Activities of Peter the Apostle

Peter was a leader among the Twelve Apostles.

The Apostle Peter was among the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ. This inner circle of 12 men worked in close association with Jesus during his ministry. The Holman Bible Dictionary refers to him as "the devoted, but fallible follower of Christ." His given name was Simon. Christ gave him the name "Peter," which is the translation of a Greek word meaning "rock." The activities of Peter's life and ministry demonstrate the grace of God and the potential of a life devoted to Christ.

A Fisher of Men

Peter the fisherman, in response to the personal call of Jesus, left everything to serve Christ in full time ministry. The incident of his call is recorded in Matthew 4:18-20 and Luke 5:1-9. Luke adds the details that Jesus used Peter's boat as a pulpit due to a large crowd of people gathering to hear him teach. Through the occasion of a miraculous catch of fish after following Jesus' instructions to re-cast his nets, Peter discerned his glory. He responded by expressing repentance and "forsook all and followed him," Luke writes, becoming as Jesus described it, now a "fisher of men."

Walking on the Water

Matthew records, in Matthew 14:25-32, the well-known occasion of Jesus walking on the water of the Sea of Galilee to meet his disciples in boat as they crossed to the other side. Peter called to the Lord and stepped out of the boat, himself too walking on the water. Upon seeing the wind and the waves he began to sink but called out to Jesus, who lifted him up. This incident typifies the importance of keeping your focus on Christ.

The Great Confession

Then, as today, many people have an opinion about who Jesus is. Jesus asked his disciples, as recorded in Matthew 16:13-20, who men said he was. "A prophet" and "John the Baptist raised from the dead" were among the replied. Peter, however, at the revelation of God, declares that Jesus is God's Son. Jesus commends his insight and promises power and authority to the church based on this revelation of his true identity.

The Great Slip

Peter, only a short time after his great confession of Christ's deity, is rebuked by the Lord for Satanic thinking. That is, after hearing from Jesus about Jesus' impending suffering and death, Peter says that can never be. Jesus replied, "Get behind me Satan," recorded in Matthew 16:21-23. This text serves as warning that we must guard our thought life and be mindful of the devil's power to influence our thinking.

The Transfiguration

Peter was among three disciples who were allowed to witness Jesus in radiant glory on what is called "The Mount of Transfiguration." The incident is recorded in Matthew 17:1-8. He, along with the others, are instructed by Jesus to withhold their testimony of this revelation until Jesus has been raised from the dead.

A Promise Broken - A Ministry Restored

During the Last Supper, as recorded in Matthew 26, Jesus warned his disciples that one of them was about to betray him. The disciples naturally wondered who it was and each in turn promised allegiance to Jesus. Chief among then was Peter who went so far as to indicate his willingness to even die for the Lord. Jesus prophesied that Peter, before the rooster crowed, would deny him three times. This happened, as recorded in Matthew 26:69-75. Peter, the text says, wept bitterly. Jesus, however, restored Peter to full ministry status according to John 21:15-19. This demonstrates the mercy of God despite our failings.

A Pillar In the Church

After the resurrection and ascension of Jesus, Peter remained a leading figure in the Christian movement. His great sermon on the day of Pentecost resulted in 3,000 conversions (Acts 2:14-40). He withstood great threat and persecution remaining faithful to the ministry (Acts 4:1-21 and 5:17-32). In obedience to the Holy Spirit he bridged the racial divide between Jews and Gentiles (Acts 10:1-48). His ministry was marked by miracles of healing (Acts 3:1-7 and 5:12-14) and revelation (Acts 5:1-11). Peter's failures, successes and evident growth reveal the hand of God's grace. His life and activities serve as an encouragement to seek God's grace and to never give up.

References

• Holman Bible Dictionary: Peter: Mikeal C. Parsons: 1991
• Holy Bible New King James Version: 1982

Resources

• The Life and Letters of the Apostle Peter: Jeff Asher: 2000