The Controversy Over Who Preached to the Gentiles First

One of the central debates in early Christianity concerns who was the first to preach the gospel to the Gentiles: Paul or Peter. While both apostles played crucial roles in spreading the Christian message, they did so in different ways and at different times.

The Role of Paul in the Gentile Mission

Paul was the first to do so on a wide scale. According to the Bible, Paul was remarkably fervent in his missionary endeavors, spreading the gospel to diverse communities and often converting large numbers of Gentiles.

One of his most famous missions was the conversion of the Gentiles in Corinth, where he spent nearly 18 months preaching to a large congregation. This mission, and others like it, significantly expanded the reach of the early Christian movement beyond the Jewish community.

Peter's Early Preaching to the Gentiles

However, Peter also played a fundamental role in the early Christian mission to the Gentiles. Specifically, he is credited with the conversion of a select few Gentiles, notably Cornelius, an army officer and an Italian centurion stationed in Caesarea.

In the fall of 36 C.E., an angel appeared to Cornelius in a vision. According to the Bible, the angel informed Cornelius that his prayers and gifts of mercy had been received and asked him to send Peter to Joppa. This request marked a significant moment in Christian history, as it was the first recorded instance of a Gentile receiving the gospel from a disciple of Jesus without first being circumcised.

The Cornelius Incident

When Peter arrived, he spoke to Cornelius and his assembled friends. He was greeted by their declaration: "We are all present before God to hear all the things you have been commanded by Jehovah to say." This marked a pivotal moment in the Christian narrative, as it was the first time a Gentile was addressed and received the gospel directly from Peter.

Notably, nothing more is known about Cornelius's subsequent life and activity after this event. It seems that this initial encounter was sufficient to establish a precedent for Gentile mission and conversion.

The Theological Implications

The debate over who preached to the Gentiles first touches on important theological questions. Some argue that only 12 apostles were required by Jesus because He intended each apostle to be assigned to one of the 12 apostolic churches. Since Judas had betrayed Jesus, the apostles were eventually replaced, with Matthias taking Judas's place. This would imply that Paul, claiming to have been appointed as an apostle by Jesus in a vision, would be the 13th apostle, which is seen as a contradiction.

Others argue that the spread of the gospel among the Gentiles came as a divine initiative, not strictly through the 12 official apostles. The vision experienced by Cornelius suggests that God was guiding the apostles to include Gentiles in the mission, not just the 12 original apostles.

Legends and Debates

Beyond the Biblical accounts, legends and debates regarding Paul and Peter continue to this day. Both are revered as key figures in the early Christian movement, and their contributions are celebrated in various forms of literature and art.

Paul's missionary work is often depicted in dramatic texts, movies, and religious performances, highlighting his zeal and vision. Conversely, the story of Peter and Cornelius offers a more nuanced view of the gradual inclusion of Gentiles in the Christian faith.

Conclusion

While the Bible provides clear accounts of both Paul and Peter's missionary work, the debate over who preached to the Gentiles first remains a topic of much discussion and debate among scholars and believers. Regardless of which apostle was first in this historical mission, the message of the gospel expanded beyond the Jewish community, transforming the religious landscape of the ancient world.

The narrative of early Christian missionary efforts continues to inspire faith and scholarship, serving as a reminder of the ongoing journey of the Christian message to all nations.