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The Work of Peter and Paul

By Vicar Lisa Rygiel

Based on the Church calendar, on Sunday, June 29, we celebrate two great figures of the early church, Peter and Paul. These two Church Greats represent the spread of the gospel to both Jews and Gentiles and, according to tradition, were martyred on that date. The witness of Peter and Paul inspires us as we seek ways to faithfully proclaim the gospel in our contemporary context.

Peter and Paul were two towering figures in the early Christian movement, but their missions, audiences, and even personalities often diverged in fascinating ways. Here's a breakdown of how their work compares and contrasts:

Similarities

  • Devotion to Christ: Both were deeply committed to spreading the message of Jesus and played foundational roles in the growth of the early Church.
  • Martyrdom: Tradition holds that both were martyred in Rome for their faith on June 29.
  • Leadership: Each was a key leader—Peter among the original disciples and Paul among the apostles to the Gentiles.

Differences

Peter was a fisherman, and uneducated by formal standards. He was one of the original 12 disciples who walked with Jesus. His primary audience was the Jewish people (circumcision). His message focus was about the Kingdom of God and fulfillment of Jewish prophecy. He was the leader of the Jerusalem Church, and his writing style was pastoral and exhortative.

Paul, on the other hand, was an educated Pharisee and a Roman citizen. He did not walk and talk with Jesus, instead he encountered Jesus in a powerful vision on the road to Damascus. His primary audience was with the Gentiles (uncircumcised). His message focus was justification by faith through the grace of God. He was a missionary and church planter across the Roman Empire. His writing style was theological and doctrinal.

Peter emphasized continuity with Jewish tradition and prophecy, while Paul introduced a more radical vision of inclusion, arguing that Gentiles could become followers of Christ without adopting Jewish law.

Their occasional disagreements—like the one in Antioch where Paul publicly challenged Peter (Galatians 2:11–14)—highlight how their different missions sometimes created tension. Yet, both ultimately contributed to a unified and expansive vision of Christianity. They are prominent examples of people who didn’t always agree on what was “right” but could put aside those differences to serve the Lord.

June 29, 3rd Sunday After Pentecost
10 a.m. Sunday Worship with Communion

Announcements

  • Baptism: Join us on Sunday for the baptism of Danielle Hix!
  • Fellowship Celebration: Join us for worship today for coffee and conversation. All are welcome.
  • Fifth Sunday Offering: This coming Sunday is the fifth Sunday in June. Whenever we have five Sundays in a month, Zion’s designates a special mission offering. So, on Sunday, June 29, the Fifth Sunday offering will support our contributions to and support of the Reconciling in Christ (RIC) programs. If you would like to contribute, but are unable to attend on Sunday, contributions can be mailed to the church (510 Pine Street in Trinidad) and designated by a check memo or brief note that the donation supports RIC. Donations also can be made online from the Zions website using the “Give” tab.
  • 5-Loaves Help Wanted: We will be delivering 5-Loaves meals on Saturday, June 28. If you can help with deliveries on Saturday morning, or preparation on Friday morning, please let Terri Watson and Jo Moss know.
  • Flower Chart: Remember to use the new flower chart to sign up for Sunday flowers. The chart is posted on the door to the robing room in the back of the Sanctuary. A gift of $35 is suggested for flower donations and remember to take the flowers with you after worship (but please remember to return the vases and place them in the kitchen of the Fellowship Hall).
  • Worship Assistance Updates: The updated worship assistance list was sent via email to those who have agreed to serve this summer. If you have questions or would be willing to fill in if someone’s schedule changes, please let Vicar Lisa or Jo Moss know.
  • Save the Dates:
    • Zion’s annual garage sale is Saturday, Aug. 2. See Julie Wersal for details. We will begin accepting items for the sale in late July.
    • Vicar Lisa’s installation and ordination will be at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 10.

E-formation – 3rd Sunday After Pentecost, June 29

Since at least the year 258, June 29 has been a date on which Christians have commemorated the saints Peter and Paul. These two apostles lived out different and separate ministries, but both served even to their deaths their one Savior. We gather on June 29 to thank God for these leaders of the church and to pray for such dedication to Christ in our own lives.

Luke 9:51-62

Now it is we who are called both to tolerate nonbelievers and to leave all to follow Christ as we proclaim the kingdom. The challenge is to apply the radicalness of Jesus’ words to our lives in the world.

1 Kings 19:15-16, 19-21

This passage is set parallel to Luke 9 since also Elijah demands of Elisha a total rejection of his previous life as he dons the mantle of the prophet to proclaim the word of God. The parallel makes clear that the evangelists understood Jesus’ ministry in light of Israel’s prophetic tradition.

Galatians 5:1, 13-25

When we don the mantle of our baptism and follow Jesus, our lives are radically changed, from actions that protect and aggrandize the self to attitudes that value and nurture the community. For such a life we are empowered, not by any inherent human inclinations, but rather by the Spirit of the risen Christ. Would that “the works of the flesh” are as obvious as Paul suggests.

Zion's Lutheran Church

A Reconciling in Christ Community

zionsluth@gmail.com

719-846-7785