*Lessons from Paul and Peter’s Conflict
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Lessons from Paul and Peter’s Conflict (Contents)
1. Introduction — The Apostolic Foundations of Early Church Leadership 2. Early Interactions: Cooperation and Differences Between Paul and Peter 3. Galatians 2: The Antioch Incident — A Detailed Exegesis of Paul and Peter’s Conflict 4. Circumcision, Law, and Gospel: The Theological Core of the Paul-Peter Dispute 5. Paul’s Theology…
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1. Introduction — The Apostolic Foundations of Early Church Leadership
1. Introduction The early Christian church was shaped profoundly by the ministries of the apostles Peter and Paul, whose leadership and theological contributions laid foundational pillars for Christian doctrine and practice. Understanding their roles and interactions is crucial for appreciating the development of early Christian identity and ecclesiology. This article…
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2. Early Interactions: Cooperation and Differences Between Paul and Peter
1. Introduction The ministries of Paul and Peter intersected during the formative years of the early church, reflecting both cooperation in the spread of the gospel and emerging differences in approach and theological emphasis. This article examines their early interactions, highlighting how their distinct missions and audiences shaped the development…
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3. Galatians 2: The Antioch Incident — A Detailed Exegesis of Paul and Peter’s Conflict
1. Introduction The confrontation between Paul and Peter at Antioch, recorded in Galatians 2:11-21, is a pivotal moment revealing early theological tensions within the nascent church. This article offers a detailed exegetical analysis of this passage, exploring the nature, causes, and implications of their dispute. 2. Context of the Incident…
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4. Circumcision, Law, and Gospel: The Theological Core of the Paul-Peter Dispute
1. Introduction The conflict between Paul and Peter at Antioch centres on profound theological issues regarding the Mosaic Law, particularly circumcision, and the nature of the gospel. This article examines these theological tensions, elucidating how they underpin their dispute and illuminate early Christian doctrine. 2. Circumcision as a Sign of…
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5. Paul’s Theology of Grace and Freedom
1. Introduction Paul’s theology of grace and freedom stands at the heart of his apostolic mission and theological conflict with Peter. This article explores Paul’s understanding of grace as the unmerited favour of God and freedom as the liberation from the Law, highlighting their implications for early Christian identity and…
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6. Peter’s Role and Perspective in the Early Church
1. Introduction While Paul’s mission to the Gentiles and theological emphases are well documented, Peter’s role as a leader within the early Jewish-Christian community remains central. This article examines Peter’s leadership, theological perspective, and contribution to early church identity, particularly in relation to the Law and gospel. 2. Peter’s Leadership…
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7. Resolution of Conflict: Unity in Diversity within the Early Church
1. Introduction The confrontation between Paul and Peter, while highlighting theological and cultural tensions, ultimately contributed to a resolution that affirmed the unity of the early church amid diversity. This article examines how reconciliation was achieved and its significance for early Christian identity and mission. 2. The Jerusalem Council: Formalising…
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8. The Impact of Paul and Peter’s Interaction on Early Church Structure and Mission
1. Introduction The dynamic relationship between Paul and Peter significantly influenced the development of the early church’s structure and mission strategy. This article explores how their interaction shaped apostolic authority, church governance, and the expansion of the Christian mission. 2. Apostolic Authority and Leadership Roles 3. Church Governance and Councils…
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9. Lessons from Paul and Peter’s Conflict for Today’s Church
1. Introduction The historical conflict and reconciliation between Paul and Peter offer enduring lessons for contemporary churches navigating theological diversity, cultural tensions, and issues of unity. This article explores key insights from their interaction applicable to modern ecclesial contexts. 2. Embracing Theological Diversity within Unity 3. Navigating Cultural and Social…