“…(for He who worked effectively in Peter for the apostleship to the circumcised also worked effectively in me toward the Gentiles)…”
This verse is a parenthesis explaining how God worked in both Peter’s and Paul’s ministries.
for He who worked effectively in Peter for the apostleship to the circumcised
The words “worked effectively” is one word in Greek that carries the idea of producing supernatural results. The New Testament always uses this word of supernatural working. God does the work. He not only works, but He works “in” people. He energizes people. Paul affirmed God’s supernatural work in Peter’s ministry,
“Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen” (Hebrews 13:20-21).
also worked effectively in me toward the Gentiles
Paul does not attack Peter but says that the same Holy Spirit who worked in Peter’s ministry “also” worked in his own ministry. God tailors the method of how He delivers the gospel to every group. God does the work, whether it is Peter’s or Paul’s ministry.
“…for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13).
Principle:
If God gives us a ministry, He will also give us the necessary power to execute what He wants us to do.
Application:
Our experience in ministry verifies our call. If God gives us a ministry, He will do something with it.
Instead of competing with other churches and ministries, we should follow Paul’s model, which affirmed Peter’s ministry. Have you affirmed the church down the street lately? Why attack a ministry of Christ if it truly preaches the Word?
