Two Distinct Evangels
Galatians 2:7-9

In this article I will clarify why I believe that it is important to recognize the existence of both, the Evangel of the Circumcision and the Evangel of the Uncircumcision, and why they cannot be mixed.

In the first place, the obvious reason why I believe there to be two, Scriptural evangels is because, in Galatians 2:7-9,we have the two, clearly, and unequivocally, mentioned.

7 But, on the contrary, perceiving that I have been entrusted with the evangel of the Uncircumcision, 8 according as Peter [with the evangel] of the Circumcision (for He Who operates in Peter for the apostleship of the Circumcision operates in me also for the nations), and, knowing the grace which is being given to me. 9 James and Cephas and John, who are supposed to be pillars, give to me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we, indeed, are to be for the nations, yet they for the Circumcision" (Gal. 2:7-9)

Note: Throughout this article, I have added the emphases which appears among
the quoted Scripture verses.

Some English versions have changed the preposition "of" to "to" such as the NASB, NIV, RSV, whereas the ASV, Darby Version, KJV and YLT have retained "of" in accord with the grammatical, Greek-genitive case. This change from "of" to "to" has been done by those who did not recognize the importance of each evangel.

The relationship shown between the nouns "evangel" and "circumcision," and "evangel" and "uncircumcision," by means of the preposition "of," instead of by the preposition "to" is of greatest significance with respect to the distinct character of each evangel.

The use of the preposition "to" would have indicated a mere territorial arrangement of operation for Paul and for the Twelve, with one and the same evangel; but, the preposition "of" makes it abundantly clear that Paul is speaking here of two distinct evangels, each with its own character and content, and shows to whom they belong and pertain. Naturally and logically, it is expressed, in verse 9, that Paul and his associates were for the nations and they (the Twelve) for the Circumcision people.

It is ever so important to remember that in Matthew 28:19,20, the Twelve were commissioned to teach and baptize the nations. Yet, here, in Galatians, according to popular theology [and well do I remember having been taken in by popular theology for 49 long years, myself], we have to accept that James, Peter and John, sort of lackadaisically, surrendered their commission to one man, Paul!

Truly, Paul, James, Peter and John did not meet to plan a territorial distribution of operation. Instead, Paul states, in the briefest manner, possible, that it was mutually recognized that the difference in his calling and commission and that of the Twelve was ever so much more profound and distinctive, than just a question of where each should go and evangelize.

The commission given to the Twelve will be carried out by them during the 1000 year reign of Christ, here on earth, when He will, fully, assume all authority in heaven and earth, and when He will be, personally, with them (Matt.28:18-20). The Twelve knew that they could not begin to fulfill their commission until Israel, as a nation, had accepted Jesus Christ as their Messiah. That is why, in the book of Acts, we see the twelve preaching only to their own country men, and why Peter was even reluctant to go and see Cornelius, the Roman Centurion, who was an early, advanced ‘convert.' The ministry of the Apostle Paul, and his followers during this Administration of pure Grace, will first have to run its course. For that reason, Israel was ‘blinded' and temporarily set aside (Rom.11:15,25).

Are Christians Really Born Again Under Paul's Evangel?
Or Is That Term Applicable Only To Israel?

All Israel will be saved (Rom.11:26-29) following the time when Christ places His feet on the Mount of Olives (Zech.14:4; Acts1:11). That is why we read in Isaiah 66:8 what Jesus said to Nicodemus (John 3:7), `You'--The Greek is plural-- signifying that the whole nation must be born again.

Isa. 66:8 Who has ever heard of such a thing? Who has ever seen such things? Can a country be born in a day or a nation be brought forth in a moment? Yet no sooner is Zion in labor than she gives birth to her children. (:9) Do I bring to the moment of birth and not give delivery?" says the LORD.

Unfortunately, much of Christendom approaches individuals and tells them that they must be born again. That is a process that will be applied to Israel, as a nation. During the present administration of grace, people, who are given faith and God's Spirit, come to realize that God speaks of them as being a new creation. The idea of ‘birth' belongs to earthly matters, when the flesh is not, as yet, done away with, but a ‘new creation' belongs to a totally new and better blessing in which the flesh does not have, anymore, a place (2Cor.5:17; Gal.6:15).

The Big Question: Why Paul?

It is rather very noteworthy that many theologians do not know why the apostle Paul was brought onto the scene. The consequence is that Christendom has mixed the two evangels and refuses to rightly divide the word of truth (2Tim.2:15). This is a serious matter, as we can see in Galatians 1:6-7, where it is evident that Paul was very distressed by what was already happening in his days.

Gal.1:6 I am marveling that thus, swiftly, you are transferred from that which calls you in the grace of Christ, to a different evangel, (:7) which is not another, except it be that some who are disturbing you want also to distort the evangel of Christ.

It were Judaizers (Jews who believed in Jesus, but according to the Circumcision evangel (Acts 15:1)), who had come and confused the Galatians and who were mixing the two evangel, concerning which Paul said that such results in making a different evangel (:6), which is, he said, not another evangel, but is a distortion of the evangel of Christ (:7).

Yes, there were two bona fide evangels, in simultaneous operation during the time of the book of Acts, but NOT, THEREAFTER. Now, the Uncircumcision Evangel is in effect, only. It is not the privilege of believers to mix what God wants to keep separate! How very sad that Christendom is not, really, preaching the true evangel, but a distortion, or a mixture of the two. Only during this Administration of undiluted Grace is it possible to have this condition survive. Such would not be tolerated in the Millennium, no, not even for one day!

The Uncircumcision Evangel Rejected!

Paul was aware that all in Asia, (Galatia) had forsaken his teaching and had spurned him, personally. This, he wrote to Timothy shortly before his death (2Tim.1:15).

No, it is not that the Galatians had become non-believers, but all had found it too difficult to embrace unlimited grace, which is, indeed, the most difficult thing for any human being to accept. Isn't it scary that even in the most sacred affairs of life, the flesh yet desires to play a role (Galatians 3:1-3)?

Gal.3:1 O foolish Galatians! Who bewitches you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was graphically crucified? (:2) This only I want to learn from you: Did you get the spirit by works of law or by hearing of faith? (:3) So foolish are you? Undertaking in spirit, are you now being completed in flesh?

It is only because of God being conciliated to believers and to the world, and because of this being the time of the Administration of Grace, that God refuses to take offence. How very impressive, that during these, nearly 2000 years, believers have been allowed to get away with not rightly dividing the word of truth. It has been, and is, a mighty demonstration and proof of the absolute greatness and potency of God's grace!

Further Proof Of The Distinctiveness Of Paul's Evangel!

Another, noticeable thing, that helps us to realize that Paul's evangel is not the same as that of the Twelve, is the fact that in Romans 2:16, 16:25, and in 2Timothy 2:8, Paul speaks of "my evangel." It would have been very presumptuous, and carnal of him to have said this, if what he preached was, indeed, one and the same evangel that was being preached by the Twelve.

In Romans 11:13, Paul is glorifying his office with a view to what it was that he was given to dispense, which was ever so distinct from, and more glorious than the message given to the Twelve.

Rom.11:13 Now to you am I saying, to the nations, in as much as, indeed, then, I am the apostle of the nations, I am glorifying my dispensation


Not Known Or Ever Revealed Before!

In Ephesians 3:8,9, Paul speaks of being privileged to make known two new secrets, that were not revealed before - were not part of the Circumcision Evangel.

Eph.3:8,9 To me, less than the least of all saints, was granted this grace: to bring the evangel of the untraceable riches of Christ to the nations,
9 and to enlighten all as to what is the administration of the secret, which has been concealed from the eons in God, Who creates all.

They are (1) the secret of the untraceable riches of Christ (See also: Eph.1:9-10 and Col.1:15-20), and (2) the secret of the Administration of Grace (Eph.3:2,9).
Eph. 3:2 "since you surely hear of the administration of the grace of God that is given to me for you,
Eph. 3:9 and to enlighten all as to what is the administration of the secret, which has been concealed from the eons in God, Who creates all,

It is of the greatest importance for us to realize that Paul's special, Divine assignment was to reveal the Good News of the Administration of unlimited Grace, which has now been in force since Paul, and will be so until the Church (the body of Christ) will be snatched away.

During the Millennium, the Twelve will not enlighten the nations, about the secret Administration of Grace. No, they (and all Israel with them) will teach the nations to observe the Holy Days and the Feasts of God, and many other things (Matt.28:19,20). And if the nations do not comply, just read what is recorded in Zechariah 14:16-21, as to how they will be dealt with. This does not show unlimited grace, but a ruling and subjection with the "rod of iron."

Knowledge Of Christ On A Much Higher Level;
Believers Saved as a New Creation!'

Furthermore, in 2Corinthians 5:16-17, we have a most remarkable revelation. I have to admit, that for a long time, I simply had missed seeing this. Before elaborating, I will show these two texts, here:

2Cor.5:16 So that we, from now on, are acquainted with no one according to flesh. Yet even if we have known Christ according to flesh, nevertheless now we know Him so no longer. (:17) So that, if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: the primitive passed by. Lo! there has come new!

We know, that, when Paul wrote this, Christ was in heaven and not anymore, in the flesh, on earth. This leaves us no other choice than to apply, what is said about not knowing Christ any longer after the flesh, to the words which Christ had spoken, when He was here on earth. Paul received all His revelations from the Glorified Christ, and all of it, outside of the land of Israel!

Christ, While On Earth - Servant Of The Circumcision:
Christ In Heaven - Head Of The Body; The Ecclesia:

Yes, difficult as it may be, at first, to accept this, it is the message that Christ spoke, as a Servant of the Circumcision (Rom.15:8) that we are not to know (2Cor.5:16), but instead, we are to consider it as being primitive (old), that has past by, and at the same time, we are to accept that the evangel, entrusted to Paul, is new with entirely new consequences. (2Cor.5:17; Gal.6:15).

It is very remarkable to realize that in all of Paul's epistles, he only (as in 1Cor.15:3-7) speaks of Christ's death, entombment and resurrection, as being important for the present day believers to be reminded of. No other things pertaining to the words or actions of our Lord, as are recorded in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, have been referred to by Paul in his writings.

However, to avoid having anyone jump to the conclusion that I consider only the epistles of Paul to be the Word of God, let us remember that it was the apostle Paul, himself, who wrote, in 2Timothy 3:16, the following:


2Tim.3:16 All scripture is inspired by God, and is beneficial for teaching, for exposure, for correction, for discipline in righteousness,

We can never be thankful enough for every word of God, from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21. Yet it is on the basis of Scripture, itself, that we should rightly divide the Word of God, and should recognize and acknowledge by its designation, what is directly addressed to us, and what is not.

Without subscribing to the liberal notions associated with the word ‘progressive,' it is, nevertheless, very important to acknowledge the progressive nature of God's revelation. Although Paul's epistles were not the last, inspired words written, yet it was granted him to complete the word of God (Col.1:25). He was given to reveal more of God's plan and purpose than anyone else. It was also Paul, who takes us further back, into the distant past, to a time before the eons began (2Tim.1:9; Titus 1:2; 1Cor.2:7); much further back than any of the other writers of Holy Writ; and again, it is Paul who takes us furthest into the future - when he details what will happen at the consummation of the eons (1Cor.15:24-28)!

We do not shun to take thorough note of all that God has revealed from Genesis to Revelation. Every word of God is useful for knowing about God, and about His dealings with the human race in the distant past, and what, prophetically, will happen in the future.! But it is by the very Word of God, as revealed solely through Paul alone, that we know of God's changed attitude during this, present Administration of Grace.

The reason why most believers do not enjoy a proper and clear understanding of God s plan and purpose is, primarily, due to them not rightly dividing the word of truth (2Tim.2:15) and not distinguishing the things that differ (Phil.1:10, margin).

A Startling Truth, Once Realized: All Is Of God!

Immediately following the instruction to consider the Circumcision evangel as primitive, because it was dealing with Israel in the flesh, we have a most extraordinary revelation (2Cor.5:18-21) that very few believers have fully taken to heart. Here is that passage:


2Cor.5:18 Yet all is of God, Who conciliates us to Himself through Christ, and is giving us the dispensation of the conciliation,(:19) how that God was in Christ, conciliating the world to Himself, not reckoning their offenses to them, and placing in us the word of the conciliation. (:20) For Christ, then, are we ambassadors, as of God entreating through us. We are beseeching for Christ's sake, "Be conciliated to God!" (:21) For the One not knowing sin, He makes to be a sin offering for our sakes that we may be becoming God's righteousness in Him.

The first thing we are reminded of is that all is of God. I assume that this was done for the sake of stabilizing us, after we were shocked by the information that something we revered so highly, (the Circumcision or Kingdom evangel) has now been called primitive, or old. However, without further delay, Paul proceeds to reveal additional, awe-inspiring truths! In brief, we are told that God does not take offence; not from the believers, and not from the world (:18,19) during this Administration of undiluted Grace (Rom.5:20, Rom. 8:31-39, Eph.3:2,9)! And it is the heart of this evangel, and the privilege of the present day believers (and has been so, since this was revealed through Paul), to share with everybody, this wonderful news!

Ours today, is not a message that demands, first of all that people repent and become altogether overwhelmed with a concept of being sinners. No, everybody, intuitively, knows they are not perfect.

Actually, what God says in the above passage is, I am no longer angry with you! Please, don't you be any longer angry with me, either! Let us be conciliated; and then, we shall enjoy a mutual conciliation.

This concept of mutual conciliation is properly indicated by the stronger word ‘reconciled' or ‘reconciliation' (See: Col.1:20). [Unfortunately, many versions do not distinguish between these two, very meaningful Greek words! The Concordant Literal New Testament does!]

In Greek word, ‘katallasso' means ‘conciliate' (one-sided peace), whereas ‘apokatallasso' means ‘reconcile' (two-sided, mutual peace).

In a very real sense, God admits that many of His creatures have grounds for being angry with Him! We all have met people who, in their anger, have cursed God. Most people realize that the Creator has something to do with their plight! But as a very integral part of Paul's message is the revelation that All is out of God (evil, too), all is through God, and all is for God. (Rom.11:36).

Of course, very few are given to see that ALL is for God; but isn't it awesome that, although God does not hide the fact that He has reasons to be angry with humanity, yet, He has unilaterally, taken steps [the sacrifice of Christ], to have a righteous basis for no longer being angry with them; and is pleading with all, not to be angry with Him?! How awe-inspiring is this message of peace, which will eventuate in total and mutual peace, as is expressed in Colossians 1:20, and is the glorious crown of the awesome secrets of Christ (Eph.1:9-10; Col.1:15-20), which, sad to say, ever so few know about.

More Evidence Of The Difference of Paul's Evangel!

In connection with this, it is very impressive to see what happened to Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5:1-11. Since actions speak much louder than words, I am sure that it is by God's design that such an incident is recorded, soon after Pentecost, and that it is made to stand in stark contrast to the message of 2Cor.5:18,19. May many come to see the difference between the two evangels, as clearly as this incident shows it.

It is inconceivable to have an incident like that of Ananias and Sapphira happen during this Administration of Grace. If it did, it would remove the heart of the commission that is ours, as Paul has written it in 2Cor.5:16-21; Rom. 5:20; 8:31-39.). For instance, how could we explain to anyone the meaning of God not taking offence, when people would drop dead, the moment they committed a sin similar to the one Ananias and Sapphira had committed?

These two evangels cannot be the same, nor are they complementary!

Peter’s Prophecy

Another interesting fact to consider is what the Apostle Peter declared, in Acts 15:11, where he said:

Acts 15:11 But through the grace of the Lord Jesus we are believing, to be saved in a manner even as they."

I am sure you know the context, this being a very important conference where weighty matters of faith were being discussed. Prophetically, the apostle Peter was inspired to utter the above words. He did not say that all Gentiles were to be saved in the same manner as the Israelites, but that they (Israelites) would also be saved as the Gentiles were! (But that is a slightly different topic, although, ever so wonderful.) This shows, though, that the two evangels are very distinct.

Different Destinies

Another strong proof of each evangel being unique, is spelled out in the different destinies of the believers, during the time that each evangel is in force.

From Ephesians 2:6-7 and Philippians 3:20, we can clearly see that our destiny is in the heavenly realms.

Eph.2:6 and rouses us together and seats us together among the celestials, in Christ Jesus, 7 that, in the oncoming eons, He should be displaying the transcendent riches of His grace in His kindness to us in Christ Jesus.

Phil.3:20 For our realm is inherent in the heavens, out of which we are awaiting a Saviour also, the Lord, Jesus Christ,

In contrast, Israel's destiny is on the earth, as we can readily perceive from all the promises made to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, as well as, to David and his house. The major and minor prophets (from Isaiah to Malachi) contain reams of information concerning God's objective with Israel, here on earth.

In Romans 11:28-29, Paul even explains matters concerning the abiding truth of Israel's destiny.

Rom.11:28 As to the evangel, indeed, they are enemies because of you, yet, as to choice, they are beloved because of the fathers. (:29) For unregretted are the graces and the calling of God.

Yes, it is well-known, that Christendom has misappropriated, for itself, many of the promises (graces) of Israel, but that is another tragic testimony as to what happens when believers refuse, or fail, to rightly divide the word of truth. All of God's promises to Israel will be received by them during the time of the New Covenant (Jer.31:31-40; Eze. 36:26-28).
Paul's Name Shall Not Be Among Those of The Twelve Engraved
In The Foundation Of New Jerusalem!

"It is very conspicuous and significant that the Apostle Paul, who was called and privileged to complete the word of God, and who was designated as the apostle to the nations (Rom.11:13), does not have his name engraved on the foundation of the city of Jerusalem"

Rev. 21:14 "And the wall of the city has twelve foundations, and on them the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lambkin."

Evidently, one very well-known TV preacher was so eager to make Paul one of the twelve, that he, with great emphasis, declared that Paul had been given the place of Judas Iscariot. That is very astonishing, to say the least! Why had he not checked with what was written in Acts 1:21-26, so he would have seen that Matthias was chosen in the place of Judas? And, if he would have continued reading to the end of the book of Revelation; he would find that there is also no Scriptural warrant for anyone to conclude that Paul was called by Christ to replace Matthias!

Upon an honest examination of the Biblical record, it is evident that God's dealings with Israel were a demonstration that the flesh cannot respond positively to God. We know what happened in the Garden of Eden. We know what happened when Israel was delivered from the house of bondage, which was Egypt. At the foot of mount Sinai, the nation of Israel, with one voice, declared that it would do all that the Lord required of them in His covenant with them:

Exodus 19:3 Moses, he ascended to the One, Elohim. Then Yahweh called to him from the mountain, saying: Thus shall you say to the house of Jacob and tell to the sons of Israel, (:4) You have seen what I did to the Egyptians when I bore you on vultures' wings and brought you to Myself. (:5) Now, if you shall hearken, yea hearken to My voice and observe My covenant then you will become Mine, a special possession, above all the peoples, for Mine is all the earth. (:6) As for you, you shall become Mine, a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. These are the words which you shall speak to the sons of Israel. (:7) So Moses came and called for the elders of the people and placed before them all these words which Yahweh had instructed him. (:8) Now all the people responded together and said: All that Yahweh speaks we shall do. (cp. Ex.24:3)

Well, we know what happened, and to this very day, we can see that Israel is trusting friendly nations (rather than God), and has faith in its own army and modern weapons to exist as a nation, but God, they do not know, do not trust, and do not obey.

We know that not until God will be make a New Covenant with them (Jer.31:31-33) and will give them the wherewithal (Eze. 36:26-28), shall Israel be able to respond positively to God in faith and in obedience!

From the time of the evident ‘blinding' of Israel, the apostle Paul was called and commissioned to reveal God's new, spiritual dealings with humanity, apart from Israel, until the complement of the nations will have entered (Rom. 11:25). Also, it is an integral part of Paul's evangel to clearly make known the celestial plan and purpose of God, with its scope and extend to cover and reach the uttermost parts of the universe (Col.1:20; Phil.9-11).

It is ever so very significant that from the start, in his epistles, Paul takes great pains to show the complete bankruptcy of the flesh, with respect to being unable to please God, as we can read in Romans 1:18-3:20. He summarized it all in Romans 3:10-18, declaring that none of humanity seeks after God or is any good and acceptable to God. Yet , immediately after this, he tells of God‘s perfect and complete solution to mankind's total depravity and inability to seek after God, by declaring that, apart from law (Rom.3:21,28), God's righteousness is revealed, for all, but is, presently, only on all believers, by the faith of Jesus Christ. (Rom.3:21-24).

To make sure that no human being would ever get any notion that anything in himself is able to please God, Paul was inspired to expand the truth about the flesh (apart form the gift of the Spirit of God) in Romans 8:5-8, where we read:

Rom.8:5 For those who are in accord with flesh are disposed to that which is of the flesh, yet those who are in accord with spirit to that which is of the spirit. (:6) For the disposition of the flesh is death, yet the disposition of the spirit is life and peace, (:7) because the disposition of the flesh is enmity to God, for it is not subject to the law of God, for neither is it able.(:8) Now those who are in flesh are not able to please God.

I had often wondered why it was not given to Moses to reveal the truth concerning the flesh to the Israelites, before they, at Mount Sinai, so confidently and readily declared to be willing to do all that the Lord had required of them. If they had but known the state of their natural flesh, they would have fallen on their faces and would have admitted that it was not within them to do all that the Lord had commanded them. They would have, most earnestly, beseeched the Lord to give them the wherewithal, to walk in His ways and to please Him.

Of course, that is what God will do, when He will establish a New Covenant with them, at the very outset of the Millennial Kingdom (Jer.31:31-33; Eze.36:26-28). By then, the lesson from the Old Testament, that Israel in the flesh, could not and would not respond positively to God, will not have to be repeated. Israel's failure in the flesh proves that humanity in the flesh had the same inability, and that lesson will become evident to all mankind in due time.

Yet, already, way back at Mount Sinai, at the very beginning of them becoming a nation, and much later confirmed by the apostle Peter, the Israelites were informed of God's positive, national plan for them, which will be enjoyed by them, during the last two eons.

Here is how Peter expressed it:

1 Peter 2:9 Yet you [Israel] are a chosen race, a "royal priesthood," a "holy nation," a procured people, so that you should be recounting the virtues of Him Who calls you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

Not, until I realized, that God was demonstrating, for all to see, that without the gift of His Spirit, no one, in the flesh, can, nor will seek after God, could I appreciate the wisdom of God not revealing this to Moses, yet making it known, ever so clearly and thoroughly, through the apostle Paul, for us.

One of the most important distinctions between the two evangels is that in the Uncircumcision evangel (the one entrusted to Paul), God does not deal with us as we are in the flesh. The believers, whom He has chosen, He has made to be a spiritual New Creation in Christ and they are not in a covenant relationship with God, where they have to fulfill conditions, in order to receive God's blessings. Clearly realizing this is ever so important for a thorough grasp of God's truth for today. [Yes, it is true that, at this time, not all of humanity is chosen to be saved. The timing of things is God's prerogative!]

It is very special and pivotal to know, that for God to become our all, we first have to learn the true state of affairs concerning ourselves - that we have nothing in ourselves to offer God, but are completely dependent on Him, to enable us to have a loving relationship with Him.

Still, millions of believers feel that it is their duty to qualify for salvation, according to the theology known as Arminianism. How very sad, but they go to the Circumcision evangel and, very sincerely, assume it is for them, too, whereas it was but a demonstration that humanity, in the flesh, has nothing to present to God that would please God. Only after a thorough demonstration can there be a full realization that All is out of, through and for God. That is the way for God to become ALL in all. That is how ALL will be FOR God. It is ever so important to realize that only in His universal, boundless glory can we enjoy unfathomable and endless delight.

Peter Feddema