Question:  Dear Greg,

            In “Experiencing the Word” in the introduction to 2 Peter under “Date” you state, “This epistle was probably written shortly before Peter’s martyrdom in Rome in AD 67.”  However, Scripture states in Matthew 10:5,6; “These twelve Jesus sent out, charging them, ‘Go nowhere among the Gentiles, and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.’”

            Peter, by command of Jesus, was not permitted to go to Rome.  In fact, he was charged not even to go to the Samaritan towns within Palestine.  Is not the word of God sufficient proof that Peter never went to Rome?

            David

Answer:  Dear David,

            The word of God is sufficient, thank God.  But perhaps our interpretations and those who have influenced our interpretations are insufficient.  What exactly do you think Matthew 10:5,6 is saying?

            Some background may help.  Chapter 10 of Matthew is clearly divided into two parts—with the first portion applying to specific instructions Jesus gave his disciples about a local training mission they took and then, after that mission, they were to report back to him for debriefing, coaching, etc.  If we are to take the specific instructions for this local training mission Jesus gave to the 12, beginning in verse 5 and probably ending in verse 16 as having universal impact beyond that local mission, beyond the cross and as specific pastoral instructions for the early church and perhaps beyond, then there are many implications:

1.      no pastor or missionary is allowed to take any provisions or financial resources with them at any time (verse 9)

2.      no change of clothing (verse 10) is allowed

3.      no hotels, motels, inns, etc. may be used at any time (verse 11)

4.      those who do not respond positively to the message must receive a foot stomping ceremony on their porch or stoop (verse 14)—in actual fact, this particular instruction has been taken literally by Jehovah’s Witnesses in their door to door evangelizing.

So, are we to understand that Peter was to never minister to Gentiles?

Wasn’t it Peter in Acts 10 to whom God was clearly showing that he should now minister to all people, not only the Jews?  Acts 10 is also sacred Scripture.

            History is quite clear that Peter did go to Rome as a part of his ministry 

and that he most probably became a martyr there.  I hope this helps clarify, David.  The bonus volume to the “Experiencing the Word” series provides basic keys to understanding the Bible.  If you did not receive a copy with your subscription we’ll be happy to send you one.  God bless you.

            In Christ,

            Greg Albrecht