66 Jesus, Prophet of Islam
That these two, who had opposed each other so vehemently in
the past, should now corne together is perhaps surprising. How
ever, the situation had changed. Paul was now accepted by many
as a Christian and was no longer regarded as a possible spy or
persecutor. Celsus, a Greek philosopher and a bitter critic of the
Christians, said that the root of the disagreement between the two
in Antioch had been Paul's jealousy of Peter's popularity. Obvi
ously,Paul's jealousy wouldby now have dwindledwithmsown
increase in reputation, especially arnong the GentiIes.
The persecution of the first Christians had also probably played
its part in drawing them together. The persecution by the Romans
and those [ews who supported them was quite severe by now. Pe
ter had already demonstrated ms weakness when, under pressure
or faced by irnmediate danger, he dènied ms being a companion of
Jesus at the time of [esus's supposed trial and crucifixion. He was
probably now more willing to fall in line with Paul's approach to
Jesus' s message, since changes hereandthere rnightmeanless con
frontation with established custorns, and accordingly perhaps less
persecution.
Thus the situation in these early days was such that it seemed
expedient to sorne to change and adapt the message of Jesus not
only so that people who were not Jewish would accept it, but also
so that it would not offend or apparently threaten those in author
ity in the land. This policy of obeying rulers indiscriminately,
whether their laws were in accord with those of the Creator of the
Universe or not, is evident in Peter's first Epistle:
Subrnit yourselves to every ordinanceof man for the
Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; or
unto govemors, as unto them that are sent by mm for
the punishrnent of evildoers, and for the praise of them
that do weIl. For so is the will of God, that with weIl
doingye may putto silence the ignorance of foolish men:
as free, and not using your liberty for a cloak of maIi
ciousness, but as the servants of God. Honour all men.
Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king. Serv
ants, be subjeet to your master with all fear; not only to
the good and gentle, but also to the froward. (1 Peter 2:
13-18).http://www.islamicbulletin.com