Sola Scriptura-12

Sorry for labeling the last message again as 11. We will now try to understand Peter’s real role in the Church of Jesus Christ. Peter was one of the most vocal of all of the original 12. We can wonder if the rest of the 11 often let Peter speak first as they were unsure of what to day or what Jesus would say back to Peter. Some of us may do the same when controversial subjects are being discussed.

Galatians 2:7  But on the contrary, seeing that I (Paul) had been entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been to the circumcised 2:8  (for He who effectually worked for Peter in his apostleship to the circumcised effectually worked for me also to the Gentiles), 2:9  and recognizing the grace that had been given to me, James and Cephas and John, who were reputed to be pillars, gave to me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, so that we might go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. 

This passage contradicts those who want us to think that Peter was the first Pope. Clearly he was not, as Paul clearly outlines their respective ministries.

Peter never mentioned any additional role for himself.

2 Peter 1:1  Simon Peter, a bond-servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have received a faith of the same kind as ours, by the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ: 

We studied the term bond-servant and discovered it meant slave or indentured servant. This is our position as well. How did Peter view Paul and was there any reference of who leads and who follows,

2 Peter 3:14  Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless, 3:15  and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation; just as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given him, wrote to you, 3:16  as also in all his letters, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which the untaught and unstable distort, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction. 

3:17  You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men and fall from your own steadfastness, 3:18  but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. 

Peter has high regards and affection for Paul. He refers to Paul as a beloved brother. He acknowledges Paul’s writing and how they are at times hard to fully understand. Remember that Paul was the only apostle who had the training of a Pharisee. He was a true scholar. Now all who have the Holy Spirit can write and understand, but Paul had the years of study to aid him.

Philippians 3:1  Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things again is no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for you. 3:2  Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision; 3:3  for we are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh, 3:4  although I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more: 3:5  circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee; 3:6  as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless. 

3:7  But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 

Paul felt that he had to make his point clear as many false teachers attacked him wherever he went. But, all of this meant nothing to him in comparison to the grace given to him. Jesus stopped Paul in his tracks as he tried to go to Damascus and Paul was never the same again.

Paul never shied away from correcting anyone who was in error, even Peter.

Galatians 2:11  But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. 

2:12  For prior to the coming of certain men from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he began to withdraw and hold himself aloof, fearing the party of the circumcision. 2:13  The rest of the Jews joined him in hypocrisy, with the result that even Barnabas was carried away by their hypocrisy. 

2:14  But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas in the presence of all, "If you, being a Jew, live like the Gentiles and not like the Jews, how is it that you compel the Gentiles to live like Jews? 

This event concluded Peter’s first trip outside of Israel when he was called to meet with Cornelius. This story needs to be studied separately, which may come later after this study. The point to make is that Paul confronted Peter to his face in front of others.

What can we learn from this one encounter?

More next Saturday.