences with widely different messages for salvation and doctrine. Let’s explore the scriptural record that highlights Peter’s ministry to the circumcision and Paul’s mission to the Gentiles.

The following Bible verse makes the distinction clear, but you’d be surprised at how many people, even pastors, will rebel at what is so clearly stated and say, “That’s not what that means.”

‘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 ‘

Galatians 2:7

Peter’s Ministry to the Circumcision

Peter, an apostle to the Jews (Galatians 2:7-9), emphasized continuity with the Old Testament promises. His ministry centered on the circumcised, preaching repentance, baptism, and recognition of Jesus as the promised Messiah (Matthew 16:16; Acts 2:38; 3:19). The kingdom gospel proclaimed by Peter focused on the earthly reign of Christ (Acts 1:6). Distinctively, Peter worked within the framework of the Mosaic Law, adhering to dietary laws and maintaining Jewish customs (Acts 10:14; Galatians 2:12). Moreover, the Lord Jesus Himself commanded Peter and the eleven explicitly, directing them not to go into the way of the Gentiles—to repeat, the Lord Jesus commanded the apostles, ‘NOT TO GO TO THE GENTILES!’ as recorded in Matthew 10:5.

Paul’s Ministry to the Gentiles

In contrast, Paul was chosen by God to be the apostle to the Gentiles (Acts 9:15; Romans 11:13). His ministry unfolded as an outworking of divine revelations by the ascended and glorified Lord Jesus (Galatians 1:12). Paul did not get his gospel from Peter and the eleven. Unlike Peter, Paul’s message was all of grace by faith, with no place for works or Jewish customs commanded on Gentile believers for salvation (like the spies from the Jerusalem church tried to do to Paul’s congregations), emphasizing salvation by faith alone in the finished work of the cross apart from the law (Romans 3:28; Romans 3:21).

The apostle Paul’s teachings revealed the mysteries hidden from ages past (Ephesians 3:3–11). While both apostles proclaimed Christ, Paul’s ministry brought forth the mystery of Christ hidden in the mind of God, culminating in the revelation of the gospel of the grace of God, the Body of Christ, and our blessed hope, the rapture.

Conclusion

The Bible is a progressive revelation; scripture was not revealed all at once to Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, or even Peter. Peter and Paul, though fellow laborers of God, each had very distinct ministries. Understanding these distinctions will make the Bible study fun and easy to read because it will all begin to fit perfectly.

All of scripture fits perfectly a masterful design by God where Peter and Paul, though fellow laborers for God, embraced distinct ministries but all part of God’s great salvation. Understanding the distinctions between Peter and Paul, law and grace, Israel, and the body of Christ greatly enhances our comprehension of God’s plan of redemption for both Jews and Gentiles.