Galatians 2:7 very simple and clear.
Here’s the verse first (KJV):
“But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter;”
Simple Explanation
Paul is saying:
- God gave him (Paul) the mission to preach the gospel to Gentiles (non-Jews).
- God gave Peter the mission to preach the gospel to Jews.
That’s it.
It’s not two different gospels in content — it’s one gospel with two audiences.
Think of It Like This:
Apostle Audience Same Message Peter Jews (“circumcision”) Jesus is the Christ — salvation through Him
Paul Gentiles
(“uncircumcision”) Jesus is the Christ — salvation through Him
Both preached that salvation comes through Jesus, but their focus groups were different.
Example for Clarity:
It’s like two pastors preaching the same message in different neighborhoods:
- Peter preached mainly in Jerusalem to Jewish people who already knew the Law.
- Paul preached in Gentile cities like Corinth, Ephesus, and Rome — to people who didn’t.
Same gospel truth — different audiences, different approach.
Key Point:
Galatians 2:7 does not mean there were two different gospels (one of works and one of grace).
It means there was one true gospel of Jesus Christ — entrusted to two apostles with two mission fields.
The reason is timing — not that there were two different gospels.
When Jesus and the apostles first preached to Israel (the Gospel of the Kingdom),
they were still living under the Law of Moses.
Under that old covenant, circumcision was still required for Jewish males (Genesis 17; Leviticus 12:3).
After Jesus died and rose again, the old covenant ended and the new covenant of grace began.
That’s when God revealed that circumcision no longer mattered — only faith in Christ did (Galatians 5:6; 6:15).
In Simple Terms:
Time Covenant Requirement Before the CrossOld Covenant (Law)Circumcision still practicedAfter the CrossNew Covenant (Grace)Faith alone in Christ
So the difference isn’t two gospels —
it’s the same gospel unfolding at two different times in God’s plan.
Summary:
The Gospel of the Kingdom was preached while Israel was still under the Law — so circumcision continued.
The Gospel of Grace came after the cross — when Jesus fulfilled the Law, making circumcision no longer required.
Grace and Peace
No debate Paul was sent to the Gentiles and Peter to the Jews BUT there messages were the same and both preached to BOTH Jews and Gentles.
Peter was the first one to the Gentiles, Acts 10.
GOD told Ananias, Acts 9:15 But 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:
Look at Acts 19:1 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,
2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.
4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
7 And all the men were about twelve.
8 And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.
9 But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus.
10 And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.
To be clear, the same message or results as Acts 2:38 BUT look at verse 10 And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in
Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.
So Peter preached to the Gentiles and the Jews along with Paul.
Now to address your Summary:
"The Gospel of the Kingdom was preached while Israel was still under the Law —
so circumcision continued.
The Gospel of Grace came after the cross — when Jesus fulfilled the Law, making circumcision no longer required."
1 Corinthians 7,
18 Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised.
19
Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the
keeping of the commandments of God.
Acts 10:34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is
no respecter of persons:
Summary, GOD don't get in to skin color, genes or nationality.
Matthew 28:19
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: