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The Gospel of Matthew Bible Studies
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Peter and Paul, Apostles July 29, 2008 Today, June 29th, is the day set aside in the liturgical Church calendar to commemorate Peter and Paul, the Apostles. Peter and Paul, of course, were two of the most prominent and effective leaders of the early Christian church Both worked tirelessly in the first century after Christ, to spread the news about Christ’s resurrection. These are the ones who created, both among the Jews and non-Jews, some of the first communities of faith based on Jesus Christ--what came to be known as the Church. Now, one of the things about Peter and Paul, something they hold in common with all church leaders of every time; something infrequently talked about from the pulpit, but is important for us not to forget, is that they apparently had difficulty seeing eye to eye with each other. While they both worked to spread the Christian message, they did not always agree with each other about method. This is important to understand, as we look at denominationalism in our own context (or non-denominationalism) that this division is nothing new to the Church. Some historians even go so far as to call the initial spread of Christianity, “Christianities” rather than Christianity. As for Peter and Paul: one went to the gentiles, one to the Jews. While Peter, who embraced his and (Christ’s) Jewish roots, never would have even suggested or considered departing from the Jewish Law of Moses as a way of life. Paul, the missionary to the gentiles—those who weren’t Jewish—he focused his message on the grace of God—saying no amount of “rule following” can create a right relationship with God. If following rules has to do with faith, it’s only part of the story. But the foundation of our relationship with God, for Jews as well as gentiles, is revealed (not in our religiousness) but in the cross of Christ – the way he pored out his love for others, to create faith in us. And, as with any human organization, it was inevitable: when conflict arose, people chose sides. Listen to what Paul wrote in his first letter to the Corinthians 1:4-14: “I’m glad I didn’t baptize any of you?” Now that doesn’t sound very pastoral does it? Just what does Paul mean? In the same breath, Paul encourages the people to find agreement within the Church, rather than choosing sides. So, I decided it would be only appropriate to explore the ways that these two pillars of the church did seem to agree with each other. Here is what Peter and Paul had in common and what we can learn about our Christian faith—what it means for us to be “Christian”: First, they both found something in Jesus Christ, that was more important than themselves. In fact, both were willing to give up their lives to further this new Christian way for others. Likewise, in Baptism we also talk about experiencing moving beyond the self: death and resurrection is an image of baptism. That is to say, part of being a Christian is knowing—coming to terms with our own death. Eleanor/Landry, even little baby that you are, you will not live forever, but w/ Christ you will come to have a God whose life is eternal. And with Christ, the Great Shepherd you will have the promise eternal Salvation in his name. In our baptism we are freed to live without fear of death—so we can embrace the promise of Christ’s resurrection and live—really live—do what needs to be done in our world to the glory of God who is eternal. Now the second thing that Paul and Peter had in Common was this: both Peter and Paul experienced the grace of God in their lifetimes. And what I mean by this is that both of these guys came to understand the hard way, what it means to be a failure and loved by God anyway. They knew well, their own inadequacies when it come to making all things right. What do we know about Peter and Paul before they became leaders in the Christian Church? The chief story about Peter of course – his denial of Christ. Paul – a persecutor of the Church—the startling realization that what he had devoted himself entirely was entirely the wrong thing. Part of Being a Christian—part of our calling to feed Christ’s sheep—therefore, has always been accepting Jesus as Lord, and coming to terms with our sinfulness—our human weakness, our frailty—our need. Part of becoming who Peter and Paul would become, had to do with getting to that point in life where a person says, “Lord, I need you, because I can’t do this—I can’t make it through this on my own.” And I believe it is precisely when we pray that prayer, that Jesus becomes a source of strength for us. “Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner.” Lord, have mercy on us, all sinners. So, in humility, we can point to you following after Peter and Paul, help us to dwell with you and be each others shepherds pointing to you. The author and giver of life—be all honor and glory forever and ever. Amen -------------------- Pastor Joshua Magyar 418 W. Main St. Sidney, MT 59270
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