Peter was one of the 12 Disciples of Jesus Christ. Peter was the question asker and the Disciple spokesman. He saw Jesus heal and heard Him teach. He ate with Jesus, walked with Him, touched Him, sang with Him and saw the dust on Jesus' feet. He saw the Glory of Jesus and saw Him suffer. Then Peter saw the resurrected Jesus, and watched Him ascend.
Let us just look at his experiences as he walked with Jesus from day to day when Jesus was on earth, and then look at what he taught after Jesus went back to Heaven. Of course his words were given through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
We, of course, have not included all that he did or that he taught. We want to look at Jesus through Peter's eyes. What did Peter see and learn? What can we learn?
PETER'S CALL BY JESUS. - Matthew 4:18-20 "And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. ::: And He said unto them, Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men. ::: And they straightway left their nets, and followed Him."
~~~ Peter and his brother, I am sure, had seen Jesus and heard Him speak and knew that He was for real. They would not have left all to follow someone that they had doubts about. ~~~
PETER FELL AT JESUS' KNEES. - Luke 5:1-11 "And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon Him to hear the word of God, He stood by the lake of Gennesaret, ::: And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets. ::: And He entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And He sat down, and taught the people out of the ship. ::: Now when He had left speaking, He said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. ::: And Simon answering said unto Him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at Thy word I will let down the net. ::: And when they had this done, they enclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. ::: And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. ::: When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. ::: For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken: ::: And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men. ::: And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed Him."
~~~ What a powerful miracle Jesus performed for Peter and all these hard working fishermen. This beautiful Scripture in Luke is the only Gospel that mentions Peter falling at Jesus' knees at the time of his calling. ~~~
PETER RECEIVES A VISIT FROM JESUS IN HIS HOME. - Matthew 8:14-15 "And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, He saw his wife's mother laid, and sick of a fever. ::: And He touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them."
~~~ Jesus had compassion on people, and on the mother-in-law of Peter. He cared about her and healed her. Peter must have been very blessed by this. This is an example to us, to be compassionate. ~~~
PETER SENT ON A MISSION WITH THE OTHER DISCIPLES. - Matthew 10
~~~ He was sent forth as sheep in the midst of wolves, to be wise as a serpent, harmless as a dove. (vs.16) He was to preach, heal, raise the dead, cast out demons, etc. (vs. 7-8) Peter must have shook his head at this assignment given to him and the others from Jesus, the Master. To heal, to raise the dead, along with teaching. Not something a local fiserman would do everyday. ~~~
PETER WALKS ON WATER. - Matthew 14:28-33 "And Peter answered Him and said, Lord, if it be Thou, bid me come unto Thee on the water. ::: And He said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. ::: But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. ::: And immediately Jesus stretched forth His hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? ::: And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. ::: Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth Thou art the Son of God."
~~~ Enthused enough to walk on water, but he became afraid, giving in to the danger around him. But he knew Who to call on for help. It is easy for us to get our eyes off our Source, too, and get fixed on what is around us. Thankfully, Christ forgives and reaches out to us to help us move on in life. ~~~
PETER DOESN'T UNDERSTAND WHAT JESUS MEANS. - Matthew 15:15-16 "Then answered Peter and said unto Him, Declare unto us this parable. ::: And Jesus said, Are ye also yet without understanding?"
~~~ Peter was with Jesus every day, yet still did not understand everything Jesus taught. He needed further explanation from Jesus. We have Christ's Words available to us and can pray for help in understanding it. The Holy Spirit, given to us, teaches. (Ephesians 3:16 1 Corinthians 2:12-13) ~~~
PETER BELIEVES JESUS IS THE SON OF GOD. - Matthew 16:13-16 "When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, He asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? ::: And they said, Some say that Thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets. :::He said unto them, But whom say ye that I am? ::: And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God."
~~~ Peter knew he was not walking and eating and talking with an ordinary person. He accepted Him as the Son of the living God. But at this point, he did not understand that Jesus had to die and actually rebuked Jesus for saying that He was going to be killed and raised the third day. (Matthew 16:21-23) Jesus says to him, "Get behind me, Satan." ~~~
PETER BLESSED BY JESUS AND CALLED A ROCK. - Matthew 16:17-18 "And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but My Father which is in heaven. ::: And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."
~~~ Father in Heaven spoke to Peter's heart about Who Jesus was. Jesus blessed Peter and called him a rock. Peter, among others, was the beginning of Christ's church and the church will stand and the gates of hell will not defeat it. This verse did not make Peter a pope. Christ is the Rock. (Psalm 31:2-3) ~~~
PETER SEES THE GLORY OF JESUS. - Matthew 17:1-8 "And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, ::: And was transfigured before them: and His face did shine as the sun, and His raiment was white as the light. ::: And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with Him. ::: Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. ::: While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is My beloved Son, in Whom I am well pleased; hear ye Him. ::: And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid. ::: And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid. ::: And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only."
~~~ Peter saw Christ in His Glory. What an experience!! When Father spoke from Heaven, he fell on his face and was afraid. Jesus had compassion of Him and touched him and the fear left. Peter, the fisherman, sees Moses and Elijah, men of God whom Peter had only heard about in the synagogue scroll readings. Can you imagine what an experience that was for him!! ~~~
PETER CATCHES A FISH WITH MONEY IN IT. - Matthew 17:24-27 "And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your Master pay tribute? ::: He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers? ::: Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free. ::: Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for Me and thee."
~~~ Peter obeyed Jesus and witnessed a miracle. Jesus taught him a lesson, using a fish and a coin. Peter was to perfom miraces himself later, calling on the Name of Christ, the Giver of Miracles. (Acts 3:1-11 is one example.) ~~~
PETER IS CONCERNED ABOUT FORGIVENESS. - Matthew 18:21-22 "Then came Peter to Him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? ::: Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven."
~~~ Peter knew Who to ask about forgiveness. He got an answer, too. Forgiveness must be a part of a Christian's attitude. ~~~
PETER ASKS WHAT HIS REWARD WILL BE. - Matthew 19:27 ::: "Then answered Peter and said unto Him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed Thee; what shall we have therefore?"
~~~ Peter gets a little interested in his rewards. Takes a look at all that he has given up for Jesus. Rewards for Christ's followers are mentioned. (Revelation 11:18 is one reference.) ~~~
PETER DECLARES HIS LOYALTY TO CHRIST - Matthew 26:35 "Peter said unto Him, Though I should die with Thee, yet will I not deny Thee. Likewise also said all the disciples."
~~~ Peter makes a commitment to Christ. At this point he was willing to die for Christ, and told Christ that he would never deny Him, but later he did. (Matthew 26:69-75) ~~~
PETER SLEEPS WHILE JESUS PRAYS. - Matthew 26:45-46 "Then cometh He to His disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. ::: Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me."
~~~ Peter couldn't stay awake with Jesus. He fell asleep. How strong is our own prayer life? How much and often do we pray? ~~~
PETER CUTS OFF SOMONE'S EAR. - Matthew 26:51 "And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest's, and smote off his ear."
~~~ Peter wakes up enough and gets fired up enough to cut off someone's ear. ~~~
PETER FOLLOWS JESUS AFAR OFF. - Matthew 26:58 "But Peter followed Him afar off unto the high priest's palace, and went in, and sat with the servants, to see the end."
~~~ "to see the end" is interesting. He did follow Jesus, though. He didn't run off. He must have been in turmoil as what Christ had foretold, became reality, unfolding before his eyes. ~~~
PETER DENIES JESUS. - Matthew 26:69-75 "Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee. ::: But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest. ::: And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth. ::: And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the Man. ::: And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech betrayeth thee. ::: Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the Man. And immediately the cock crew. ::: And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny Me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly"
~~~ Peter realized Christ knew he would deny Him and had told him he would. Peter wept when he realized that he had denied Christ. Christ's shed blood allows for forgiveness of sin. Peter was forgiven and so are we when we repent as Peter did. ~~~
PETER RUNS TO THE TOMB OF JESUS. - Luke 24:12 "Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass."
~~~ What relief to Peter that Jesus was possibly alive. He ran to see for himself, he didn't want to take anyone else's word for it. When he saw Jesus die, he must have lost hope, but the possibility of Christ having risen got Peter to wondering and stirring hope within him again. ~~~
PETER SEES RESURRECTED JESUS. - Luke 24:34 "Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon."
~~~ The Lord appeared to Peter and of course Peter had told everyone. Can you imagine what the reunion was like!!! ~~~
PETER GOES FISHING. - John 21:3-11 "Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing. ::: But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus. ::: Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No. ::: And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes. ::: Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher's coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea. ::: And the other disciples came in a little ship; (for they were not far from land, but as it were two hundred cubits,) dragging the net with fishes. ::: As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread. ::: Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught. ::: Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken."
~~~ The Disciples went back to fishing, not realizing the task Jeus was to assign them, to spread the Gospel. When Peter realized the Lord was on shore, he jumped into the water to get to Him as fast as he could. Again Jesus performs a miracle for them. They went from no fish after fishing all night to so many it was amazing the net didnt' break, so it didn't take long for them to realized that only their Master could do that. ~~~
PETER'S CONVERSATION WITH RISEN CHRIST. - John 21:15-23 "So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou Me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love Thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. ::: He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou Me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love Thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. ::: He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou Me? Peter was grieved because He said unto him the third time, Lovest thou Me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. ::: Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. ::: This spake He, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He saith unto him, Follow Me. ::: Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? ::: Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? ::: Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou Me. ::: Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?"
~~~ Peter was given a work to do for His Lord. He was told what would happen to him later in life concerning his death, but in the meantime, he was to do as he was commanded by Christ. Peter preached the Gospel in many countries but ended his life on earth in Martyrdom. You can imagine the reunion of Peter and His Master when Peter entered His Presence. ~~~
PETER'S TEACHING IN FIRST AND SECOND PETER
THE TRIAL OF YOUR FAITH IS MORE PRECIOUS THAN GOLD. - 1 Peter 1:7 "That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:"
~~~ He knew after seeing Christ take on His body the sins of the world, that there were to be trials for him and all others that were to believe. A testing of their faith in Jesus Christ. But a looking to Christ's appearing again on earth. (Revelation 3:18 - "I counsel thee to buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see." Revelation 3:19 - "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.") ~~~
IN CHRIST THERE IS JOY UNSPEAKABLE. - 1 Peter 1:8 "Whom having not seen, ye love; in Whom, though now ye see Him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:"
~~~ Joy - a fruit of the indwelling Christ. A fruit of the Spirit. ~~~
GOD'S WORD LIVES FOREVER. - 1 Peter 1:23 "Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever."
~~~ After having walked and talked with Jesus, he knew the Living Word, personally, and the written word as spoken and taught by Jesus. He knew both were eternal. ~~~
DESIRE GOD'S WORD TO GROW SPIRITUALLY. - 1 Peter 2:2 "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:"
~~~ Peter know that a person needs to desire the Word, the only way to grow to be like Jesus. Jesus had taught the disciples the Scriptures day by day. ~~~
HEREUNTO WERE YOU CALLED. - 1 Peter 2:21 "For even hereunto were you called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:"
~~~ Peter didn't just preach, he followed Christ's example unto his own death. He was martyred for following the call of Jesus Christ. Though you don't hear it mentioned in Churches, Christians all over the world, who are presently following Jesus Christ, are being persecuted and killed, and this will continue until Jesus Christ returns to Earth. ~~~
CHRIST BORE OUR SINS IN HIS OWN BODY ON THE TREE. - 1 Peter 2:24 "Who His own Self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by Whose stripes ye were healed."
~~~ Peter knew what the crucifixion of Christ was all about. He knew all about Isaiah 53. He knew that being forgiven meant being dead to sin and living a righteous life. ~~~
THE FACE OF THE LORD IS AGAINST THOSE WHO DO EVIL. - 1 Peter 3:12 "For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and His ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil."
~~~ The Lord is always watching out for His righteous ones and hearing their prayers, but He is against the evildoers. ~~~
CHRIST IS GONE INTO HEAVEN, AND IS ON THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD WITH ANGELS AND POWERS BEING SUBJECT TO HIM. - 1 Peter 3:22 "Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto Him."
~~~ Peter knew where Jesus went when He left earth. He knew what authority He had and Who He was. ~~~
THE END OF THINGS IS AT HAND, THEREFORE BE SOBER-MINDED AND PRAY. HAVE FERVENT LOVE FOR ONE ANOTHER. - 1 Peter 4:7-8 "But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. ::: And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins."
~~~ The end is coming, in the meantime, be careful, watch, pray and love one another. Too often the command to love one another is overlooked. Note here that this love for one another is to be a fervent love, meaning with warmth and glowing. ~~~
BE HUMBLE, GOD RESISTS THE PROUD. - 1 Peter 5:5 "Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble."
~~~ Peter teaches to be humble. God knows who is humble and who isn't. He exercises His grace accordingly. ~~~
CAST ALL YOUR CARE ON CHRIST, HE CARES FOR YOU. - 1 Peter 5:7 "Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you."
~~~ Peter knew Christ's compassion very well, he had seen it day after day as he walked and talked with Jesus. He knew himself where to go for compassion. He knows where to tell others to go, too. ~~~
THE DEVIL WALKS AROUND SEEKING TO DEVOUR. - 1 Peter 5:8 "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:"
~~~ Peter knew first hand about the powers of the devil. It was not a joke to him, he said be sober and vigilant. ~~~
GIVE DILIGENCE TO MAKE YOUR CALLING SURE. - 2 Peter 1:10 "Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:"
~~~ Peter takes the calling of Christ seriously and reminds others to do so, too. ~~~
GOD DID NOT SPARE THE ANGELS THAT SINNED. - 2 Peter 2:4 "For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;"
~~~ Peter knew about hell and knew about the angels who had fallen and that they would be judged. He heard many things taught by Jesus. ~~~
THE LORD IS NOT SLACK CONCERNING HIS PROMISES. - 2 Peter 3:9 "The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."
~~~ God the Father keeps His promises. He wants all to come to repentance and to be saved from perishing. ~~~
BE PERSONS OF HOLY LIVING AND GODLINESS. - 2 Peter 3:11 "Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,"
~~~ Peter teaches that eternity is ahead and gives advice on how to live. ~~~
LOOK FOR THE COMING OF THE DAY OF GOD. - 2 Peter 3:12 "Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?"
~~~ Look for the day - it is coming!! ~~~
GROW IN GRACE AND IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF CHRIST. - 2 Peter 3:18 "But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and for ever. Amen."
~~~ Peter says to grow to be like the Lord and in His knowledge. He is eternal and He is all glory. ~~~
REFERENCES TO PETER IN ACTS
Acts 1:9 - Saw Jesus ascend to Heaven.
Acts 1:15 - Peter leads in choosing Matthias.
Acts 2:14 - Peter at Pentecost.
Acts 2:43 - Along with other Disciples, he performed signs and wonders.
Acts 3:3 - Peter and John went to the temple and healed a lame man.
Acts 4:8 - Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, spoke.
Acts 4:13 - The boldness of Peter was evidence that he had been with Jesus.
Acts 5:3,8,9 - Peter's dealing with Ananias and Sapphire.
Acts 5:15 - People expect shadow of Peter to heal.
Acts 5:18-20 - Imprisoned with other Apostles.
Acts 5:29 - Peter's answer to council - "Obey God, not man"
Acts 5:40-42 - Beaten but rejoiced as he taught and preached Jesus daily in temple and in houses.
Acts 8:14 - Peter and John sent to Samaria to pray for Holy Ghost to be received.
Acts 8:22 - Peter told Simon to repent.
Acts 9:36-43 - Peter healed Dorcas and many believed.
Acts 10:5 - Cornelius' vision - Lord told him to send for Peter.
Acts 10:9-48 - Peter prayed on the housetop.
Acts 11:2-3 - Peter faced with eating with Gentiles in Jerusalem.
Acts 12:3-4 - Peter in prison.
Acts 15:7-11- Elders and Apostles disputed with Paul and Barnabus on circumcision.
REFERENCES TO PETER IN GALATIANS
Galatians 2:11-14 - Peter and Paul disputed over eating with Gentiles.
Galatians 1:18 - Paul went to Jerusalem to see Peter and stayed 15 days, 3 years after his conversion.
Galatians 2:7-9 - Peter was to give Gospel to Jews. Christ working in Peter. Peter a pillar.
