Saint Peter Influence

The Catholic Church has had a vast variety of prophets, apostles, and followers who preach the words of Jesus Christ, but a rare few can claim to have had the impact that Saint Peter, Saint Paul, and The Council of Jerusalem had. These two men and this council broke the Catholic Church out of Jewish Tradition and into the mainstream land with the goal of reaching all people no matter what cultural differences they may have; all were welcome thus forming the foreground of the Catholic Church. Saint Paul; who came from a background of hatred toward the Church experienced a conversion into Christ, this serves as an example for all citizens of this Earth. Saint Peter, who held authority with the apostles and who was forgiven by Jesus after he denied him serves as modern day examples of our Church leaders, most notably the Pope. Saint Peter, Saint Paul, and The Council of Jerusalem impacted the early Church by offering a unique experience in faith and life that welcomed

all walks of it with open arms.
Saint Peter, originally named Simon was one of Jesus’ leading disciples and was given the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven by Jesus. Saint Peter held authority among the apostles, this would be proven by the fact that Saint Peter would become the first Pope in the Catholic Church and would also begin apostolic succession. During the early days of the Catholic Church Saint Peter would lead many ministries such as preaching and welcoming the Gentiles into the Catholic Church. Saint Peter also formed speeches and statements that converted thousands, such
as the speech at Pentecost: “37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” 40 And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” 41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls”. Over his life Saint Peter would experience so many miracles and impactful things but one astonishing moment was Saint Peter’s death. Saint Peter, who at the time was captured under the reigns of King Nero was to be crucified, before crucifixion Saint Peter stated he was not worthy to die the same way Jesus did, so he requested he be crucified upside down. This alone, shows Saint Peter’s astonishing level of faith, trust, and love in God to be willing to undergo the immense added on pain of being crucified upside down after living a life of scrutiny for his choices. After all, Saint Peter left his fishing boat to follow Christ, just as an average person. This shows his impact in the Catholic Church.
Saint Paul, originally named Saul wanted to destroy the Catholic Church and persecute its followers. On a journey in Damascus God would intervene in Saint Paul’s life and show him the way; while on his journey God shined a light down on to Saint Paul; when this happened Saint Paul fell to the ground. “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” 5 “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. 6 “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do”. When Saint Paul rose from his vision, he was blinded, two men who accompanied Saint Paul on his journey were astounded, they could hear sound but
did not see anyone these two men helped the now blind Saint Paul into Damascus. Saint Paul remained blind for three days where did not intake any form of food or liquid into his body. Following this God sent Ananius to find Saint Peter and pray for him, this led to Saint Paul’s vision being restored and Saint Paul began to preach the word of the Lord. Saint Paul would be left with trouble as Jewish people no longer trusted him as he began preaching for Christ and new founded Christ followers didn't trust him as he previously tried to persecute them. The disciples feared Saint Paul, this would cause Barnabas to take Saint Paul to the apostles, this would lead to Saint Paul traveling and preaching with them. Saint Paul would go on to write fourteen books in the New Testament of the Bible. Saint Paul would later be be-headed by sword in Rome under King Nero. Saint Pau’s impact in the early Church shows how God loves all and sins may be forgiven if sincere sorrow if showcased as God loves all.
The Council of Jerusalem was the name for the meeting of Christian leaders, Apostles, and all other leaders in the Church that took place in Jerusalem in 50 CE.

Gentile conversion was a major topic on hand, the council and discussion was lead by Saint Peter and Saint Paul. The debate was on the topic of wether or not Gentiles needed to convert to Judaism to follow Christ. Saint Peter argued for the fact of Gentiles needing to be converted to Judaism in order to follow Jesus Christ while Saint Paul argued the fact that Gentiles did not need to convert, he backed his argument with evidence from his time with the Gentiles. Circumcision was viewed at The Council of Jerusalem as a major discussion due to circumcision being seen as a sign of people who are with God. Peter who stood for Gentiles being circumcised would have a dream showcasing that Paul was correct, this would end this discussion and debate. This council also showcases compromising being made in the fact that Gentiles had to obey the Mosaic

Law.
When the council concluded it led to Gentiles being baptized in Jerusalem and an established order into the Church; foreshadowing the modern day Church and how we handle its debates and topics today.
After heavy thought, research, and debate it is clear that Saint Peter had the biggest impact on the early Church and the Catholic Church today. Saint Peter had the biggest impact on the Catholic Church and Church today for his diverse life experience and position within the Church. Saint Peter’s introduction to Christ is one of upmost dignity and relatable in all times, it is timeless, the story can always be a metaphor to average men and woman who will find Christ at sometime, the decision to follow him is then in their hands. Saint Peter also began apostolic succession in the Catholic Church which has had a huge impact on Church history and its timeline. With Saint Peter being the first Pope it is clear his impact stretches deep into history, Jesus chose Saint Peter to have direct authority in His Church on Earth; this fact alone shows how Saint Peter and his decisions still impact us as a religion today. Saint Peter also converted thousands at Pentecost; a crucial moment in the Catholic faith, without this conversion the Catholic faith may have continued into a different form and may have taken a different shape entirely. Jesus forgiving Saint Peter after denying him also shows how Saint Peter has sinned just like laypeople, making the Church more welcoming and less intimidating attracting more people to the truth that is Jesus Christ and God. These are just a few of the reasons why Saint Peter had the most impact on the early Church and the Church today.