Paul and Peter: Conflict, Theology, and Reconciliation in the Early Church
The flicker of the oil lamp cast long shadows as Paul spoke to the gathered believers, his voice firm yet filled with passion.
“Grace,” he said, “is the unearned favour of God, given to us not by works but through faith in Jesus Christ.”
(Ephesians 2:8-9)
A young disciple looked up, confused. “But what of the Law? Must we still obey all its commands?”
Paul shook his head gently. “No. The Law served as a guardian until Christ came, but now, in Him, we are free.”
(Galatians 3:24-25)
He paced slowly. “Freedom is not a licence to sin, but to serve one another in love.”
(Galatians 5:13)
Peter, seated nearby, listened intently. Paul’s words were a call to liberation—a new life empowered by the Spirit, not bound by old customs.
“Remember,” Paul continued, “it is by grace we have been saved, and this grace transforms us from within.”
(Romans 6:14)
The assembly was silent, absorbing the weight of this freedom—a freedom rooted not in human effort but in divine mercy.