How different was Peter from Paul or Paul from
Peter?
Peter and Paul sat in all probability next to each other in Rome in a
cell. Whether this is true or not, the same Holy Spirit linked the two dedicated
believers. They used the same Old Testament, worshiped the same God and Christ
and finally below, presented identical thoughts on matters important for daily
living in Christ.
Vocation
Peter 1 Pet. 1:3, 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according
to his abundant mercy has begotten us again unto a lively hope by the
resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead
Paul Eph. 1:3; 3 Blessed
be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with all
spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
Servants
Peter 1 Pet. 2:18–20, 18
Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the
good and gentle, but also to those who are unreasonable.
19 For this is thankworthy, if a man for
conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. 20 For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye
shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it
patiently, this is acceptable with God. Paul Eph. 6:5–9; 5 Servants,
be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and
trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; 6 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as
the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; 7 With good will doing service, as to the Lord,
and not to men: 8 Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man
doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free. 9 And, ye masters, do the same things unto them,
forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is
there respect of persons with him. Headship Theology Peter 1 Pet. 3:1–7, 3 Likewise,
ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the
word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; 2 While they behold your chaste conversation
coupled with fear. 3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward
adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of
apparel; 4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in
that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit,
which is in the sight of God of great price. 5 For after this manner in the old time the holy
women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto
their own husbands: 6 Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord:
whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any
amazement. 7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving
honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of
the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered. Paul Eph. 5:22–33; 22
Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even
as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. 24 Therefore as the church is subject unto
Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. 25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also
loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the
washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious
church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be
holy and without blemish. 28 So ought men to love their wives as their own
bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. 29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but
nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: 30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh,
and of his bones. 31 For this cause shall a man leave his father
and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. 32 This is a great mystery: but I speak
concerning Christ and the church. 33 Nevertheless let every one of you in
particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she
reverence her husband. Sense of apostleship Peter 1 Pet. 1:1, 1 Peter,
an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus,
Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, Paul 1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints
which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus: Inheritance from God Peter 1 Pet. 5:3, 3 According
as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness,
through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Paul Eph. 1:11; 11 In
whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the
purpose of him who works all things after the counsel of his own will: Eph. 1:18; 18 The
eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope
of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the
saints, Who trusted…. Peter 1 Pet. 3:5, 5
5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who
trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own
husbands: Paul Eph. 1:12; 12 That
we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. Power of God Peter 1 Pet. 1:5, 5 Who
are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed
in the last time. Paul Eph. 1:19; 19 And
what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according
to the working of his mighty power, Christ resurrected and powers subjected Peter 1 Pet. 3:22, 22
Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and
authorities and powers being made subject unto him. Paul Eph. 1:20, 21; 20
Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set
him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, 21 Far above all principality, and power, and
might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but
also in that which is to come: Former lusts Peter 1 Pet. 1:14, 15, 14
As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the
former lusts in your ignorance: 15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be
ye holy in all manner of conversation; Paul Eph. 2:3; 3 Among
whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh,
fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the
children of wrath, even as others. Mediating Christ Peter 1 Pet. 3:18, 18
For Christ also has once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust,
that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened
by the Spirit: Paul Eph. 2:18; 18 For
through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Chief Corner Stone Peter 1 Pet. 2:5, 6, 5
Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy
priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus
Christ. 6 Wherefore also it is contained in the
scripture, Behold, I lay in Zion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he
that believeth on Him shall not be confounded. Paul Eph. 2:20–22; 20
And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus
Christ himself being the chief corner stone; 21 In whom all the building fitly framed together
grows unto an holy temple in the Lord: 22 In whom ye also are built together for an
habitation of God through the Spirit. Grow in sanctification Peter 1 Pet. 2:2, 2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may
grow thereby: Paul Eph. 2:21; 21 In
whom all the building fitly framed together grows unto an holy temple in the
Lord: Former revelations come true in present Peter 1 Pet. 1:12, 12
Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they
did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have
preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which
things the angels desire to look into. Paul Eph. 3:5, 10; 5
Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is
now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; 10 To the intent that now unto the principalities
and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom
of God, Be holy and worthy of your calling Peter 1 Pet. 1:15, 15
But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner
of conversation; Paul Eph. 4:1; 4 I
therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the
vocation wherewith ye are called, Gift given Peter 1 Pet. 4:10, 10
As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to
another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. Paul Eph. 4:7, 11, 12; 7
But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of
the gift of Christ. 11 And he gave some, apostles; and some,
prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work
of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Metaphorical ‘spirits in prison’ Peter 1 Pet. 3:19, 4:6, 19
By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; Paul Eph. 4:8–10; 8
Wherefore He says, When He ascended up on high, He led captivity captive,
and gave gifts unto men. 9 (Now that He ascended, what is it but that He
also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He that descended is the same also that
ascended up far above all heavens, that He might fill all things.) Change your lifestyle for Christ Peter 1 Pet. 1:14–19, 14
As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the
former lusts in your ignorance: 15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be
ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am
holy. 17 And if ye call on the Father, who without
respect of persons judge according to every man's work, pass the time of your
sojourning here in fear: 18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed
with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation
received by tradition from your fathers; 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a
lamb without blemish and without spot: Paul Eph. 4:17–24; 17
This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth
walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, 18 Having the understanding darkened, being
alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because
of the blindness of their heart: 19 Who being past feeling have given themselves
over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. 20 But ye have not so learned Christ; 21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been
taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22 That ye put off concerning the former
conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24 And that ye put on the new man, which after
God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Speak better conversations now Peter 1 Pet. 2:12, 3:16,
4:14, 12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles:
that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works,
which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. 16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they
speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse
your good conversation in Christ. 14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ,
happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their
part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. Paul Eph. 4:25–32; 25
Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his
neighbour: for we are members one of another. 26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go
down upon your wrath: 27 Neither give place to the devil. 28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather
let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may
have to give to him that needeth. 29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of
your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister
grace unto the hearers. 30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby
ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and
clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted,
forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you Sins of the past not continued in future Peter 1 Pet. 4:3, 3 For
the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the
Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings,
banquetings, and abominable idolatries: Paul Eph. 5:5; 5 For
this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is
an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Submit Peter 1 Pet. 5:5, 5 Likewise,
ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to
another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth
grace to the humble. Paul Eph. 5:21; 21 Submitting
yourselves one to another in the fear of God. Servants subject Peter 1 Pet. 2:18, 18
Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the
good and gentle, but also to the froward. Paul Eph. 6:5–9; 5 Servants,
be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and
trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; 6 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as
the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; 7 With good will doing service, as to the Lord,
and not to men: 8 Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man
doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free. 9 And, ye masters, do the same things unto them,
forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is
there respect of persons with him. Be vigilant against the devil Peter 1 Pet. 5:8, 9, 8
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring
lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing
that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the
world. Paul Eph. 6:10–20. 10
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his
might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be
able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood,
but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness
of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of
God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to
stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about
with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the
gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith,
wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the
sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 Praying always with all prayer and
supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and
supplication for all saints; 19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto
me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that
therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.