We All Need Paul and Peter in Our Faith
We All Need Paul and Peter in Our Faith
Our theology and faith are made complete through action
We know that Peter and Paul were contemporaries for a time, and we know that they agreed and disagreed on various matters. In today's parlance, we might say that they were normally cordial and respectful toward the other but neither felt a compulsion to agree fully or be alike. Both were free thinkers, strong personalities, believers in Christ's deity and humanity, and wholly committed to their role in furthering his kingdom on earth. They were united in their love of Christ and in looking to the cross. In their example we see a precursor of our own condition, even in the various doctrines and streams of Christianity. Their lives and their relationship have much to offer and can even be considered a model for modern times.
Paul was a man of learning, an academic of the Torah, and elevated in religious society
As such, his thinking and writing were more like a scholar, because he was one. Scholars write differently. Simple direct questions often become essays that investigate every possible angle before finally delivering the punch line. The best, however, also find ways to communicate in clear language using analogies and allegories their audience can visualize and understand, and Paul could also do this. His writings were always well thought out, often investigating in detail, but eventually he appealed to the heart in ways that made sense to the head.
What then? Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means! Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness. I am speaking in human terms, because of your natural limitations. For just as you once presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification.
For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. But what fruit were you getting at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 3:15-23 (ESV)
Peter, on the other hand, comes from a practical perspective
Where Paul focuses on reasoning, Peter's writing focuses on practicalities. His life, personality, and style were different. A fisherman by trade and without the education Paul enjoyed, his thinking and expression, both demonstrably and in his writing, reflected his common man roots. He tended to act abruptly (the obvious examples being his rejection of Christ before the crucifixion and his impromptu suggestion to build tents at the scene of the transfiguration) and speak plainly. Yet, his writing, though more direct than Paul's, was clear in thought, nuanced, and insightful as well as clearly understood.
Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” 1 Peter 13-16 (ESV)
We can say that Paul's articulations of theology established the reasoning behind his exhortations to live godly lives, sometimes in a very Greek-like manner of debate. Peter, on the other hand, tended toward cutting to the chase quickly and succinctly. One has a doctrinal focus, the other a practical focus. The fact is, we must have elements of each at work in our lives to be at peace and effective for the kingdom.
Both are needed to live godly lives
That is the point. Paul had the benefit of academic rigor, his Damascus Road experience, and subsequent mentoring. These were the foundation of his ministry and reach. Peter, on the other hand, spoke what he knew to be true because he had an intimate if sometimes humbling relationship with Christ and had privately reasoned out his beliefs. In doing so, he took ownership of what he believed and was secure in the conviction of beliefs he had worked through.
We live in a consumer society which is divided on many issues at many levels, and it is too easy to join the crowd, so we do not stand out. To live for Christ as he calls each one individually to do, however, we must understand for ourselves the foundation of our faith, the theology of our faith, and his plan for the outworking of our faith. Each relationship with Christ is unique but must be based in the truth of his Lordship and the immutable principles of righteousness that he established. We need both Paul and Peter working in our lives. We must know what we believe and why, and we must act boldly in the face of a world that rejects godly truths and principles. To do otherwise is to be unprepared and unwilling.
The ultimate example is Christ, but Paul and Peter are pretty good examples as well. Each lived to serve the cross with the integrity of their belief, faith, and action. Spend time with them, get to know them, and honor them in the way you live Christ to the world.
Shalom