Galatians 2:7 (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.”
Introduction
Scripture reveals two divinely-given messages in God’s redemptive timeline—Israel’s Kingdom Gospel, committed primarily to Peter and the Twelve, and Our Grace Gospel, revealed uniquely to the Apostle Paul. These are not competing messages but progressive revelations in the unfolding plan of God. Understanding the distinction is essential for interpreting Scripture accurately, avoiding doctrinal confusion, and recognizing God’s prophetic dealings with Israel and the Church in these last days.
Israel’s Kingdom Gospel
Key Scripture: Mark 1:14–15 (KJV)
“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,
And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.”
The Nature of the Kingdom Gospel
The Kingdom Gospel proclaimed that Israel’s long-promised Messianic kingdom was at hand. This message was rooted in Old Testament prophecy (Isaiah 9:6–7; Daniel 2:44; Zechariah 14). It called Israel to national repentance, faith in their Messiah, and readiness for the restoration of David’s throne.
Its Audience: The Nation of Israel
Jesus Himself said, “I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Matthew 15:24).
This gospel was specifically directed to Israel because the kingdom was covenanted to them (2 Samuel 7:12–16; Luke 1:31–33). The Twelve were told to preach it only to Israel (Matthew 10:5–7).
Its Message: Repentance, Baptism, and Kingdom Readiness
Peter’s sermon in Acts 2 is clearly kingdom-oriented:
- Israel must repent (Acts 2:38)
- Be baptized for the remission of sins
- Live in expectation of Christ’s return to establish the promised kingdom (Acts 3:19–21)
This gospel anticipated Christ’s earthly reign from Jerusalem, with Israel restored as head of the nations.
Its Relation to Prophecy
The Kingdom Gospel is prophetic.
It fulfills what “God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began” (Acts 3:21).
Our Grace Gospel
Key Scripture: Ephesians 3:2–3 (KJV)
“If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:
How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery…”
A Revelation Unique to Paul
Unlike the Kingdom Gospel, the Grace Gospel was not revealed by Old Testament prophecy. Paul calls it “the mystery” hidden “from ages and generations” (Colossians 1:26). It was made known only after Israel rejected her Messiah and the kingdom was postponed.
Paul received this message directly from the risen Christ (Galatians 1:11–12).
Its Audience: All the World
The Grace Gospel is universal—“the gospel of the uncircumcision” (Galatians 2:7), offered equally to Jew and Gentile. It forms a new, heavenly people—the Church, the Body of Christ—distinct from national Israel.
Its Message: Faith Alone in the Finished Work of Christ
The Grace Gospel centers on Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection as the sole means of salvation (1 Corinthians 15:1–4). Its call is simple and universal:
- No kingdom requirements
- No ritual washings or baptismal prerequisites for salvation
- No adherence to Mosaic ordinances
“For by grace are ye saved through faith… not of works” (Ephesians 2:8–9).
Its Relation to Mystery, Not Prophecy
Paul’s gospel was not foretold in the prophets. Instead, it reveals:
- A heavenly calling
- A spiritual body
- A new creation in Christ
- A program separate from Israel’s earthly kingdom
Israel looked for an earthly Messiah; the Church looks for the catching away—the blessed hope (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17).
Distinguishing the Two Gospels in Scripture
Different Apostolic Commissions
- Peter and the Twelve: Ministers of the circumcision, proclaiming the kingdom (Galatians 2:7–9).
- Paul: Minister to the Gentiles, steward of the mystery (Romans 11:13; Ephesians 3:8–9).
Different Messages
| Israel’s Kingdom Gospel | Our Grace Gospel |
|---|---|
| “The kingdom is at hand.” | “Christ died for your sins.” |
| Repentance and baptism for remission of sins. | Faith alone for justification. |
| Earthly kingdom promised to Israel. | Heavenly calling for the Body of Christ. |
| Prophetic, revealed since the world began. | Mystery, kept secret since the world began. |
| National in scope. | Individual in scope, universal in reach. |
Different Outcomes
- Israel’s Gospel leads to the restoration of the Davidic kingdom.
- The Grace Gospel leads to salvation by faith alone and the formation of the Church.
Harmonizing Both Gospels in God’s Plan
God is not inconsistent—He is progressive in revelation. Israel’s rejection of the Kingdom Gospel (Acts 7) opened the door for the dispensation of grace (Acts 9; Romans 11:11–12). The Church age is temporary; when it concludes, God will resume His prophetic dealings with Israel during the Tribulation, culminating in Christ’s return to establish the kingdom originally proclaimed.
The two gospels do not conflict—they operate in different dispensations for different purposes.
Conclusion
Israel’s Kingdom Gospel and Our Grace Gospel form a unified yet distinct revelation of God’s redemptive plan. The Kingdom Gospel offered Israel her promised King and an earthly kingdom foretold by the prophets. The Grace Gospel, revealed exclusively to Paul, offers salvation by faith alone and forms a heavenly Body destined to reign with Christ.
Recognizing this distinction protects the Church from confusion, preserves the integrity of biblical prophecy, and clarifies God’s unfolding purpose for both Israel and the Body of Christ. As the end of the age draws near, the Church must preach the Grace Gospel with boldness while acknowledging that God will soon turn His full attention back to Israel to fulfill every prophetic promise concerning the kingdom.