His Holiness Pope Shenouda III opens with a short lecture about the apostles, with special focus on the Apostle Paul as a practical and historical example of apostolic service and preaching.

Comparison between Paul and Peter
He clarifies the difference between the two apostles: Peter was a simple man from fishing, while Paul was a scholar who read much, and had great ability in writing and theological teaching. Both were apostles and both ended their lives as martyrs and served in preaching and teaching.

Paul’s missionary work and writings
He discusses Acts and Paul’s letters: Paul has fourteen letters, and he stood out in many places (Jerusalem, Judaea, Antioch, Cyprus, Asia Minor, the archipelago islands, Greece, Macedonia and Rome). It was mentioned that he stayed in a rented house in Rome for two years preaching and teaching, and from here he is given the founding of the church of Rome and not Peter.

Paul’s theological dimension
He speaks about Paul’s interest in doctrinal issues: Christ, justification, grace, and his stances on Judaizing problems within the church, and he criticized Peter’s adherence to some Jewish traditions when Peter accommodated matters of the Gentiles.

Refuting some traditional claims
He discusses the Catholics’ claim that Peter founded Rome and is a hereditary head of the church, and shows that the Holy Bible does not prove Peter went to Rome, and that the principle of a general presidency did not exist in the days of the apostles; rather each bishop had his jurisdiction, and the general authority was for the councils of the apostles and later for the ecumenical councils.

Spiritual and educational dimension (from a Coptic Orthodox faith perspective)
The main message alerts that apostolic service and preaching are not linked to an inherited office, but to work, preaching, teaching and steadfastness in faith. The true church is measured by the service of the apostles and confession of the faith, not by displays of human authority or administrative heredity.

Practical conclusion
His Holiness concludes by emphasizing that Paul is an example of dedication in preaching, teaching and theological writing, and that understanding the history of the apostles helps believers distinguish between promoters of human power and the true calling to serve and evangelize.

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