by Steve Hale
"Simon Peter, a bond servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have obtained like precious faith with us by.. the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ" ( 2 Peter 1:1, NKJV).
Peter was the son of a man named Jonah ( Matthew 16:17), which is commonly
abbreviated John in the Scriptures ( John 1:42; 21:15-17). Peter was a native of Bethsaida ( John 1 :44), but lived in Capernaum during the time of our Lord's Galilean ministry ( Mark 1:21, 29).
As a young Jew, Peter was given a contemporary elementary education, and was a fisherman by trade. Perhaps this is why Luke calls Peter and John unlearned and ignorant ( Acts 4:13). The Sanhedrin would label anyone like this ignorant given to their arrogant allegiance to rabbinical traditions.
Peter was a partner in the fishing business with
James and John ( Luke 5:7). Their partnership and similiarity with one another may be a contributing factor as to why these men formed the inner circle of disciples ( Matthew 17:1ff.).
Peter was a married man ( Mark 1:30; 1 Corinthians 9:5), which in and of itself rejects the doctrine of celibacy' (1 Tim. 4:1-3). As affirmed by Paul, not only Peter, but the other apostles also had wives ( 1 Corinthians 9:5). Even the Lord's own. brothers had wives!
Peter, for this reason alone, could not have been the first Pope, as per Catholicism. Also, the rock upon which the church is built is not Peter, but the confession that Peter made: ''You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God" ( Matthew 16:16-18). Paul plainly said the foundation of the church is Christ ( 1 Corinthians 3:11).
Peter, it seems, was a natural leader, a man willing to take on responsibility. He had no authority over the other apostles, however, as is evident about their constant arguments as who was the greatest ( Matthew 20:2028; Mark 9:33-34). Jesus alone was their recognized leader.
Peter interacted with our Lord in reference to: (1) payment of the temple tax ( Matthew 17:24-27); (2) the limits of forgiveness ( Matthew 18:21ff.); (3) reminding Jesus that they had left all to follow Him ( Matthew 19:27; Mark 10:28); (4) the withered fig tree ( Mark 11:21); asked the Lord about the Temple ( Mark 13:3). We will examine more details about this great champion of the faith next week
The above article appeared in the Mt. Juliet Messenger, March 26, 1995.
by Steve Hale
Throughout the Lord's ministry, Peter demonstrated an impetuous, yet dedicated demeanor. With John, he was commissioned to prepare the Passover ( Luke 22:8), yet rebuked the Lord for washing his feet ( John 13:1-17). He even rebuked Jesus in reference to the death on the cross ( Luke 22:31-34).
He went to the Garden with Jesus, along with James and John, but slept while on watch ( Mark 14:33-42). He sought to defend Jesus, but was rebuked ( John 18:10-11). As the other disciples, he fled when Jesus was taken, but followed from afar. He was admitted into the High Priest's courtyard, put shamefully denied he knew the Lord three times ( Mark 14:66-72). The look of Jesus broke his heart and he went out and wept bitterly ( Luke 22:61-62).
On the morning of the resurrection, Peter and John ran to the Tomb to investigate the report of Mary Magdalene ( John 20:1-10). Somewhere during that day, Jesus appeared to Peter ( 1 Corinthians 15:5).
Being with the disciples at the Lord's Post Resurrection appearances no doubt strengthened Peter's resolve as to His mission in the early church. He was present at Christ ascension ( Acts 1:12), and was the principle speaker at Pentecost ( Acts 2:14-40). With John, he healed the lame man ( Acts 3:1-4:21), the first apostolic miracle to arouse persecution.
Peter was used to expose the sin of Ananias and Sapphira ( Acts 5:1-12), and his esteem is designated with the sick being brought out into the streets for just his shadow ( Acts 5:13-16). Peter spoke for the 12 as they were arraigned before the Sanhedrin ( Acts 5:17-41).
With John, Peter was sent to give the miraculous measure of the Spirit by the laying on of the apostles' hands ( Acts 8:14-24). While going through Judaea, Peter healed Aeneas and raised Dorcas from the dead ( Acts 9:32-43). It was Peter who was sent to the household of Cornelius ( Acts 10-11). Peter was criticized by those wanting to enforce circumcision on the Gentiles ( Acts 11:1-18).
During the persecution against the church by Herod Agrippa I (A.D. 44), Peter was delivered from prison by miraculous intervention ( Acts 12:1-19). Peter was at the Jerusalem Council ( Acts 15:6-29), but his inconsistent conduct brought a public rebuke from Paul ( Galatians 2:1-11) at Syrian Antioch.
Lord willing, we will next look at Peter's later life.
The above article appeared in the Mt. Juliet Messenger, April 2, 1995.
by Steve Hale
As the door opened to the Gentiles, Paul came to prominence and Peter comes to the background. In Acts, Luke last mentions Peter at the Jerusalem conference where Peter stood-up for the Gentiles ( Acts 15:6-29). For the rest of the N.T., references to Peter are brief and few.
When Peter came to Syrian Antioch, Paul publicly rebuked- him for withdrawing from Gentile brethren for fear of Jewish brethren ( Galatians 2:11-21). Perhaps we see in Peter some struggles with his implruous tendencies.
Peter, in his evangelistic tours, took with him his wife ( 1 Corinthians 9:5). This is a far cry from the concept of celibacy and asceticism (I Tim. 4:1c3).
1"he last things we hear of Peter in the New Testament are the epistles that bear his name. In the first epistle, he fortifies the Christians throughout the five provinces of Asia Minor, and encourages them in regard to their suffering for the faith. In the second epistle, he warns them of dangers arising in the body of Christ.
Peter's Death
Following His resurrection, and before ascending to heaven, Jesus made a prediction in regard to Peter's death. The Master said:
"Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.' This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, 'Follow Me'" ( John 21:18,19, NKJV).
This is not talking about our Lord's death, for by this time, He has already endured the cross. Clearly, in the context, Jesus is addressing Peter ( John 21:15ff.). Therefore, here isa startling prediction by Jesus Himself as to the death of Peter.
In July of A.D. 64, Nero started his cruel persecutions of Christians. He accused them of being heretics of the worst sort. His false accusations against them included: (1) Christians are atheists (they would not worship the emperor as god); (2) Christians are d.nnibals (the Lord's Supper); (3) Christians are arsonists (they claim the world will end in fire).
Peter was caught up in this madness, and according to uniform tradition, crucified upside down on an "X" shaped cross. His death fulfilled our Lord's prediction! He was a great champion for Christ!