St. Peter and St. Paul St. Peter and St. Paul St. Peter (Formerly called Simon) was one of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus for His first disciples. Originally a fisherman, he was the son of Jonah and brother of St. Andrew, who was also an apostle.
Peter’s dramatic confession of faith, which occurred when Jesus asked his disciples “Who do men say that I am?” there were various responses. Then Jesus turned to Peter and said, “But who do you say that I am?” and Peter answered firmly, “Thou art the Christ, son of the living God.”
Peter experienced the transfiguration of Jesus and there he heard God pronounce the words, “This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.”
After the death of the Saviour, Peter manifested his primacy among the Apostles by his courage and strength. He was “the Rock” on which the Church was founded. It is perhaps Peter’s capacity for growth that makes his story so inspiring to other erring humans. He reached the lowest depths on the night when he denied the Lord, then began the climb upward, to become bishop of Rome, martyr, and, finally, “keeper of the keys of Heaven.”
St Paul, also known as Saul, ethnically was Jewish, coming from a devout Jewish family. He grew up in Jerusalem and was brought up by Gamaliel, a leading authority in the Jewish religious establishment (Sanhedrin). In addition to learning religious scriptures, he also studied Greek philosophy and was well acquainted with the Stoic philosophers, who advocated a virtuous acceptance of life as a path to happiness. In his daily life, he was a tent maker.
During his early life, St Paul was a Pharisee – a group of Jewish people who administered the law. He admitted to participating “beyond measure” in the persecution of Christians. One reason St Paul was so critical of the first Christians was the fact that he was appalled Jesus died a ‘criminal’s death’ on the cross. He couldn’t assimilate that with how a Messiah would be treated.
Journeying to Damascus Paul had an encounter with the risen Christ (Acts 9: 1-19). He became convinced that fellowship with the risen Jesus (Gal 1:11-12), not the observance of the Law (Gal 3:1-5), was the necessary and sufficient condition for receiving and participating in God’s promise for salvation. St Paul became involved in doctrinal disputes amongst the early followers of Christ.
St Paul taught that old religious rites, such as circumcision were no longer necessary. St Paul taught that faith in the redemptive power of Jesus Christ, who died on the cross to save sinners was the essence of Christianity.
A Conclusion on the life of St. Peter and St. Paul
- God uses everyone for His glory and work. irrespective of their background, characteristics and personalities
- God forgives all sins when we truly repent.
- God strengthens the faith of those who love Him and still use them for His work
- God demands whole-heartedness in love and service
Neville Fernandes