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

The council gathered in Jerusalem, the air thick with anticipation and prayer. Apostles and elders sat together to decide a matter that weighed heavily on the church’s future—the inclusion of Gentile believers.

Peter rose, his voice steady but warm. “Brothers, God made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith.”
(Acts 15:9)

James spoke next, quoting the prophets. “It is my judgment that we should not trouble those Gentiles who turn to God, but write to them to abstain from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from things strangled, and from blood.”
(Acts 15:19-20)

Paul and Barnabas nodded in agreement, relief washing over their faces.

The council’s decision was clear: Gentiles were welcomed without the burden of full adherence to the Law.

Unity prevailed—not uniformity, but harmony in the gospel’s truth.

Paul later wrote, “There is neither Jew nor Greek… for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
(Galatians 3:28)

Peter and Paul, once at odds, now stood as witnesses to a church united by faith and freed by grace.

The Spirit’s work had woven their ministries together into a tapestry of reconciliation, mission, and hope.