“For He who worked through (empowered) Peter for his apostolic ministry to the circumcised worked also through me for mine to the Gentiles.” – Galatians 2:8

The word apostle stirs up a lot of different thoughts, depending on your background.

Some traditions hold to a strict view—that apostles were a unique group, specifically appointed by Christ, who carried authority to lay the doctrinal and spiritual foundation of the Church (Eph. 2:20). According to this view, which is well explained in this helpful article from GotQuestions: Are the offices of apostle and prophet being restored today?, the office of Apostle (capital “A”) is no longer in operation today—because those who held it were firsthand witnesses of the resurrected Christ, commissioned directly by Him, and used to deliver God’s Word and establish His Church.

Yet, in a broader sense, the term apostle (meaning “sent one”) reminds us of a truth that still very much applies today:

God empowers and sends His people. All of them.

Paul emphasizes that the same God who empowered Peter for his mission to the Jews, empowered him for his mission to the Gentiles. The difference wasn’t in the people—it was in the calling. The power came from God.

And here’s what’s beautiful:

That same Spirit who empowered the apostles… empowers you.

Not necessarily for a global mission.
Not necessarily for signs and wonders.
Not to write Scripture or lead a movement.

But maybe…
To love your spouse faithfully.
To disciple your kids.
To be bold at your workplace.
To comfort someone who’s grieving.
To stand for truth when it’s unpopular.
To show kindness in a hostile world.
To forgive.
To serve.
To endure.

The story of the Church is not just the story of Paul and Peter—it’s the story of countless unknown, unnamed saints who were empowered by the Spirit to do tremendous and often quiet things for the glory of Christ.

Like soldiers on the battlefield, they didn’t all storm the enemy gates—but they held the line. Advanced the cause. Won victories one life, one moment, one act of love at a time.

Because this is how the Kingdom advances:
Step by step. Soul by soul. Light pushing back the dark.

As Paul writes later in Galatians:

“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22–23)

You don’t need to be a Paul to be powerful.
You don’t need to be a Peter to make a difference.
You just need to be faithful—and empowered by the Spirit.

So today, whatever role God has given you, step into it boldly.
Not because you’re worthy, but because He is.
And the One who worked through Peter…
And the One who worked through Paul…
Is working through you.

Be empowered.