Paul vs Peter, Apostle to the Gentiles

[Christian2]

Peter was sent to a Gentile named Cornelius. Acts 10.

However before Acts 10, in Acts 9 Jesus sent Paul to the Gentiles.

Why do you think Jesus didn't send Paul to Cornelius instead of Peter?

Or why didn't Jesus make Peter the Apostle to the Gentiles?

Thanks.

[Philip]

Christian2: Peter was sent to a Gentile named Cornelius. Acts 10.

However before Acts 10, in Acts 9 Jesus sent Paul to the Gentiles.

Why do you think Jesus didn't send Paul to Cornelius instead of Peter?

Or why didn't Jesus make Peter the Apostle to the Gentiles?

Thanks.

Because He wanted to send Peter. Whatever the reasons, it is clear that this wasn't just about saving a house of Gentiles - although that was hugely important. But it was also an eye-opening experience God wanted Pete to have. First place, Peter previously didn't realize God meant to save gentiles as well as Jews. Secondly, the encounter with Cornelius and his family probably dispelled a lot of presuppositions that Peter had about the kind of people types that might be sensitive to the prompting of the Holy Spirit. Cornelius was (amongst the Jews) a hated Roman - and not just any Roman, but a commander in an army that had occupied and oppressed Israel. And Peter, being a Jew, intimately knew how Jews thought and lived, and what potential blockages to faith these monotheistic followers of the Old Testament would commonly have.

Of course, Paul himself was a Jew. But with his classical education, he had a much broader view of the world and its cultures and their influences. He was also an intellectual who was gifted at understanding how the gentile world thought. This is likely why Paul was used to reach the gentiles. His classical education also allowed him to formulate excellent and logical writings and explanations of doctrine and proper belief. And his pre-Christian life, he undoubtedly was full of himself with pride. And he had been greatly humbled - and thus these things collectively made him far more usable in ministry.

[Christian2]

Christian2: Peter was sent to a Gentile named Cornelius. Acts 10.

However before Acts 10, in Acts 9 Jesus sent Paul to the Gentiles.

Why do you think Jesus didn't send Paul to Cornelius instead of Peter?

Or why didn't Jesus make Peter the Apostle to the Gentiles?

Thanks.

Because He wanted to send Peter. Whatever the reasons, it is clear that this wasn't just about saving a house of Gentiles - although that was hugely important. But it was also an eye-opening experience God wanted Pete to have. First place, Peter previously didn't realize God meant to save gentiles as well as Jews. Secondly, the encounter with Cornelius and his family probably dispelled a lot of presuppositions that Peter had about they kind of people types that might be sensitive to the prompting of the Holy Spirit. Cornelius was a (amongst the Jews) a hated Roman - and not just any Roman, but a commander in an army that had occupied and oppressed Israel. And Peter, being a Jew, intimately knew how Jews thought and lived, and what potential blockages to faith these monotheistic followers of the Old Testament would commonly have.

Of course, Paul himself was a Jew. But with his classical education, he had a much broader view of the world and its cultures and their influences. He was also an intellectual who was gifted at understanding how the gentile world thought. This is likely why Paul was used to reach the gentiles. His classical education also allowed him to formulate excellent and logical writings and explanations of doctrine and proper belief. And his pre-Christian life, he undoubtedly was full of himself with pride. And he had been greatly humbled - and thus these likely made him far more usable in ministry.

Thank you.

[Kurieuo]

What a strange question. Paul was better equipped, and the better person for the role. Peter had a knack of betraying people, not just Christ, but also Gentile believers. Paul called Peter on on his hypocrisy and betrayal, and he says Peter even lead Jewish believers astray. (Galatians 2:11-13)

Peter seems evidently the wrong person. Paul was clearly suited and had the strong constitution required.