Solemnity of St. Peter and St. Paul [C]

June 29, 2025

Matthew 16:13-19

Why does the Church celebrate St. Peter and St. Paul together?  Several key factors bind their legacies together, making them uniquely honored in Christian tradition.

1. Prominence in the New Testament

Both Peter and Paul stand out as the most frequently mentioned figures in the New Testament. Peter (including variations like Simon, Cephas, or Simon Peter) appears approximately 190 times, while Paul is referenced even more, around 228 times—far surpassing other major figures like John the Baptist (mentioned roughly 90 times). Interestingly, though Luke’s work is titled The Acts of the Apostles, the narrative is dominated by these two men. Beyond their recorded deeds, both also contributed inspired writings to the New Testament: Peter authored two epistles (1 and 2 Peter), while Paul wrote 13 letters, forming a significant portion of the biblical canon.

2. Intertwined Lives and Ministry

Their paths crossed at critical moments in early Church history. After his dramatic conversion, Paul visited Jerusalem and spent 15 days with Peter (Galatians 1:18), likely learning firsthand about Jesus’ teachings from the chief apostle. Later, at the Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15), Paul and Barnabas argued against the imposition of the Jewish customs like circumcision on the Gentile converts. Peter, as the leader of the apostles, ultimately decided that the Gentile converts shall not be burdened by Jewish customs, thus sided with Paul. Yet their relationship wasn’t without tension. Paul later publicly criticized Peter when he withdrew from eating with Gentile Christians (Gal 2:11-14). Despite these conflicts, their mutual respect endured.

3. Shared Martyrdom in Rome

Though Scripture records only a few direct encounters, tradition holds that their ministries converged powerfully in Rome. The Acts of Apostles concludes with Paul arriving in the city around 60–61 AD as a prisoner, awaiting trial before Caesar. Even under house arrest, he preached boldly and likely wrote letters like Ephesians and Philippians. After a possible release (around 63 AD), he was re-arrested during Nero’s persecution and executed around 65–66 AD. Meanwhile, Peter likely reached Rome by the early 60s AD, where he served as the recognized leader (bishop) of the Church of Rome. The two may have collaborated there before both facing martyrdom. Peter crucified upside-down and Paul beheaded as a Roman citizen.

4. Enduring Legacy in Rome and Beyond

Their tombs remain focal points of Christian pilgrimage especially in this Jubilee year. St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City stands over his burial site, while St. Paul Outside the Walls at Via Appia marks where Paul was laid to rest. Intriguingly, the Basilica of St. John Lateran—Rome’s cathedral—features bronze statues of Peter and Paul above its main altar, housing relics said to be fragments of their skulls. This symbolism underscores their inseparable role as twin pillars of the Church of Rome.

Neither man began as a spiritual giant. Peter, impulsive and fearful, denied Christ three times. Paul, once a persecutor of Christians, sought to destroy the Church. Yet through God’s grace, both were transformed—ultimately giving their lives for Christ. Their shared feast not only honors their martyrdoms but also celebrates how God uses flawed people to build His Church.

Rome

Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

Guide Questions:

What are our weaknesses as human persons? How does the grace of God empower and transform us? Do we love the Church as St. Peter and St. Paul did? How do we love the Church?