The Apostle Peter
| “As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting their nets into the lake for they were fishermen. ‘Come follow me,’ Jesus said.” (Matthew 4:18ff).
Simon Peter was born into a family of fishermen from Galilee. He was born (circa 1 BC to 1 AD) in the city of Bethsaida in Galilee. His father’s name was John (Jona). This family were partners with the Zebedee family (James and John and their father) in the fishing business and evidently very successful. |
| The Names: Peter (petros, Greek); Cephas; Simon (eon) |
| According to the Apostle Peter Biography: Timeline, Life and Death, fishermen in their day were “gruff, unkempt, vile, shabbily dressed, and often used vulgar language.” They continued, “The first century fishermen were a man’s man . . . with boisterous tempers.” This description fits the “brashness” characteristic of the man we know as the Apostle Peter. How did he change?
Peter was approximately thirty years old when he was called by our LORD to be a disciple (follower) of the One who is called the Messiah. A Jewish man but a ruff and tuff fisherman on Lake Gennesaret. (a/k/a Kinnereth, Tiberias and Galilee). The lake (sea) is the lowest freshwater lake in the world with a depth of some 140 feet at its deepest. It measures thirteen miles long by 8.1 miles wide (thirty-three miles in circumference). Luke’s gospel recounts the calling of Peter in a more defined way. After people were listening to Jesus as the water’s edge, he noticed two boats left by the fishermen. They were cleaning the nets. Jesus got into one of the boats (belonging to Simon) and asked him to put out a little from the shore. As he did, Jesus taught the people from the boat. When he finished, Jesus said to Simon, “Put out into the deep waters, and let down your nets for a catch.” Simon replied, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything.” Due to Jesus’ request, he followed. The result: they caught a large number of fish that their nets were breaking and had to signal their partners for assistance. When Simon saw this, he fell to his knees and said, “Go away from me LORD; I am a sinful man.” As you would expect, all the fishermen were astonished. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will catch men.” (Luke 5). Yes, I am reminded that “With God nothing is impossible.” That event was the beginning of a change in the man from “Brash to Bold.” But there’s more to come. Just as the moon waxes and wanes, so did the Apostle Peter and his comrades. The “Dirty dozen,” were anything but Jewish scholars of the faith. Several were fishermen, one tax collector and the balance of unknown prior experience. But it was God himself who made the choice to collect this group in their three-year OJT (on-the-job training). Peter, as one of the first called, was a leader of the 12 and often would put his foot in his mouth. Regardless of his brashness, he was a successful businessman in the fishing industry, yet he dropped his nets and left his boat(s) and followed Jesus! Luke 9 begins to unfold this training process as Jesus sends out the twelve. But He did so with all the power and authority of the Almighty to drive out demons, cure diseases, and to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. They took no provisions, yes, no bag of tricks, just the power of the Almighty. So, they did as Jesus had asked, and they were successful, and so much so that, Herod the Tetrarch heard of their success. He had already beheaded John the Baptist and thought he had eliminated the threats! Wrong! Luke does not tell us of the disciple’s exuberance, but one can only assume they were ecstatic. Well, even with this successful journey, they were not quite in the total realization of God’s Son, Jesus and His power as the Son of Man. When they returned from their field training, we are told of a miraculous feeding of a multitude of people with seemingly no source of food. Jesus and his disciples went to Bethsaida with an ever-increasing crowd following. Late in the day, the disciples were concerned, and approached our LORD, “Send them away,” they said. But where would they go in this remote place? Well, the answer was clearly in our LORD’s mind as He was to show His disciples how the power of God was more than the world could imagine. With the 5,000 men (total number unknown), they began to distribute the five barley loaves and two fish to this immense crowd. The LORD had given thanks for the food prior to its distribution and when all was said and done, there were leftovers described as “12 basketfuls of broken pieces.” Following this miraculous feeding, the LORD asked them, “Who do the crowds say I am?” Their answers varied, but St. Peter said, “The Christ of God.” Walla! St. Mark interjects an event following this great feeding. Jesus instructed his disciples to get into their boat and go ahead of him to Bethsaida. Following his solitary prayer, He approached their boat while walking on the water. Prior to his walk, the winds were up on the Sea of Galilee and the disciples were straining with the oars. Jesus was about to pass by them when they saw him walking on the water and thought He to be a ghost. They cried out and were terrified. After Jesus said, “It is I,” Peter requested that the LORD beg him to come out to him on the water. And Jesus said, “Come.” And Peter did, but then his faith sank as did he in the water, and cried out, “Lord save me.” “Take courage,” he said. Then he climbed into the boat with them and the wind died down (God’s command over nature). But Mark reminds us that they had not understood about the loaves and fish miracle. |
The Image of God and “The Law and the Prophets”
The insiders of the disciples were about to see the Glory of God. Our LORD took with him Peter, James and John as He led them up a high mountain. Interestingly, none of the threesome asked, “Where are we going?”
When they reached the pinnacle, Jesus was transformed into His full glory. St. Matthew says, “His face shone like the sun,” while Mark says, “His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach.” And lo and behold, there also appeared Moses and Elijah, representing the Law and the Prophets. These two great saints were talking to Jesus. Peter was the first to speak as usual suggesting that shelters should be erected representing the three. And then a cloud (shekinah) enveloped them and a voice saying, “This is my Son whom I love. Listen to Him!”
Peter and his colleagues continued to talk about the prior day’s discussion concerning Jesus’ death and resurrection. But undoubtedly, this transfiguration had to make a lasting impression on them – confirming that Jesus is the Son of God, and the Messiah promised long ago.
Ready or Not!
The time has come for the LORD to be delivered over to the Scribes and Pharisees and ultimately to death’s door via the shameful cross.
The triumphal entry was short-lived. Passover was now before them. Jesus had instructed his disciples to prepare a place for their Passover meal. Jesus said to them, “One of you will betray me.” And one by one they said, “Surely not I?” The meal was complete along with the Hallel psalmody (Ps 113-118).
Jesus predicts their fleeing including Peter. Peter in particular was in denial that he would not fall away even if all the others did. But Jesus said, “Before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times.” But again, Peter was in denial.
Gethsemane brought Jesus’ pursuers and his arrest. St. John’s account tells us it was Peter (the brash one) who drew his sword and struck the high priest’s servant cutting off his right ear. Jesus performs His last miracle prior to His death by healing the servant’s ear. Matthew’s account tells us that all the disciples deserted him and fled.
Peter’s denial happened just as Jesus had predicted. Peter was in the courtyard while Jesus was being tried before the Sanhedrin. A servant girl recognized Peter as one who was Jesus’ followers. Each time he vehemently denied. Following his last denial, he remembered Jesus’ words; and he went outside and “Wept bitterly.”
The miracle of the resurrection is the final step in our salvation. Jesus had indeed conquered death and had shown Himself to Satan himself indicating total victory over sin. St. Luke tells us that the 11 did not believe the women that the grave was empty and that He indeed had risen. But, our man Peter, “Got up and ran to the tomb.” When he saw the strips of linen, he too wondered what had happened?
Jesus’ personal appearance to the disciples that Easter evening followed a miraculous entry. We’re told that He just stood among them. Period! His words are what some have called, “The Great Sermon.” “Peace be with you.”
With Jesus’ ascension approaching, he meets with a few of his disciples by the Sea of Galilee. At least seven disciples are mentioned in John’s account. Peter and others went out fishing. And while out fishing, Jesus appeared on the shore, and at first unrecognizable. Jesus inquired as to their catch to which they replied, “Nothing.” He said, “Throw out your nets on the other side.” Their catch was so large that they were unable to haul the net in. Then John said to Peter, “It is the LORD!”
Peter was able to bring in the catch of 153 fish. And without any damage to their nets! Jesus had a fire roaring with fish cooking and some bread.
Peter’s Reinstatement & Ascension
Having finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Do you truly love me?” Peter replied, “Yes LORD, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” This occurred three times. This process of three questions and replies corresponds to the three times that Peter denied his Lord just days before.
His final words to Peter were “Follow me!” Isn’t that interesting, as it’s the same words he said to them when they were selected as his disciples three years prior.
Shortly thereafter, Jesus’ returned to His throne of glory at the right hand of God. And as He left, He gave us this Great Commission – Go, Teach, Baptize and Make disciples – of ALL nations with a promise to be with us always, to the close of the age. (Matt. 28:18-20).
Following the LORD’s ascension, Luke tells us in his opening verses of Acts, that two men (angels) appeared and stood beside the disciples, and reminded them that just as Jesus has ascended to His throne, He will return again in the same manner.
Pentecost – Jew and Gentile
Enter the Bold Peter. No more is this fisherman the brash man of old. For he has seen God himself in the person of Jesus, the Messiah. Leviticus twenty-three spells out the Festival of Weeks that concludes with Pentecost (50th day). Moses said, “Count off fifty days up to the day after the seventh Sabbath and then present an offering of new grain to the LORD.” This is one of the required festivals where Jews were to come to God’s Holy City and celebrate.
Now Luke tells us of the first Pentecost following our LORD’s passion. Acts 2 recounts how God’s Holy Spirit descended on those in attendance – from every nation under heaven. And then the new Peter speaks up. This Peter was eloquent, not the brash fisherman of old, rather one of God’s spirited leaders who is now empowered to take the Good News of Jesus Christ to all the world. Peter quotes multiple Old Testament prophesies, especially Joel concluding with, “And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.” (Joel 2:26ff).
Following his sermon, the people asked, “What shall we do?” And Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven.” And Luke tells us, “The LORD added to their number daily those who were being saved.”
This Pentecost added numbers, but it gave the eleven added courage to broadcast the Good News. Their preaching was not without consequences. The Sadducees in particular were upset since they did not believe in the resurrection. Peter and John were dragged before the Jewish leaders as they questioned the disciple’s authority. Peter once again, filled with the Holy Spirit, boldly professes Jesus as the Savior of the world. “Salvation is found in no one else,” says Luke in Acts 4.
The Jewish leaders were astonished we’re told as these men were unschooled, ordinary men. Once again, the leaders told them to stop speaking, and teaching in the name of Jesus. But Peter said, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”
The second Pentecost came latter and is often called, “The Gentile Pentecost.” Luke again recounts the story of a God-fearing man named Cornelius from Caesarea. He was a centurion and was very generous to those in need and prayed to God often. He was told in a vision to send for Peter who could be found in Joppa. Peter too had a vision advising him that some men would be approaching him to go with them to the centurion’s house. Peter was reluctant as they were gentiles. His repeated vision reminded Peter that nothing God-made is impure, and it is okay to eat!
Peter obeyed and went with the men who arrived with a message to bring him to Caesarea. At the centurion’s house, Peter makes a statement that will echo throughout the new “Christian” believers. He said, “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism, but accepts men from every nation who fear him; and do what is right.” (Acts 10:34).
This second Pentecost is what the church in Jerusalem needed. In a short time, Paul (f/k/a Saul) along with Barnabas were sent off from Antioch to be missionaries to the Gentiles in Asia Minor and beyond. News reverberated to Jerusalem that Paul was allowing Gentiles without being circumcised. What followed was the Jerusalem conference where Paul stated his case to the church leaders including Jesus’ brother, James. The boldness of Peter’s statement that God wants all to be saved, yes, even Gentiles, set a precedent that allowed the Jerusalem church to prepare a letter to be delivered to the established churches of Paul and Barnabas.
The Writings of Peter
Much has been written regarding who wrote what and when. Some would argue that the Gospel of Mark is actually the Gospel of Peter. Early historians claim that Peter dictated his discipleship with Jesus to John Mark who penned the gospel. We know that Mark was a companion of Peter’s for many of his later years. Mark’s gospel is detailed of what appears to be eye witnessing which Mark did not observe.
Then we come to the two general epistles labeled I and II Peter. Modern scholars have rejected the authorship of Peter. Some of the arguments against Peter’s authorship come from Acts where it seems to describe Peter as an illiterate fisherman.
Peter’s travels around vary with theologians and some even disputing his travel, and eventual death, in Rome. I Peter, however, refers to Babylon which was a common nickname for Rome at the time. The reason was the harsh persecution by the Roman emperor Nero toward the Christians. Only God knows, and regardless, it is not the man but by way of man’s inspiration from the Spirit of God who writes.
Precious
As I conclude my study of the Brash and the Bold states of Peter, I have been taken by Peter’s use of the word, “Precious” in his general epistles. According to my research, there are 12 Hebrew words that come into the Greek translation for honor, payment, valuables, royal dignity and honorable conduct. (https://greekwordstudies.blogspot.com).
As I checked my concordance, I found multiple O.T. references for the use of the word precious: Psalm 19:10; 72:14; 116:15; 119:72 and 139:17; Proverbs 8:11 and Isaiah 28:16. The last reference was used in I Peter 2:6. But, in all these cites, we see that the O. T. authors refer to God’s laws and ordinances as more precious than gold or silver. The blood of the righteous is precious in God’s sight. Wisdom is more precious than rubies.
The Greek word for precious is timios. It can be used as a verb or a noun/adjective. As a noun or adjective, it means precious, dear, highly esteemed or costly. St. Peter uses the word precious on five occasions in his two epistles. Paul’s beloved disciple Timothy is a compound word from timios and theos. As such. it means, “esteemed of God.”
Peter’s writings describe four things of great value deserving the highest honor and respect, says greekwordstudies.blogspot.com.
Let’s begin in 1 Peter 1:7: Our faith is precious
- Faith is greater worth than gold.
Next is 1 Peter 1:19: blood is precious
- For you know that it was not with perishable things . . . but with the precious blood of Christ.
Next is 1 Peter 2: 4, 6: Son is precious
- As you come to him, the living Stone – rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to Him.
Finally, 2 Peter 1:4: Promises are precious.
- His divine power has given us everything we need for life . . . through these He has given us His great and precious promises.
The Faces of a Christian
The face of the Christian changes when he or she is endowed with the Holy Spirit having come to faith in Jesus Christ the Savior of the world. The Old Testament reminds us that God’s people waxed and waned in their faith; and trust in the One True God who called them to be His people as emissaries. God promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob that He is the I AM and that all other gods are worthless. And proved it many times.
In modern times, we too are called to “follow me” as through the Word, we are prompted to leave our worldly gods; and trust only in Him who is the creator, redeemer, and sanctifier of our lives. As unbelievers, we too can be brash like Peter in our lives; but the Holy Spirit transforms us by faith and gives us the bold spirit of one who knows and believes in Jesus Christ, the only True God and Savior of the world. Let us not revert to our former ways or have the two faces of Janus the ancient god as we continue to walk in faith along the road of righteousness that was won for us on the cross by Jesus himself, the Messiah of the world.
Peace
Connected in Him, I stand
GHR
