Peter and Paul 

Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 11:22-31.

Memory Verse: "I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain" (Galatians 2:21).

Introduction: When discussing the New Testament Church, it is important to recognize the distinctive ministries of Peter and Paul and the impact each had on its establishment.
  During their ministries, a great transition was taking place. It was being realized by both Jew and Gentile that God's grace was now available to all men, not only the Jews. Of course, this presented a great many problems for Peter and Paul. In Romans 2:17-29 and Galatians 3:1-29, Paul clearly reveals the conflicts and confusion in the first century church regarding Judaism and the new religion of Christianity. Many Gentiles were being pressured by zealous Jews to conform to various Jewish rites, especially circumcision.
  Peter and Paul were struggling not only with the need to define the requirements of God's people but also the successful integration of Jew and Gentile, a mixture which naturally reacted like oil and water.
  The transition and integration was not without setbacks. Peter, along with many other leaders in the Church, allowed the pressure of Jews to dictate his ministry and behavior on one occasion, leading to a heated confrontation with Paul, and a temporary schism in the body of Christ (Gal. 2:11-14). Paul was in prison a number of times for long periods and faced hostility from both Jew and Gentile (Acts 19:23-41; 21:27-36).
  It should be remembered that these two men were venturing into uncharted territory. There had never been a Church before, only the types, shadows, and prophecies of the Old Testament. Very little existed from the current religious mindset which could be referred to for methods and ideas. Imagine the criticism and cynicism each received for doing the will of God. In modern times, it is hard enough to incorporate new ideas and changes into an existing institution using past experience as an informed guide. But the Apostles were required not only to make changes and introduce new ideas, they were expected to define the standard for God's new institution.

Lesson Questions:

1. What did Jesus prophetically perceive about Peter when they first met? John 1:40-42.

2. How did Peter know Jesus' true identity? Matthew 16:13-17.

3. How effectively was Peter used by God to reach the Jews for Christ? Acts 2:14,36-42; 3:11-15,25,26; 4:7-12; 5:12-16; 6:7.

4. Whom does God use to open the door of God's Kingdom to the Gentiles? Acts 10:1-8,25-33,44-48.

5. Whom did God select to take the Gospel to the Gentile world? Acts 9:10-18; 14:27.

6. How receptive were the Gentiles to the Gospel? Acts 13:46-49; 28:23-28.

7. Examine the dispute that arose between the Jewish and Gentile approaches to the Gospel, and Paul's and Peter's involvement in it. Acts 15:1-12; Galatians 2:7-16.

8. What was the end result of the council at Jerusalem? Was anyone disfellowshipped over this, and was Peter's or Paul's ministries rejected or lessened by the decision? Acts 15:13-21.