The early Church, or the Way as it was first known, had its share of diverse leaders who brought their own gifts and talents. Peter and Paul were two of the Church’s early leaders and are probably the best known.

The disciple Peter was chosen by Jesus to lead his Church. In the first years of the Church, most early Christians were still observant Jews. It was Peter’s strong belief that all those joining the early Church first be circumcised and brought into Judaism. Only then could the new faith in Jesus, the Messiah, be bestowed. In time this concern led to the expulsion of the Christian Jews from the local synagogues and the Temple in Jerusalem. It also caused difficulties among Christian Jews themselves, who became divided over the issue of observing Jewish laws in order to follow Jesus.

Paul [earlier known as Saul], had not been a disciple of Jesus. Only after the Ascension of Jesus did Paul follow the Way. After a dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus, Paul became an apostle of Jesus Christ. His main mission was not to the Jewish Christians but to the Gentiles. Paul and Peter disagreed for a long time over the question of who was worthy to become a disciple and follower of Jesus. Eventually Peter came to understand that Jesus’ way of life did not require conversion to Judaism first.

Paul and Peter began many local churches throughout the Mediterranean world. They both suffered martyrdom for the faith.

Family Activity

	Select a book about the saints and read one or more of the stories aloud.

	•		After you are finished reading a story about the life of a saint, discuss ways that the saint lived a holy life.
	•		Have family members share what they know about the lives of other saints and how they lived holy lives.
	•		Reflect on how to follow the example of the saints discussed.

See the Liturgical Calendar on this site for additional information.
See also Catechist—Lent or Teacher—Lent for Liturgy.