S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

 Simon Peter, also known as Cephas (John 1:42), was one of the first followers of Jesus Christ. He was an outspoken and ardent disciple, one of Jesus' closest friends, an apostle, and a "pillar" of...

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July 01 2013 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jack Gutknecht Supporter Arizona Bible College graduate and Dallas Seminary graduate

Michael said, "It was Peter who boasted that he would never forsake the Lord, even if everyone else did (Matthew 26:33)-and later denied three times that he even knew the Lord (Matthew 26:70-74)." 

Simon Peter was valiant in his admission of confidence in Christ, yet liable of a weakest forsaking (Matt. 16:16; John 6:69; Mark 14:67-71); generous yet slanted towards selfish (Matt. 19:27), and assumption/supposition--My wife always tells me, "Don't assume things!"--audacity, actually (Matt. 16:22; John 13:8; 18:10); but undaunted in his beliefs after he "rose again" --Peter spiritually (Prov. 24:16) after Christhad risen physically (Acts 4:19, 20; 5:28, 29, 40, 42), and especially, where in Acts 5 where it says that Peter "rose again" from his spiritual defeat, now, in boldly preaching Christ: Acts 5:30 "The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead-whom you killed by hanging him on a cross."

So, he was the man who fell but rose again. Proverbs 24:16 "for though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes."

See, too, https://ebible.com/questions/10654-what-does-it-mean-that-a-just-man-falls-seven-times 

I.e. Question: What does it mean that "a just man falls seven times"? 

See Answers: http://ebible.com/questions/10654?ori=664697

June 14 2020 • 2 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

What should we learn from the life of Peter?

Peter had his faults, and Jesus was not blind to those. But Jesus, like his Father, was always looking for the good in people. Jesus saw great potential in Peter, and He sought to help him develop those good qualities. 

Peter often found himself surprised by Jesus. Again and again, Jesus acted and spoke in ways that were contrary to what people expected of Him.

If you were asked to describe Peter, would you immediately think of such characteristics as rash, impetuous, or even presumptuous? Peter did manifest such traits at times. However, would Jesus have selected Peter as one of his 12 apostles if Peter were really a rash, impetuous, or presumptuous man? (Luke 6:12-14) Of course not! Jesus clearly saw past these flaws and perceived Peter's positive qualities.

Peter was a spiritual man. His thirst for knowledge moved him to ask questions. Peter's life has been beneficial to us. Jesus made several profound statements in response to Peter's questions, which have been preserved in the Bible. 

Peter had another fine quality​—he was loyal. When many of the disciples left off following Jesus because they did not understand one of his teachings, it was Peter who spoke up on behalf of the 12 apostles and said: "Lord, whom shall we go away to? You have sayings of everlasting life." (John 6:66-68)

Peter's positive qualities far outweighed his shortcomings.

Peter proved to be a pillar in the early Christian congregation. (Gal. 2:9) He encouraged his brothers by his courageous example at Pentecost and thereafter. Toward the end of his long ministry, he wrote to fellow Christians. Explaining why, he stated: "I have written you in a few words to encourage you and to give an earnest witness that this is the true undeserved kindness of God. Stand firm in it." (1 Pet. 5:12) 

Despite what Peter had seen and heard, he continued to struggle with his weaknesses. Consider a few examples. When Jesus explained how he would suffer and die in fulfilment of Bible prophecy, Peter rebuked him. (Mark 8:31-33) Repeatedly, Peter and the other apostles argued about who was the greatest. (Mark 9:33, 34) On the last night before Jesus' death, Peter impulsively cut off a man's ear. (John 18:10) That same night, Peter gave in to fear and three times denied knowing his friend Jesus. (Mark 14:66-72) That led Peter to weep bitterly.​—Matt. 26:75

Although the Apostle Peter exhorted Christians to "be vigilant with a view to prayers," he himself failed to do so on at least one occasion. He was one of the disciples who fell asleep while Jesus prayed in the garden of Gethsemane. Even after Jesus told them to "keep on the watch and pray continually," they did not do so.​—Read Matthew 26:40-45.

Peter was loyal; he did not let anything cause him to give up permanently. He demonstrated his loyalty on one occasion when Jesus said something that his disciples did not understand. (Read John 6:68, 69.) Without waiting for or seeking an explanation, many stopped following Jesus. But not Peter. He recognised that only Jesus had "sayings of everlasting life."

Peter's inspired letters have continued to be a source of encouragement to Christians throughout the ages and up to this day. How we need this encouragement as we await the fulfilment of God's promises!​—2 Pet. 3:13.

So what can we learn from the life of Peter? A lot, just read his letters and his life account in the book of Acts:

And Peter was loyal; he did not let anything cause him to give up permanently.

Peter and his fellow apostles were privileged to spend time with Jesus and to learn firsthand how he thought. When Peter wrote his first inspired letter, he encouraged Christians to adopt the same mental disposition as that of Christ. (Read 1 Peter 4:1)

19 hours ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report