Peter

*Peter’s story is told in the Gospels and the book of Acts

Who Is Peter?

  1. Background Information
    • Originally named Simon, Jesus later renamed him “Peter” which means “rock.”
    • Brother of Andrew, another disciple of Jesus.
    • A fisherman by trade.
    • Lived in Bethsaida and Capernaum.
  2. Role in the New Testament
    • Present in all four Gospels, the Acts of the Apostles, and has two epistles attributed to him.
    • Considered the leader of the apostles.
    • Traditionally seen as the first Pope in Catholic tradition.

Strengths and Accomplishments

  1. Strong Faith
    • Walked on water at Jesus’ command, though briefly (Matthew 14:29).
    • Made the groundbreaking confession recognizing Jesus as the Messiah (Matthew 16:16).
  2. Leadership and Influence
    • Took the lead in finding a replacement for Judas Iscariot (Acts 1:15-26).
    • Delivered the first Christian sermon on the Day of Pentecost, converting 3,000 people (Acts 2:14-41).
  3. Miracles
    • Healed a lame man at the temple gate (Acts 3:1-10).
    • Raised Tabitha from the dead (Acts 9:36-43).
  4. Spiritual Insight
    • Received a vision that led to the gospel being spread to Gentiles (Acts 10:9-15).

Weaknesses and Mistakes

  1. Impulsivity
    • Tried to dissuade Jesus from going to Jerusalem, earning a rebuke (Matthew 16:23).
    • Cut off the ear of a servant during Jesus’ arrest (John 18:10).
  2. Lack of Faith and Doubt
    • Sank while walking on water due to doubt (Matthew 14:30).
    • Denied Jesus three times before the rooster crowed, despite promising loyalty (Matthew 26:69-75).

Lessons from His Life

  1. Power of Redemption
    • Despite his denial and flaws, he was restored by Jesus after the Resurrection (John 21:15-19).
  2. Faith Involves Risk
    • His willingness to step out of the boat and walk on water teaches us the value of faith amidst uncertainty.
  3. Leadership Requires Humility
    • His transformation from a boisterous fisherman to a humble leader highlights the importance of character development in leadership.

Key Verses (NIV Version)

  • Matthew 16:16: “Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.'”
  • Matthew 14:29: “Come,’ he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.”
  • John 21:19: “Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, ‘Follow me!'”
  • Acts 2:38: “Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'”