The Figure of Peter in Paul's Writings

Abstract

It is almost a classic, particularly from the confrontation between Simon and Saulo in Antioch, interpret or suppose that between both –and therefore, between their theologies– there is an important distance, if not an abyss. It is also classic to affirm that writers like M. Luther or F. C. Baur speak of a clear theological opposition between Peter and Paul.

The present work aims to show how Paul "reads" the Petrine ministry. For this we will refer, at first, to the historical "(dis)encounter" of both, especially because -as we'll see - it's not easy to discern with any certainty the elements necessary to develop a safe chronology. In a second moment we will stop at what we can recognize in the way the "apostle to the Gentiles" is related to one of the "pillars" of the Church of Jerusalem and in turn the "apostle of the circumcision"; for that we will try to analyze how Paul sees Kefas' ministry.