Posted:
29 June 2024
Peter & Paul, Apostles
by Ben Lansing
Peter & Paul, Apostles
Since the earliest years of the church, the Apostles Peter and Paul have been commemorated together on the same day. This may at first seem surprising, given the famous conflict between Peter and Paul described in Galatians. Peter had begun to treat Gentiles like second-class believers and Paul boldly rebuked him for living contrary to the Gospel of Christ. Despite their clash and their different backgrounds (Peter, a poor fisherman, Paul, an educated Roman citizen), the two affirmed each others’ ministries and are considered founders of the church in Antioch and in Rome. It is with Rome, in particular, that Peter and Paul are associated. Here, they spent their final years of ministry and suffered martyrdom in the AD 60’s. Peter was crucified, requesting that it be done upside down because he was unworthy to suffer in the same way as his Lord. Paul was beheaded, by comparison a less cruel fate given because of his Roman citizenship. Together, the church remembers them each June 29.
Almighty God, whose blessed apostles Peter and Paul glorified you by their martyrdom: Grant that your Church, instructed by their teaching and example, and knit together in unity by your Spirit, may ever stand firm upon the one foundation, which is Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Amen.
Art & bio by Ben Lansing.
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