© 21 Colin Melbourne
The Twelve Versus Paul?
Q: Do you think the Disciples argued doctrine amongst themselves, or were they so mature as followers of Christ that they agreed on every teaching? And what was their attitude when Paul came with the revelation of redemption that the Twelve didn’t have, surely they would have resented, a former enemy bringing such a “new” message?
A: That is an excellent thoughtful question!
Oy Vey Already!
The first disciples were Jews, who instinctively love to argue doctrine, being steeped in man-made tradition from birth: That is how Judaism’s Talmud arose. (A collection of rabbinical rulings and mythology that will certainly not be found in Heaven. It’s completely uninspired, and a snare for religious Jews to this day. The LORD will ensure every copy will soon be burned up, 2 Pe. 3:10.)
Fishermen’s Tales
The Holy Bible implies the first disciples frequently discussed Christ’s teachings, trying to fathom what He meant, who He was, and where He came from. I’m sure it became heated at times, and Christ even named the brothers James and John; Boanerges: The sons of thunder. Mk. 3:14-17 KJV;
And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach, And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils: And Simon he surnamed Peter; And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder:
Sunlight and Roses?
If you picture The Twelve as gentlemen you’d be wide of the mark: They were an unpolished, youthful, unlearned group: Who spent three grubby years dossing with carpenter-turned-preacher, Jesus of Nazareth. No deodorant in those days either!
Saul, later named Paul, was surely more refined, having been raised a Pharisee, and schooled by the renowned Gamaliel. So when he met the disciples at Jerusalem, I’m sure there were plenty of fleshly rivalries between them.
Keep in mind these saints were human, former sinners, like us. Superstars in our eyes now, but I venture we’d be shocked to see how they behaved one toward another, at that time. But the Holy Ghost has tactfully glossed over carnal aspects in His description of that early church period.
I’m so glad The Blood has cleansed mine too.
And These Are His Disciples?
There are hints, such as the way Paul was willing to compromise his conscience, mentioned in Acts 21 (undergoing purification rites and paying an offering for four men), and also the subtle undercurrents in Gal. 1:18-19 KJV;
Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord’s brother.
Why so brief a visit, for the Apostle to the Gentiles, through whom The LORD was to write most of the New Testament?
Losing Face
Recall that Paul publicly rebuked Simon Peter when he visited Antioch, for separating himself from Gentiles, for fear of the Judaizers. That must have profoundly embarrassed Peter, and perhaps sent him into a sulk. Gal. 2:11-13 KJV;
But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.
This is News to Us!
In addition, the revelation of our Eternal Redemption that God gave through Paul was indeed quite a step-change from the Disciples’ mindset at that time. They had not seen, understood, nor yet accepted what God had shown Paul… sadly many believers today haven’t grasped redemption.
This is for The Jews: Right?
They were still not even sure how to fellowship with Gentiles, it was years after the resurrection that they finally settled on the Holy Ghost summary given in Acts chapter 15.
I’m sure there were carnal tensions and rivalries between the disciples, especially when Christ was with them, because they were not yet even born again. That experience was not available to them until after Christ arose from the dead.
Witnesses with Power
But Praise God, after the resurrection and Pentecost, the Holy Ghost filled those jars of clay with Heaven’s Living Water, smoothed out the bumps, and filled the cracks, just as He’s patiently doing in me and you, isn’t He? Acts 1:8 KJV;
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Praise God for His mercy and grace to us!
Reading Simon Peter’s final epistle, it is evident he’d learned to control his flesh, and keep it under his spirit’s dominion, by the power of the Holy Ghost, so was now qualified to exhort the church to self-control and sobriety.
There are also many accounts in the writings of the so-called “Church Fathers” (a Christian oxymoron indeed!) of the gentle personality of the Apostle John The son of Thunder, indicating that the former rough-cut fisherman had matured into the Apostle of Love whom we salute.
The Word of God and Spirit of God
What is clear to readers of the Holy Bible today, is that we are not to follow men, nor follow a fellowship, and certainly not to squabble with our brothers and sisters in Christ over doctrinal points.
Rather Christians are admonished to follow the Living God: The Person of The LORD Jesus Christ, from their hearts, attentive to His Spirit’s gentle leading in the inner-man, obeying The Teacher whatever the cost.
That is crucial as these Final Days draw to their conclusion, when many more believers will be butchered for the Gospel of The LORD Jesus Christ.
© 21 Colin Melbourne
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