Ss. Peter and Paul

United in Faith, United in Life

Saint Peter

Saint Peter was a fisherman whom Jesus called into the business of fishing for men. Together with Saints James and John, He remained in Jesus’ intimate closer circle. Peter is present along with these two apostles at the Transfiguration. We especially remember Peter for his confession, upon which Christ established his church: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Commending Peter, Jesus gives him and all the Apostles the keys to the kingdom of heaven so that they (and all their successors) should bind and loose sins as if Christ were speaking the words himself (Matt. 17).

At Pentecost, Peter delivers his famous sermon in Jerusalem and then continues on to Samaria, Lydda, Joppa, and Caesarea, bringing the Good News to the Gentiles. According to tradition, Peter died a martyr’s death in Rome, but rather than being crucified like his Lord, he insisted that he should be crucified upside down so as not to receive the honor of dying a death like Jesus’.

Saint Paul

Saint Paul, formerly called Saul, was a Jew who was converted from a life of zealously persecuting Christians to joining their ranks and eventually writing thirteen epistles that would be included in the New Testament canon. He traveled across the Mediterranean preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ and would end up being imprisoned, stoned, and tortured while pursuing his task for the love of his Lord Jesus.

While St. Paul’s death isn’t recorded in the canon of the New Testament, it is reported that he was also martyred in Rome on the same day as St. Peter but in a different location. Being a Roman citizen, Paul was beheaded rather than crucified.

Brief History

The Feast of Saints Peter and Paul is well documented as early as the fourth century, and it is remarkable to know that in keeping this feast, like so many others, we participate in the faith and tradition of our Christian brethren across the centuries. So in keeping this feast day, we celebrate these two saints together with those who lived just a few generations after Christ’s resurrection and ascension.

Historically, many have emphasized Peter’s background as a fisherman in their celebration of these two apostles. For example, coastal peoples and those in fishing cultures often decorate their boats or wharves on this day in honor of St. Peter.

Collect

O God, who didst give Thine Apostles Peter and Paul grace to lay down their lives for the sake of Thy dear Son: endow us, we beseech Thee, with like constancy, that we may at all times be ready to lay down our lives for Him who laid down His life for us; through the same, Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost: ever one God, world without end. Amen.

Lessons

Resources

References:
1. Voragine, Jacobus de. The Golden Legend: Reading on the Saints. Vol. 1. Translated by William Granger Ryan. Princeton Press. 1993.
2. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Peter-the-Apostle/The-position-of-Peter-in-the-apostolic-church

Images:
1. Saints Peter and Paul under a Canopy, Wilhelm Pleydenwurff, Germany, n.d.
2. Saints Peter and Paul in a vestibule, Rombout Eynhoudts, Belgium, ca. 1630–80