[Uncle Chip]

Read Galatians Chapter 2, Verses 7 thru 9: Paul says that from their council in Jerusalem [about 50 AD] forward he and Barnabas concentrated on the uncircumcision [Gentiles], while Peter [Cephas], James, and John [the 3 pillars of the Jewish Church] decided to concentrate on the circumcision [the Jews].

And by that time there were very few Jews left in Rome as Emperor Claudius [41-54AD] had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome as recorded in Acts 18:2. The Roman Church was Paul's ministry not Peter's. Paul was the authority for the Roman Church, not Peter.

[Conservative til I die]

Read Galatians Chapter 2, Verses 7 thru 9: Paul says that from their council in Jerusalem [about 50 AD] forward he and Barnabas concentrated on the uncircumcision [Gentiles], while Peter [Cephas], James, and John [the 3 pillars of the Jewish Church] decided to concentrate on the circumcision [the Jews].

I understand what you're saying. But this passage is more about division of labor rather than the legitimacy of preaching to the Gentiles.

[wmfights]

"The Roman Church was Paul's ministry not Peter's. Paul was the authority for the Roman Church, not Peter."
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Welcome to Free Republic! Wonderful informative posts.

During this period isn't it misleading to assume a "chief" leader, or "super" Apostle. Individual churches were not set up on a hierarchal command authority. They were much more congregational in structure. In part this explains why Paul had to correct so many problems, such as the Agape Feast and Communion being abused by the wealthier members in the Corinthian Church and in the Thessalonian Church dealing with the "Christ hustlers" who were taking advantage of the generosity of the church.