Wednesday Night Notes; 11/4/2026
Peter
Introduction:
In John 21, we see Jesus talking to Peter and teaching him to feed His Sheep (the
church).
Feeding is instructing, training, strengthening through the Word of GOD!
We are going to study what Peter taught the church. How he fed the sheep then and
now!
But we need to understand the man PETER before we study what he taught the
church!
John introduces us to a man who was called by Jesus, struggled with his own
weaknesses, denied his Lord, and was eventually restored and commissioned to
shepherd and feed God's people.
He will be a disciple that also becomes a great Apostle and Shepherd.
When we open the letters of Peter, we encounter something remarkable.
The man who once struggled to stand firm is now teaching the Church how to
stand firm in 1 and 2 Peter!
1 and 2 Peter were written in Peter’s final years of living and especially 2 Peter!
The man that ran and denied Jesus has become a true Apostle and became a rock in
the church, just as Jesus had forementioned by telling him he would be called Peter.
But we must understand that before he writes 1 and 2 Peter, he had a journey to
encounter after Jesus’ ascension into Heaven!
In the book of John we saw Peter’s call, mishaps, fear, failure, fight and repentance and
restoration.
Now he is ready for his journey.....and before we delve into his letters to the church in 1
and 2 Peter as an Elder and matured Apostle of Jesus Christ feeding the church, we
need to look at his journey in the Book of Acts!
If we look at the “Making of Peter”, it will give us a better understanding of the authority
of his writings.
Know the man first and experience his journey and then hear his message to the
church.
Peter’s Background:
He was not necessarily a poor uneducated man....he ran a commercial fishing business.
He was the boss and would have to be discipled to submit! (this is a perfect picture of
all of us.....learning to submit.)
Jesus calls Him Cephas early in their relationship and while Cephas/Peter mean stone
or rock, he was far from being that in his relationship and personality.
In fact, he demonstrates the opposite through the gospels as he is learning submission.
He is impulsive, sometimes fearful, outspoken, and confrontational.
Jesus saw what Peter could become before Peter ever demonstrated that he could
become it. (Aren’t you glad God doesn’t see us just as we are but as we shall
become.)
Home and Family life
We must remember Peter was not a single, unattached disciple with nothing to leave
behind.
He had a family, a home and a business. By all standards, he was doing well.
When we get to 1 Peter 3, he teaches us about husbands and wives!
In Matthew 8 you see Peter healing his mother-in-law.
1 Cor 9 – He was an apostle that had the right to trave with his believing wife.
NOW we start seeing the cost of his calling.
This call affected his family, life, future and livelihood.
(Christianity requires sacrifice.)
Peter's personality before Pentecost
The Gospels give us enough evidence to observe several prominent characteristics in
Peter's personality.
Characteristic Biblical example
Bold Asked Jesus to command him to walk on water (Matthew
14:28)
Impulsive Drew his sword against Malchus (John 18:10)
Passionate Declared his willingness to die with Jesus (Matthew
26:33–35)
Questioning Asked how often he should forgive (Matthew 18:21)
Spiritually
perceptive Confessed Jesus as the Christ (Matthew 16:16)
Vulnerable to fear Denied Jesus three times (Luke 22:54–62)
Willing to repent Wept bitterly after his denial (Luke 22:62)
One of the most interesting characteristics of Peter was that his courage was not always
accompanied by spiritual maturity.
He had the courage to draw a sword against an armed group yet later feared
acknowledging Jesus before others.
There was a difference between the willingness to fight for Jesus and the willingness to
suffer for Jesus.
That distinction becomes extremely important when studying 1 Peter.
The man who once tried to prevent Jesus from suffering would eventually write
extensively about the importance of suffering faithfully for Jesus.
Relationship with Jesus
A disciple and part of his inner circle.
As a member of that inner circle HE saw the transfiguration, walking on water,
Gethsemane, personal restoration.
His commission
In John 21, Peter receives a pastoral commission directly from Jesus.
In 1 Peter 5, he passes that responsibility to other church leaders.
What Jesus taught Peter personally, Peter later taught the Church collectively.
The three stages of Peter's spiritual development
I would divide Peter's life into three major periods.
Stage One: Peter the disciple — learning to follow/submission and maturity
Approximately AD 27–30/33, depending on the chronology adopted
In this stage, Peter was being taught and corrected.
He was learning the difference between his own understanding and the purposes of
God.
One example is Matthew 16.
Peter correctly identifies Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God. Yet shortly
afterward, when Jesus speaks of His coming death, Peter rebukes Him.
Jesus responds in Matthew 16:23:
"...thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men."
Peter had received an extraordinary revelation about Christ's identity, but he did not yet
fully understand Christ's mission.
Spiritual revelation does not automatically produce spiritual maturity.
Stage Two: Peter the apostle — empowered to lead
From Pentecost through the early decades of the Church
Acts 2 records the pivotal event in Peter's ministry.
Having received the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, Peter stands and preaches Jesus Christ to
the people gathered in Jerusalem.
Acts 2:14 says:
"But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them..."
Consider the contrast.
Before Pentecost, Peter denied knowing Jesus.
After Pentecost, Peter openly proclaimed Jesus to the very community in which Jesus
had been condemned.
Luke also describes a man who now possesses increasing spiritual understanding,
courage, and leadership.
However, we should be careful not to suggest that Peter became flawless at Pentecost.
Galatians 2:11–14 records Paul confronting Peter over conduct inconsistent with the
truth of the gospel.
Peter remained a man in need of correction and continued growth.
Stage Three: Peter the elder — preparing others to endure
The later years of his ministry
This is the Peter we encounter in his letters.
He is no longer primarily the student asking Jesus questions.
He is the experienced apostolic leader offering instruction, encouragement, correction,
and warnings to the Church.
Notice how he describes himself in 1 Peter 5:1 (KJV):
"The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the
sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:"
Peter identifies himself as:
A fellow elder.
A witness of Christ's sufferings.
A participant in the promise of future glory.
He possesses apostolic authority yet addresses other elders as a fellow elder.
This is a very different picture from the man who once argued with the other disciples
over greatness.
It is especially meaningful in light of his instruction in 1 Peter 5:3 against being "lords
over God's heritage."
Peter had learned that spiritual leadership involves shepherding rather than dominating.
Peter’s life in Action - Acts
Central Theme: The Book of Acts will show us the spiritual development of Peter as he
moves from being a disciple of Jesus to becoming an apostolic leader who strengthens
or feeds the church.
Introduction
Scripture: John 21:15–19
We concluded our study of John's Gospel with Jesus restoring Peter and commanding
him to feed His sheep. (this is the journey we will now take, watching Peter become a
feeder of the sheep.)
But Peter's story did not end with his restoration. It was the beginning of a new chapter
in his ministry.
In the Gospels, we watched Peter learn from Jesus.
In Acts, we watch Peter serve Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit.
In his letters, we hear Peter feed the sheep or instruct the Church from years of
experience.
Jesus had told Peter in Luke 22:32:
"...and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren."
The book of Acts shows us how Peter began fulfilling that responsibility and his writings
will put it all into summarization for us!
1. A Different Peter – Acts 1-2
We see a different Peter NOW!
IN 1 he assumes a leadership role, and leads the group in replacing Judas.
IN 2 he receives the baptism in the HG and then stands up and preaches and
3000 people get saved.
2. A man under pressure – Acts 3-5
Acts 4:19-20
"...Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto
God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and
heard."
What happened?
In Acts 3, Peter and John encounter a lame man at the temple gate called
Beautiful.
Peter declares:
"Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus
Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk." — Acts 3:6
The man is healed, providing Peter an opportunity to preach Jesus.
However, this miracle leads to opposition.
In Acts 4, Peter and John are arrested and questioned by the religious
authorities.
Peter boldly proclaims that salvation is found only in Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12).
In Acts 5, the apostles are arrested again, and Peter declares:
"We ought to obey God rather than men." — Acts 5:29
What changed in Peter? He goes from the sword of the flesh to the sword of the
spirit.
Later in 1 Peter he will instruct us on suffering for righteousness, something he
had experienced.
3. A leader still learning. Acts 8-10
We are always learning and must always be open to correction and direction.
Key Scripture: Acts 10:34–35
"Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no
respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh
righteousness, is accepted with him."
What happened?
In Acts 8, Peter and John travel to Samaria, where they pray for believers to
receive the Holy Spirit.
In Acts 9, Peter ministers healing to Aeneas and raises Dorcas from the dead.
In Acts 10, God gives Peter a vision that challenges his understanding of what is
clean and unclean.
Peter is then directed to the home of Cornelius, a Gentile centurion.
There, Peter proclaims Christ, and the Holy Spirit falls upon the Gentiles.
This is a significant turning point in Peter's understanding of the gospel.
What changed in Peter?
Peter already knew Jesus was the Messiah.
He had already preached at Pentecost.
He had witnessed miracles and endured persecution.
Yet he was still learning the full implications of God's redemptive plan.
Through the vision and his encounter with Cornelius, Peter came to understand
more fully that God was receiving Gentiles through faith in Jesus Christ.
Teaching Principle: Being spiritually empowered does not mean we have reached
complete spiritual understanding.
God may continue correcting our assumptions, challenging our traditions, and
enlarging our understanding of His Word.
Connection to 1 Peter: In 1 Peter 2:9–10, Peter describes believers as a chosen
generation, a royal priesthood, and a holy nation.
His instruction reflects the shared identity of God's people in Christ.
Application: Are we willing to allow Scripture and the Holy Spirit to correct long-
held assumptions, even after years of ministry?
4. The cost of the calling - Acts 12
Key Scripture: Acts 12:5
"Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the
church unto God for him."
What happened?
Herod begins persecuting members of the Church.
James, the brother of John, is killed by the sword.
Peter is arrested and imprisoned, with soldiers guarding him.
While Peter is imprisoned, the Church prays earnestly for him.
During the night, an angel of the Lord awakens Peter and leads him out of prison.
What do we learn about Peter?
By this time, Peter understood that following Jesus involved more than preaching
sermons and witnessing miracles.
It also involved opposition, hardship, and the possibility of death.
Notice that Acts 12:6 describes Peter sleeping between two soldiers.
Luke does not explicitly explain Peter's state of mind, but he was sleeping.
The passage clearly shows Peter's dependence upon God's deliverance rather
than his own ability to escape.
An important contrast
James was killed, but Peter was delivered.
Both men were faithful apostles.
This reminds us that God's faithfulness cannot be measured simply by whether
He delivers us from suffering.
Teaching Principle: Faithfulness to God does not guarantee freedom from
persecution, but suffering does not mean God has abandoned His people.
Connection to 1 Peter: In 1 Peter 4:12–13, Peter teaches believers not to
consider fiery trials strange but to rejoice insofar as they share in Christ's
sufferings.
The man who had experienced persecution now encourages others who are
suffering.
5. Strengthening the Brethren — Acts 15; Galatians 2
10 Minutes | From Being Corrected to Correcting and Strengthening Others
Key Scripture: Acts 15:8–9
"And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy
Ghost, even as he did unto us; And put no difference between us and them,
purifying their hearts by faith."
What happened?
In Acts 15, the early Church confronts a serious doctrinal question.
Must Gentile believers be circumcised and keep the law of Moses in order to be
saved?
Peter addresses the gathering and reminds them of what God had done among
the Gentiles.
He points to the Holy Spirit being given to the Gentiles and emphasizes that
salvation comes through the grace of Jesus Christ.
Peter is now helping the Church understand and defend the gospel.
However, Galatians 2:11–14 describes another important event.
Paul confronts Peter because Peter had withdrawn from eating with Gentile
believers out of fear of those associated with the circumcision group.
Although Peter had previously defended the inclusion of Gentiles, his conduct at
Antioch was inconsistent with the gospel he proclaimed.
What do we learn about Peter?
Peter was an apostle.
He had been personally discipled by Jesus.
He had received the Holy Spirit.
He had preached powerful sermons and witnessed extraordinary miracles.
Yet he was still capable of making mistakes.
His spiritual authority did not place him beyond correction.
Teaching Principle: Spiritual maturity does not mean we become incapable of
error. It means we must remain accountable to the truth of God's Word.
This principle should be especially meaningful to everyone entrusted with
spiritual leadership.
No amount of ministry experience removes our responsibility to remain humble,
teachable, and obedient.
Connection to 2 Peter: In 2 Peter 3:18, Peter commands believers to continue
growing in grace and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Growth is not simply something new believers need. It is a lifelong responsibility.
Conclusion —
As we prepare to enter 1 and 2 Peter, consider the man we have followed
through Scripture.
In the Gospels In Acts In his letters
Peter learns from
Jesus.
Peter proclaims
Jesus.
Peter instructs the
Church.
Peter experiences
failure.
Peter endures
persecution.
Peter teaches
faithfulness in suffering.
Peter is corrected. Peter continues
growing.
Peter warns and
strengthens believers.
Peter is told to feed
the sheep.
Peter helps
shepherd the
Church.
Peter commands elders
to feed God's flock.
The Peter who writes these letters is not merely a man possessing apostolic
authority.
He is a man who has experienced the grace, correction, empowerment, and
faithfulness of God throughout his life.
Return to Jesus' words in Luke 22:32:
"...and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren."
Now read 1 Peter 5:10:
"But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ
Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen,
settle you."
Peter had become a man who could strengthen others because he had
personally experienced the strengthening grace of God.
And that is how I would introduce his letters.
We have followed Peter through the Gospels and Acts. Now we are ready to
hear what this apostle has to say to the Church.
Closing thought: God did not finish working in Peter when He called him, when
He restored him, or even when He filled him with the Holy Spirit. Peter's life was
Introduction:
In John 21, we see Jesus talking to Peter and teaching him to feed His Sheep (the
church).
Feeding is instructing, training, strengthening through the Word of GOD!
We are going to study what Peter taught the church. How he fed the sheep then and
now!
But we need to understand the man PETER before we study what he taught the
church!
John introduces us to a man who was called by Jesus, struggled with his own
weaknesses, denied his Lord, and was eventually restored and commissioned to
shepherd and feed God's people.
He will be a disciple that also becomes a great Apostle and Shepherd.
When we open the letters of Peter, we encounter something remarkable.
The man who once struggled to stand firm is now teaching the Church how to
stand firm in 1 and 2 Peter!
1 and 2 Peter were written in Peter’s final years of living and especially 2 Peter!
The man that ran and denied Jesus has become a true Apostle and became a rock in
the church, just as Jesus had forementioned by telling him he would be called Peter.
But we must understand that before he writes 1 and 2 Peter, he had a journey to
encounter after Jesus’ ascension into Heaven!
In the book of John we saw Peter’s call, mishaps, fear, failure, fight and repentance and
restoration.
Now he is ready for his journey.....and before we delve into his letters to the church in 1
and 2 Peter as an Elder and matured Apostle of Jesus Christ feeding the church, we
need to look at his journey in the Book of Acts!
If we look at the “Making of Peter”, it will give us a better understanding of the authority
of his writings.
Know the man first and experience his journey and then hear his message to the
church.
Peter’s Background:
He was not necessarily a poor uneducated man....he ran a commercial fishing business.
He was the boss and would have to be discipled to submit! (this is a perfect picture of
all of us.....learning to submit.)
Jesus calls Him Cephas early in their relationship and while Cephas/Peter mean stone
or rock, he was far from being that in his relationship and personality.
In fact, he demonstrates the opposite through the gospels as he is learning submission.
He is impulsive, sometimes fearful, outspoken, and confrontational.
Jesus saw what Peter could become before Peter ever demonstrated that he could
become it. (Aren’t you glad God doesn’t see us just as we are but as we shall
become.)
Home and Family life
We must remember Peter was not a single, unattached disciple with nothing to leave
behind.
He had a family, a home and a business. By all standards, he was doing well.
When we get to 1 Peter 3, he teaches us about husbands and wives!
In Matthew 8 you see Peter healing his mother-in-law.
1 Cor 9 – He was an apostle that had the right to trave with his believing wife.
NOW we start seeing the cost of his calling.
This call affected his family, life, future and livelihood.
(Christianity requires sacrifice.)
Peter's personality before Pentecost
The Gospels give us enough evidence to observe several prominent characteristics in
Peter's personality.
Characteristic Biblical example
Bold Asked Jesus to command him to walk on water (Matthew
14:28)
Impulsive Drew his sword against Malchus (John 18:10)
Passionate Declared his willingness to die with Jesus (Matthew
26:33–35)
Questioning Asked how often he should forgive (Matthew 18:21)
Spiritually
perceptive Confessed Jesus as the Christ (Matthew 16:16)
Vulnerable to fear Denied Jesus three times (Luke 22:54–62)
Willing to repent Wept bitterly after his denial (Luke 22:62)
One of the most interesting characteristics of Peter was that his courage was not always
accompanied by spiritual maturity.
He had the courage to draw a sword against an armed group yet later feared
acknowledging Jesus before others.
There was a difference between the willingness to fight for Jesus and the willingness to
suffer for Jesus.
That distinction becomes extremely important when studying 1 Peter.
The man who once tried to prevent Jesus from suffering would eventually write
extensively about the importance of suffering faithfully for Jesus.
Relationship with Jesus
A disciple and part of his inner circle.
As a member of that inner circle HE saw the transfiguration, walking on water,
Gethsemane, personal restoration.
His commission
In John 21, Peter receives a pastoral commission directly from Jesus.
In 1 Peter 5, he passes that responsibility to other church leaders.
What Jesus taught Peter personally, Peter later taught the Church collectively.
The three stages of Peter's spiritual development
I would divide Peter's life into three major periods.
Stage One: Peter the disciple — learning to follow/submission and maturity
Approximately AD 27–30/33, depending on the chronology adopted
In this stage, Peter was being taught and corrected.
He was learning the difference between his own understanding and the purposes of
God.
One example is Matthew 16.
Peter correctly identifies Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God. Yet shortly
afterward, when Jesus speaks of His coming death, Peter rebukes Him.
Jesus responds in Matthew 16:23:
"...thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men."
Peter had received an extraordinary revelation about Christ's identity, but he did not yet
fully understand Christ's mission.
Spiritual revelation does not automatically produce spiritual maturity.
Stage Two: Peter the apostle — empowered to lead
From Pentecost through the early decades of the Church
Acts 2 records the pivotal event in Peter's ministry.
Having received the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, Peter stands and preaches Jesus Christ to
the people gathered in Jerusalem.
Acts 2:14 says:
"But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them..."
Consider the contrast.
Before Pentecost, Peter denied knowing Jesus.
After Pentecost, Peter openly proclaimed Jesus to the very community in which Jesus
had been condemned.
Luke also describes a man who now possesses increasing spiritual understanding,
courage, and leadership.
However, we should be careful not to suggest that Peter became flawless at Pentecost.
Galatians 2:11–14 records Paul confronting Peter over conduct inconsistent with the
truth of the gospel.
Peter remained a man in need of correction and continued growth.
Stage Three: Peter the elder — preparing others to endure
The later years of his ministry
This is the Peter we encounter in his letters.
He is no longer primarily the student asking Jesus questions.
He is the experienced apostolic leader offering instruction, encouragement, correction,
and warnings to the Church.
Notice how he describes himself in 1 Peter 5:1 (KJV):
"The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the
sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:"
Peter identifies himself as:
A fellow elder.
A witness of Christ's sufferings.
A participant in the promise of future glory.
He possesses apostolic authority yet addresses other elders as a fellow elder.
This is a very different picture from the man who once argued with the other disciples
over greatness.
It is especially meaningful in light of his instruction in 1 Peter 5:3 against being "lords
over God's heritage."
Peter had learned that spiritual leadership involves shepherding rather than dominating.
Peter’s life in Action - Acts
Central Theme: The Book of Acts will show us the spiritual development of Peter as he
moves from being a disciple of Jesus to becoming an apostolic leader who strengthens
or feeds the church.
Introduction
Scripture: John 21:15–19
We concluded our study of John's Gospel with Jesus restoring Peter and commanding
him to feed His sheep. (this is the journey we will now take, watching Peter become a
feeder of the sheep.)
But Peter's story did not end with his restoration. It was the beginning of a new chapter
in his ministry.
In the Gospels, we watched Peter learn from Jesus.
In Acts, we watch Peter serve Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit.
In his letters, we hear Peter feed the sheep or instruct the Church from years of
experience.
Jesus had told Peter in Luke 22:32:
"...and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren."
The book of Acts shows us how Peter began fulfilling that responsibility and his writings
will put it all into summarization for us!
1. A Different Peter – Acts 1-2
We see a different Peter NOW!
IN 1 he assumes a leadership role, and leads the group in replacing Judas.
IN 2 he receives the baptism in the HG and then stands up and preaches and
3000 people get saved.
2. A man under pressure – Acts 3-5
Acts 4:19-20
"...Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto
God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and
heard."
What happened?
In Acts 3, Peter and John encounter a lame man at the temple gate called
Beautiful.
Peter declares:
"Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus
Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk." — Acts 3:6
The man is healed, providing Peter an opportunity to preach Jesus.
However, this miracle leads to opposition.
In Acts 4, Peter and John are arrested and questioned by the religious
authorities.
Peter boldly proclaims that salvation is found only in Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12).
In Acts 5, the apostles are arrested again, and Peter declares:
"We ought to obey God rather than men." — Acts 5:29
What changed in Peter? He goes from the sword of the flesh to the sword of the
spirit.
Later in 1 Peter he will instruct us on suffering for righteousness, something he
had experienced.
3. A leader still learning. Acts 8-10
We are always learning and must always be open to correction and direction.
Key Scripture: Acts 10:34–35
"Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no
respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh
righteousness, is accepted with him."
What happened?
In Acts 8, Peter and John travel to Samaria, where they pray for believers to
receive the Holy Spirit.
In Acts 9, Peter ministers healing to Aeneas and raises Dorcas from the dead.
In Acts 10, God gives Peter a vision that challenges his understanding of what is
clean and unclean.
Peter is then directed to the home of Cornelius, a Gentile centurion.
There, Peter proclaims Christ, and the Holy Spirit falls upon the Gentiles.
This is a significant turning point in Peter's understanding of the gospel.
What changed in Peter?
Peter already knew Jesus was the Messiah.
He had already preached at Pentecost.
He had witnessed miracles and endured persecution.
Yet he was still learning the full implications of God's redemptive plan.
Through the vision and his encounter with Cornelius, Peter came to understand
more fully that God was receiving Gentiles through faith in Jesus Christ.
Teaching Principle: Being spiritually empowered does not mean we have reached
complete spiritual understanding.
God may continue correcting our assumptions, challenging our traditions, and
enlarging our understanding of His Word.
Connection to 1 Peter: In 1 Peter 2:9–10, Peter describes believers as a chosen
generation, a royal priesthood, and a holy nation.
His instruction reflects the shared identity of God's people in Christ.
Application: Are we willing to allow Scripture and the Holy Spirit to correct long-
held assumptions, even after years of ministry?
4. The cost of the calling - Acts 12
Key Scripture: Acts 12:5
"Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the
church unto God for him."
What happened?
Herod begins persecuting members of the Church.
James, the brother of John, is killed by the sword.
Peter is arrested and imprisoned, with soldiers guarding him.
While Peter is imprisoned, the Church prays earnestly for him.
During the night, an angel of the Lord awakens Peter and leads him out of prison.
What do we learn about Peter?
By this time, Peter understood that following Jesus involved more than preaching
sermons and witnessing miracles.
It also involved opposition, hardship, and the possibility of death.
Notice that Acts 12:6 describes Peter sleeping between two soldiers.
Luke does not explicitly explain Peter's state of mind, but he was sleeping.
The passage clearly shows Peter's dependence upon God's deliverance rather
than his own ability to escape.
An important contrast
James was killed, but Peter was delivered.
Both men were faithful apostles.
This reminds us that God's faithfulness cannot be measured simply by whether
He delivers us from suffering.
Teaching Principle: Faithfulness to God does not guarantee freedom from
persecution, but suffering does not mean God has abandoned His people.
Connection to 1 Peter: In 1 Peter 4:12–13, Peter teaches believers not to
consider fiery trials strange but to rejoice insofar as they share in Christ's
sufferings.
The man who had experienced persecution now encourages others who are
suffering.
5. Strengthening the Brethren — Acts 15; Galatians 2
10 Minutes | From Being Corrected to Correcting and Strengthening Others
Key Scripture: Acts 15:8–9
"And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy
Ghost, even as he did unto us; And put no difference between us and them,
purifying their hearts by faith."
What happened?
In Acts 15, the early Church confronts a serious doctrinal question.
Must Gentile believers be circumcised and keep the law of Moses in order to be
saved?
Peter addresses the gathering and reminds them of what God had done among
the Gentiles.
He points to the Holy Spirit being given to the Gentiles and emphasizes that
salvation comes through the grace of Jesus Christ.
Peter is now helping the Church understand and defend the gospel.
However, Galatians 2:11–14 describes another important event.
Paul confronts Peter because Peter had withdrawn from eating with Gentile
believers out of fear of those associated with the circumcision group.
Although Peter had previously defended the inclusion of Gentiles, his conduct at
Antioch was inconsistent with the gospel he proclaimed.
What do we learn about Peter?
Peter was an apostle.
He had been personally discipled by Jesus.
He had received the Holy Spirit.
He had preached powerful sermons and witnessed extraordinary miracles.
Yet he was still capable of making mistakes.
His spiritual authority did not place him beyond correction.
Teaching Principle: Spiritual maturity does not mean we become incapable of
error. It means we must remain accountable to the truth of God's Word.
This principle should be especially meaningful to everyone entrusted with
spiritual leadership.
No amount of ministry experience removes our responsibility to remain humble,
teachable, and obedient.
Connection to 2 Peter: In 2 Peter 3:18, Peter commands believers to continue
growing in grace and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Growth is not simply something new believers need. It is a lifelong responsibility.
Conclusion —
As we prepare to enter 1 and 2 Peter, consider the man we have followed
through Scripture.
In the Gospels In Acts In his letters
Peter learns from
Jesus.
Peter proclaims
Jesus.
Peter instructs the
Church.
Peter experiences
failure.
Peter endures
persecution.
Peter teaches
faithfulness in suffering.
Peter is corrected. Peter continues
growing.
Peter warns and
strengthens believers.
Peter is told to feed
the sheep.
Peter helps
shepherd the
Church.
Peter commands elders
to feed God's flock.
The Peter who writes these letters is not merely a man possessing apostolic
authority.
He is a man who has experienced the grace, correction, empowerment, and
faithfulness of God throughout his life.
Return to Jesus' words in Luke 22:32:
"...and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren."
Now read 1 Peter 5:10:
"But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ
Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen,
settle you."
Peter had become a man who could strengthen others because he had
personally experienced the strengthening grace of God.
And that is how I would introduce his letters.
We have followed Peter through the Gospels and Acts. Now we are ready to
hear what this apostle has to say to the Church.
Closing thought: God did not finish working in Peter when He called him, when
He restored him, or even when He filled him with the Holy Spirit. Peter's life was
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