Sermon – The Symbols of Peter & Paul
Sermon Preached by Reverend Tracey Gracey on Sunday, 29 June, 2025
Once there was a man who did and said such amazing things that people began to follow him. His name was Jesus.
Two of his followers, Peter and Paul, became leaders of the early church.
But they didn’t start as remarkable or admired figures.
One was a fisherman.
One was a persecutor of Christians.
Cross = Both were transformed by Jesus
Both helped build the foundations of the Christian Church
Both had name changes – Simon – Peter [meaning rock] & Saul – Paul [meaning humble]
Both were missionaries
Both experienced persecution and imprisonment
Both wrote letters to newly formed Christian communities.
These letters are some of the earliest Christian writings and are now part of the New Testament.
Both were martyred in Rome
• Peter was crucified upside down under Emperor Nero.
• Paul was beheaded as a Roman citizen, also under Nero’s persecution.
History of Paul
Blindfold = Paul’s Background
Represents Paul being spiritually blind before his encounter with Jesus.
• Originally Saul, strict Pharisee.
• Thought Christians were wrong—until…
• Encounter with Jesus [after his death] on the road to Damascus changed everything.
• Flipped his life upside down → from persecutor to preacher.
Map = Paul’s Mission
Paul travelled everywhere, spreading Jesus’ message.
• Dedicated to sharing Jesus with everyone, not just a select group.
• Started new churches all over the Roman world.
• Didn’t stay still—faith moved him into action.
Scroll = Letters of Paul
Paul’s letters were like text messages or emails of encouragement, correction, and hope.
• Wrote to help people live like Jesus wanted.
• Different letters for different churches:
o Romans — God’s love for everyone.
o Corinthians — Unity, love, and proper worship.
o Philippians — Finding joy even in tough times.
o Philemon — Forgiveness and love.
• 13 letters attributed to Paul or his community.
• 7 letters written by Paul’s hand.
His letters still shape us today.
Pen = Structure of Paul’s Letters
Symbolises the carefully crafted structure of his letters—thoughtful, not random.
Structure:
• Greeting → “Grace and peace to you…”
• Thanks → Praising people for their faith.
• Message → Teaching, correcting, guiding.
• Personal Comments → Real, human, connected.
• Blessing → Ending with hope and peace.
Heart = Attributes of Paul
Paul
• Guided others to follow Jesus.
• Encouraged people in hard times.
• Loved others enough to correct, challenge and guide them to live as Jesus did.
• Became a living example of someone giving his whole life to God.
History of Peter
Symbols represent Peter as a person
• Speaks out when others are silent
• Says silly things
• Acts on impulse
• Pretends to know more than he does
• Let’s Jesus down
• Admits his failures
Fish = Being called by Jesus
Peter, originally named Simon, was called by Jesus to be a “fisher of people.” No special qualities but a willingness to follow, to learn, to question.
Rock = Peter’s Confession
Peter declares Jesus as the Messiah. Jesus then declares Peter the rock on which he will build his church but in the next breath he misunderstands Jesus’ divinity and is told off by Jesus. Speaks before he thinks but his heart is in the right place.
Toy = Transfiguration
Peter witnesses Jesus’ transfiguration, revealing His divine glory. His is taken into Jesus’ inner circle. Peter is open to divine experiences, wants to hold on them as he senses the importance of these God moments.
Felt Cloth = Walking on Water
Peter walks on water towards Jesus but begins to sink when he doubts. Other disciples remain in the boat but Peter is bold enough to step out in faith and challenge what he sees and hears, but in his boldness he fails but knows when to reach out in faith and ask for assistance.
Rooster = Peter’s Denial
After Jesus’ arrest Peter denies Jesus three times before the rooster crows. Peter lets down Jesus and is remorseful.
Love heart = Post-Resurrection Encounter with Jesus
Jesus reinstates Peter by asking him three times if he loves him, commissioning him to “feed my sheep.” Peter experiences the deep love and forgiveness of God through his encounter with Jesus and the repairing of their relationships.
Pentecost & Ministry = Powerful Preacher/Evangelist/Teacher
• After Jesus’ resurrection appearances and the receiving of the Holy Spirit Peter delivers a powerful sermon at Pentecost, leading to the conversion of about 3,000 people. It is the beginning of Peter’s ministry and the claiming of his gifts and calling to teach others about his experience of Jesus.
• Peter performs various miracles, including healing a lame beggar. These acts demonstrate the power of faith and the Holy Spirit working through believers.
• Peter and Cornelius – Peter has a vision that leads him to preach to Cornelius, a Gentile, signifying the inclusion of Gentiles in the Christian faith. This underscores the universality of the Gospel.
• Council of Jerusalem – Peter advocates for Gentile converts, emphasizing faith in Christ over adherence to Jewish law. This highlights the principle of salvation by faith alone.
Envelope = Peter’s Letters (1 Peter and 2 Peter)
Peter writes to encourage and instruct early Christians, addressing suffering, false teachers, and the hope of Christ’s return. These letters offer guidance on living a godly life, enduring trials, and maintaining hope.
The Key = to our faith journey
Both Peter and Paul hold the key to understanding our faith journey. Their stories remind us that there’s a bit of Peter and Paul in each of us:
• Called by God in our own time and place.
• Doubting at times, yet stepping out in faith.
• Failing and succeeding, sometimes in the same breath.
• Transformed by encounters with God’s love.
• Letting people down but finding forgiveness and new beginnings.
• Called to share God’s love in ways that are unique to each of us—through our words, actions, and courage to love others.
They show us that God doesn’t need perfect people—God calls willing people. And through God’s love, we are made whole, equipped, and sent to share that love with the world.
These symbols tell part of the story of Paul and Peter—their lives and ministry.
I wonder if you have or can find some symbols that tell the story of your faith journey.
Can you think of some visual signs that show how you connect with God in your everyday life?
Maybe that’s something you could explore this week.
Amen