How does Galatians 2:7 relate to the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19? Setting the Scene Galatians 2:7: “On the contrary, they saw that I had been entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter to the circumcised.” Matthew 28:19: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” One Gospel, Two Target Audiences • In Galatians 2:7, the risen Christ assigns Paul a focused mission field: “the uncircumcised” (Gentiles). • Peter receives a complementary focus on “the circumcised” (Jews). • Matthew 28:19 commands the Church to disciple “all nations,” embracing both Jews and Gentiles. • Together, Paul’s Gentile calling and Peter’s Jewish calling fulfill the all-encompassing scope of the Great Commission. Divine Delegation, Not Division • Paul’s and Peter’s distinctive roles never fracture the Church; they illustrate strategic deployment. • Romans 1:16 affirms this unity: “to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” • Acts 1:8 shows the same pattern—Jerusalem (Jews), Samaria (mixed), ends of the earth (Gentiles). Assurance of Scriptural Consistency • The literal accuracy of Scripture guarantees that Galatians 2:7 and Matthew 28:19 are not competing mandates but coordinated parts of one divine plan. • Ephesians 2:14-16 explains how Christ makes “one new man” from both groups, confirming the harmony of these passages. Practical Takeaways • Specialized callings remain valid today: missionaries, pastors, and believers may be entrusted with particular people groups or neighborhoods. • Every believer still shares the overarching duty to “make disciples of all nations.” • Recognize and support diverse ministries; together they complete the Great Commission mosaic. Summary Connection Galatians 2:7 illustrates God’s strategic entrusting of the gospel to Paul for the Gentiles, while Matthew 28:19 supplies the universal mandate. The verse in Galatians shows how the Great Commission unfolds in real time: distinct assignments, one gospel, one global mission. |
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