HISTORY IS FILLED WITH ACCOUNTS OF DISAGREEMENTS. Differing views often arise from either an incorrect or incomplete view of something or someone. For instance, as the Christian era opened, the Gospels record that many who at first followed Jesus eventually found his sayings hard to understand, disagreed with him, or completely misunderstood him. As a result they turned away from him and his teachings (see John 6:66).
Peter, one of Jesus' disciples, recognized him as the long-awaited Messiah. In a burst of spiritual light, Peter said to Jesus, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matt. 16:16). Peter's remarkable recognition of him as the Christ indicated his acceptance of Jesus as the one who was to be the Redeemer of humanity. This correct view enabled Peter to cut through the general misconceptions and disagreements about Jesus and his mission. But later, fear made even Peter run away when Jesus was betrayed and brought to trial (see John 18:25–27). It wasn't until Jesus' resurrection from the grave that Peter and the other disciples gained the clearest view of Jesus' mission and fulfillment of prophecy. And that view enabled them to accomplish remarkable healing works.
After Jesus' ascension, honest disagreement arose among the disciples about following some Jewish religious practices. They also questioned and disagreed with one another about whether or not to take the gospel to both Jew and Gentile (see Acts 11:1–18, Gal. 3:1–29).
