Peter…
As we begin our meditations on 1 Peter, it seems fitting that his text begins with his name. Since this “book” of the Bible is a letter, Peter follows the tradition of letter writing used two thousand years ago. Today we would begin with, “Dear Sir and/or Madam,” or something similar. Not until the end of the letter would our signature reveal who the author is. In Peter’s time, that was not the case. He begins, “Peter…” and then continues with a description of his credentials. Only then does he tell us who he is writing to.
We know quite a bit about Peter from New Testament accounts. Matthew’s gospel account provides a great deal of detail. We know that Peter has a brother named, Andrew. (Matthew 4: 18) Andrew is also called to be a disciple of Jesus and an Apostle. We are told that Peter is a fisherman. (Also Matthew 4:18) This fact alone tells us a lot about Peter. From this, we can know that his work is hard physical labor. We know that he can sail a boat and that he is not afraid of the water. Matthew 8:14 offers us some more information about Peter. He owns a house. He is or was married because he has a mother-in-law.
The picture we see of Peter is one of an everyman. He works hard, has a home, has a family and friends. From later passages about him, we learn that he tends to put his foot in his mouth (Matthew 16:23). We also learn that his impulsiveness sometimes works to his favor and ours (Matthew 16:16).
There is one other thing we know about him by inference: He has a good heart. He was, after all, chosen by Jesus to be one of his closest disciples. Luke tells the story of how Peter comes to be a disciple in Luke 5:1-11.
Peter has worked all night and caught nothing. He and others are washing nets when Jesus shows up. Jesus, followed by a crowd, steps into Peter’s boat. He tells Peter in essence, ‘Stop what you are doing and move the boat out from shore so I can use it for a speaking platform.’ Peter does this and then he waits patiently in the boat while Jesus teaches the people. We can imagine what he is thinking all this time. There are nets to be cleaned, the boat has to be secured, and he needs to get home and get some rest before he does it all again in the evening. Instead, he waits. What happens next changes his life forever.
Application: Whatever your personality is like, we can all practice the same patience and humility we see in Peter.
Food for Thought: How is Peter typically thought of and does this perception do him justice?
Based on comments I have heard, and thought, I think many see Peter as impetuous with foot in mouth disease. There may be some truth to that, but he was also a man who knew he was a sinner in desperate need. He was a leader. And while he was rebuked by Jesus he also had amazing insight that the Lord praised. He gave everything to follow Jesus and died for his faith and was used to change many lives. I respect him and see him as a role model to imitate.
Thank you, Rich.
I have the same impression. We sometimes focus on his gaffes and forget how absolutely ordinary he is.
Peter was pretty shaky while a disciple following Jesus, however Jesus did not tell him to get away from me. Instead He corrected and encouraged Peter. Jesus specified Peter should be told of His resurrection. Empowered with the Holy Spirit, Peter was used to save 3,000 souls, and later received the vision, the Gospel to be given to all men.
I see Peter as possibly being a picture of every (or most) new believer(s) as we grow in Christ. We can also look to Jesus as our example of how He seeks to use each of us as we walk along side the new, shaky believers.
1,) First to call Jesus the Messiah, Mark 8:29, Luke 9:20 and Matthew 16:16-17.
2.). Felt unworthy to be in Jesus’ presence, Luke 5:6-8.
3.). Left everything behind to follow Jesus, Luke 5:11.
4.). Jesus told Peter and Andrew He would make them fishers of men, Mark 1:17.
5.). Walked on the water to Jesus, Matthew 14:28-29
6.) Compared Jesus to Moses, and Elijah at transfiguration “build 3
tabernacles” ,Matthew 17:4
7.). Slept while Jesus prayed Garden of Gethsemane, Matthew 26:36-56.
8.). Drew sword attacked servant of high priest, John 18:10
9.) Boasted he would never forsake Jesus, Matthew 26:33
10.) Denied that he even knew the Lord Matthew, 26:70-74.
11.) Walked on the water to Jesus, Matthew 14:28-29.
12.) Took eyes off Jesus, began to sink, Matthew 14:30.
13.) Jesus called Peter, the “Rock,” Matthew 16:18-19, instrumental in establishing the Church.
14.) Jesus named Peter as one who needed to hear, Mark 16:7.
15.) First proclaimed the Gospel on the day of Pentecost 3,000 believed, Acts 2:14-47.
16.) First to take the Gospel to the Gentiles, Acts 10:1-48.
Wow Ron!!!
Thank you for the wonderful outline. What a great walk through Peter’s life! You make a great point when you distinguish between Peter as a new believer and one who has received the Holy Spirit. That process is repeated every time a person bows their heart before the Lord and receives his healing Grace. The “before” and “after” can be quite amazing.
Interesting the way events in Peters life unfold. It’s almost like head knowledge moving into heart knowledge, and becoming the power that determines our way of life, as we move from believing to knowing. Jesus does ask Peter “who do you say I am” to which Peter responds “You are the Christ”, Matthew 16:17, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, because flesh and blood (mortal man) did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.” So Peters knowing Jesus as the Christ came from the Father, just as our faith comes from the Holy Spirit. God ways are beyond ours.
Amen! 🙂
Amen 🙏👍🏻