The Effect Of Peter's Attitude to Christian Fellowship in Antioch and Its Implications for 21st Century Church Leaders

Abstract

The Epistle of Paul to the Galatians has been exposed to critical scrutiny by exegetes and biblical scholars, especially on Paul's reaction to Peter's attitude on Christian fellowship in Andoch as recorded in Galatians 2:11-13. Could Paul's reaction be interpreted as rude noting the position of Peter in the early Church or could it be regarded as God's means of rebuking Peter and not the personality of Paul? Analyzing the attitude of Peter and the effects it had on the fellowship, should more importance be laid on protecting Peter's personality or save a fellowship from wrangling situation? The research employed exegetical method. The major challenge the church faces even from her inception is disunity, therefore, the work recommended that in order to avoid unnecessary arguments and factionalisation in the Christian church, the leaders should concentrate more on the work of salvation which Jesus had wrought and de-emphasize tradition taking the lead of the Church.