---

Paul and Peter: Conflict, Theology, and Reconciliation in the Early Church

The evening air hung heavy in the room where the believers gathered. The atmosphere was thick with unspoken tension.

Paul stood firm, his gaze locked on Peter, who sat with averted eyes.

“Cephas,” Paul began, his voice steady but resolute, “we must speak plainly. Before certain men came from James, you ate freely with the Gentiles.”

Peter shifted uncomfortably.

“But when they arrived,” Paul continued, “you withdrew and separated yourself, fearing those who belonged to the circumcision party.”

Peter’s hands clenched. The room was silent save for Paul’s unwavering words.

“This hypocrisy isn’t only yours,” Paul said, “the others joined in, even Barnabas was led astray.”

Peter’s breath caught. He looked up, eyes meeting Paul’s.

“I feared their judgment,” Peter confessed softly. “I was torn between old loyalties and the new freedom we preach.”

Paul’s expression softened but his voice held conviction.

“If you, a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, why do you force Gentiles to live like Jews?”

The words hung between them like a sword.

Peter’s heart pounded. The gospel he cherished demanded freedom, yet tradition’s weight pressed heavily.