Peter to the Circumcised – Paul to the Uncircumcised

Jamie Pantastico writes for Mesa Bible Study

Written by Jamie Pantastico

On January 18, 2024

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.

 

Jamie Pantastico
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Jamie Pantastico

Mesa Bible Study

Faith, Sine Qua Non

“What is Not Properly Understood can “Not” be Properly Applied”

 

 

 

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What Saith the Scripture?

Most problems in interpreting Bible passages arise from neglecting a passage’s context. The guiding principle of sound interpretation is to take a passage literally. Not maintaining this discipline, interpreting Scripture becomes made up, man’s idea, fantasy, and the passage can mean almost anything. The result is erroneous and ridiculous interpretations.

Another important principle to sound Bible interpretation is to read Scripture “in-time”. In other words, we have to read and study the Bible as a progressive revelation. Not getting ahead of God’s revelation.

God’s plan of redemption for mankind wasn’t revealed all at once to Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Isaiah, or any of the other old testament prophets. Not even Peter and the eleven were given the full counsel of God. The Lord revealed to each of the aforementioned what they needed at their particular time in Biblical history. A hermeneutical method that does not approach Scripture as a progressive revelation leads to erroneous interpretations.

To be a good bible student one must maintain a literal, grammatical and historical (in-time) hermeneutic. There has been much too much of man’s theology governing Scripture when it is God’s Word alone that reigns over theology.

 

Z

Who's writing?

Identify the author of the book and passage.

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Who is the author writing too?

Who is the audience? Yes, all Scripture is for us but not all of Scripture is directed to us our salvation and doctrine (how to live our daily lives). To say all of Scripture is, is erroneous interpretation.

Z

When was the Book or Passage written?

This is necessary to identify the time and historical context.

Z

What were the circumstances when it was written? (what was going on)

Z

What was going on before and after it was written?

What happen before and after the particular Book or Passage you’re reading?

Z

What is the HISTORICAL CONTEXT OF THE VERSE?

Where does the Bible verse fit in Biblical history. Use the answers from the list of these questions to identify the “historical context”.

Z

Are there other passages that the Author has written to help expand on the verse your reading?

Z

Utilize the full counsel of God to illuminate the passage

All of Scripture fits perfectly.

 

The Good News

salvation

Salvation is a FREE GIFT from God. You don’t have to do anything but believe by faith that God sent His only Son Jesus Christ to die for your sins, was buried, and rose from the dead 3 days later.

THE GOOD NEWS

SALVATION

Salvation is a FREE GIFT from God. SALVATION IS BY FAITH ALONE & FAITH IS BELIEVING WHAT GOD SAYS.

  1. God declares all mankind sinners and we all fall short of Glory of God. Romans 3:23
  2. The payment for our sin is death. Romans 6:23
  3. But God…because he loved you so much sent His own Son, Jesus Christ, to die in your place, for your sins, was buried, and rose from the dead three days later. 1 Cor 15:1-42cor 5:21

All God asks is that you believe by faith alone in 1, 2, & 3. That you’re a sinner, separated from God but God sent his Son to die for your sins, was buried & rose again 3 days later.

that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

Romans 10:9

Do You Believe?

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