Christ Divided

Throughout the Roman Empire leaders had begun to pit Peter and Paul against each other.

1Co 1:12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.

Many had begun to question who was real and who was false. The Psuedo-Clementine letter even questioned which was better, to be taught personally by Christ or to be taught by revelation.

"But can any one be educated for teaching by vision? And if you shall say, "It is possible," why did the Teacher remain and converse with waking men for a whole year? And how can we believe you even as to the fact that he appeared to you? And how can he have appeared to you seeing that your sentiments are opposed to his teaching? "

This simply planted a seed that Peter could be superior to Paul.

Peter was taught directly over a course of three years.

Paul was taught by revelation after being converted on the road to Damascus.

This left debates over the superiority of each method.

It also left a lot of room for speculation that Paul and Peter disagreed. This left a law keeping vs faith only debate always at the forefront as people created divisions in the church.

In reality Paul and Peter were both guided by the Holy Spirit and taught the same Gospel.

You find such divisions where controversies exist, such as the Nicolaitan group which seems to have denied Paul's writings.