Loving and Forgiving with Peter and Paul

Although Saint Peter is remembered within our Church calendar on January 18 by his confession of Christ, and the conversion of Saint Paul is commemorated a week later on January 25, it is on this day, June 29, that we commemorate the martyrdom of both saints together.

Church tradition teaches that both Peter and Paul were martyred at the command of Emperor Nero, as Nero blamed Christians for the Great Fire of Rome occurring in 64 C.E. It is believed that Peter requested to be crucified upside down so as not to be crucified in the same manner as Jesus. Tradition teaches that Paul was beheaded in 67 C.E. The commemoration of the martyrdom of Peter and Paul was first observed on June 29, 258 C.E., upon the relocation of their remains at that time in safekeeping from Emperor Valerian, who revoked the legal protection for deceased Christians.

Though today’s lectionary readings emphasize the sacrifices Peter and Paul made—Paul declaring that he has “fought the good fight” and “finished the race,” and Jesus foretelling the manner of Peter’s death, saying he will be taken where he does not wish to go—the Gospel reading opens with a different focus: Jesus commissioning Peter to care for his flock. I particularly like the version of this passage found in the Aramaic Peshitta, the Scripture of the Mar Thoma Church, which is in full communion with all the churches of the Anglican Communion. In this version, Christ charges Peter three times—first to feed his lambs, then his sheep, and finally, his ewes.

As we engage in Christian formation, we do so through the lens of Christ’s commendation to Peter, to tend to ALL of Christ’s flock, inclusive of their genders and ages. 

This day presents us with opportune ways to engage all persons within our homes and Church formation groups. Not only can we recall the roles of early Christians who gave all for the Gospel of Christ, including their lives, but the very lives of Peter and Paul provide examples of their shared experiences in Christian growth.

When I think of Peter and Paul, together, I always think of their quarrel. Yet Paul’s confrontation with Peter—as described in Acts 15 and Galatians 2—and their eventual reconciliation can serve as a powerful example of spiritual growth, even among the apostles. Peter and Paul’s story teaches us how we might respond to differing perspectives and practices within our own communities, how to reconcile despite disagreements, and how to grow in Christ’s love for one another. Their lives testify to that growth—evident in the words they later wrote. Paul declares, “Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant” (1 Corinthians 13:4, NRSVue), and Peter urges, “Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble mind” (1 Peter 3:8, NRSVue).

The image within the icon of Saints Peter and Paul reveals this truth. Though martyred by an oppressive regime, they exemplified the love of Christ, forgiving one another, as well as forgiving their oppressors, teaching all of us, whether ewes, sheep, and lambs, to do likewise.