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The Life of Peter
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I. The Great Peter
Simon Peter, who was called Cephas, was one of the first followers of Jesus Christ. He
was a candid and passionate pupil, one of Jesus' dearest companions, a missionary, and a
"column" of the congregation. Peter was excited, solid willed, rash, and, now and again, reckless.
In any case, for every one of his qualities, Peter had a few failings throughout his life. He
suffered, failed, made poor decisions. All things considered, the Lord still chose him. The Lord
continued to mold him into precisely who He proposed Peter to be. Ultimately, Peter was truly
used by God and fulfilled the purpose for his life. He is an example that in life you can go
through uneventful times, but God can still utilize you for his glory. Peter was used for God’s
glory and compelled many men to Christ.
Apostle Peter bore the most popularity of the twelve disciples during the Jesus’ ministry on
earth. Peter was a very bold apostle of Jesus who witnessed in faith and boldness. Peter had a
very humble beginning. He was born during the period of 1 B.C. and his life came to an end
around A.D. 67. Peter’s original name was Simon. Jesus baptized Simon and called him Peter,
which means “rock”. From the beginning, Peter was a fisherman at Galilee together with his
brother Andrew. These brothers came from Bethsaida. At the time Peter was one of John the
Baptist’s followers and he was also married. Like all other people during his calling, Peter was a
sinful man
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. He was so sinful that he was ashamed to go in the presence of Jesus Christ.
According to the New Testament, Peter was the first disciple to be called by Jesus together with
his brother Andrew.
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The Holy Bible, New International Version. 2000. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House.
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Peter is a man who always put his foot in his mouth. However, the moment Jesus called him
and Andrew and asked them to follow Him, they immediately did so without thinking twice,
leaving everything (Luke 5:9-1). The two brothers literally abandoned everything including all
of their fishing nets, fishing boats, and the accessories that they had carried for their trade.
The life of Peter is full of many inspiring lessons, which we will explore. This article looks into
the life experiences with Peter, the miracles he experienced, the hardships he went through, and
his death. There is hope that these lessons will help us as Christians to grow in the knowledge
and knowledge of Christ according to 2 Peter 3:18.
II. Peter meet Jesus
As fore-mentioned, Peter was one of the first disciples that Jesus called, and he was a
spokesman for the rest both in good and bad. Peter is greatly credited for the special
understanding that he had with regard to the identity of Jesus. He was actually the first apostle to
call Jesus the Son of the Living God, who is the Messiah (Matt. 16:16-17, Luke 9:20, Mark
8:29). After he was called by Jesus, Peter understood that He was one with God and felt that he
was not worthy to be in the holy presence of Jesus
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. Despite all Peter’s shortcoming, Jesus was
not hesitant to call him and his brother saying that He would make them “fishers of men”.
Peter always portrayed boldness, even during the times when he wrong. At one point, Peter
even reprimanded the Lord saying that he had the willingness to die for Jesus despite the fact that
he denied Him during His arrest and trial (Matt. 16:21-22). Jesus had a deep love for the
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Roth, Cecil. “Simon-Peter.” Harvard Theological Review 54, no. 2 (1961): 91–97.
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disciples and He knew the ones that would maintain their loyalty to Him and the ones that would
eventually deceive Him like Judas Iscariot. Apostle Peter witnessed many miracles of Jesus did
and he was also one to witness the Shekhinah Glory during the Transfiguration along with John
and James. It was during this time that the humanity of came to light so as to reveal the glory of
His Divinity.
Peter was among the first apostle to talk about the word of God on the Pentecost day soon
after the power Holy Spirit fell down on the people. He was also the first person to proclaim the
word of God to the Gentiles considering that he was one of the boldest apostles. He was willing
to go through beatings, imprisonment, persecution, and even went to the extent of rejoicing
because he knew that he was worthy to suffer for the sake of the Lord according to Acts 5:41.
Amongst the twelve disciples of Jesus Apostle Peter was one of the most outspoken. In terms
of faith he became one of the boldness witnesses. Apostle Peter had a humble beginnings and
origin. It is said that he was born around 1 B.C and died around 67 B.C. Originally he was
known as Simon. However, his name changed when they met with Jesus here on earth. His name
peter literally means Petra or rock
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. He was a Galilean and he and his brother Andrew were
fishermen. According to john chapter one verses forty three he was born in Bethsaida.
Peter was as well married. Besides, he used to be John the Baptist’s follower. Just like all the
others who preceded his calling, Peter he was a sinful man. In fact, he was shameful of his sins in
the present of Jesus according to Luke chapter five verses six to eight. Of important to note is
that peter and his brother Andrew were the first ones that Jesus called as his disciples. Some of
3
Harvey, A. E. “1 Peter.” Chapter. In A Companion to the New Testament, 734–749. 2nd ed.
Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2004.
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the characteristics of fishermen of the time include; being shabbily dressed, Unkempt, use of
vulgar language and gruff. More so, they were people of boisterous tempers and full of vigor.
One can therefore make an assumption that this is the reason as to why they were referred to as
sons of Thunder in reference to Mark chapter three verses seventeen.
Peter encountered a rough life because of the demanding and tiresome nature of fishing. Due
to furious and fierce storms that they encountered in the sea they were fearless. In fact the storms
could capsize boats more than 20 foot since they caught the fishermen by surprise. When Peter
and Andrew were told to follow Jesus they did so without a second thought. Moreover, they left
everything that they had and followed Jesus
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. That can be found in Luke chapter five verse nine.
Peter mostly acted as their spokesman for the other apostles for good or bad.
Peter had a unique and special insight concerning Jesus Christ. It is noted that he was the
first person who refereed to Jesus as the son of the living God. Similarly, he was the first to refer
Jesus as the Messiah. Such information can be retrieved from Luke 9:12, Mark, 8:29 and
Matthew 16:16-17. When they meet with Jesus he felt unworthy and he knew that He was of
God. That is according to Luke chapter five verse six to eight. When Jesus called him and his
brother he told them that he would teach then to fish men (Luke 1:17).
Even though Peter had this great boldness, he often found himself on the wrong. At one
time he rebuked the lord and he once stated for that he was ready to die on behalf of Jesus Christ.
All the same, during when Jesus was arrested and tried, Peter denied Him not only one time but
4
Lea, Thomas D. and David Alan Black. The New Testament: Its Background and Message, 2nd
ed. Nashville: B & H Academic, 2009.
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thrice Matt. 16:21-22). Jesus advocated for love and so he loved his disciples. As such, he was
aware of those who would be loyal to him and those who would betray him. Judas Iscariot was
the disciple whom betrayed Jesus. On the other hand, Peter witnessed most of the miracles that
were performed by Jesus. Besides, Peter alongside James and john witnessed the transfiguration
of Jesus. It is in the transfiguration that Jesus’ humanity revealed the glory of his dignity.
III. The Great Moments of Peter
One time, Peter was out with the other apostles when the night grew dark and there were
scary and frightening winds. The Disciples of Christ made frantic efforts to row against the
strong winds. Despite all the challenges, all those in the boat had the hope that they would
eventually make it safely to the shore. It was not a strange occurrence for the waters at the Sea of
Galilee to rise suddenly and unexpectedly. For this reason, the sailors on the Sea of Galilee
during that time did not have the opportunity to check the most recent weather report. But they
were familiarized to observing the sky, in such for a familiar sign that could predict the chances
of strong weather conditions.
During the night’s fourth watch, the followers of Jesus were in a grim situation, hammering
waves and struggling against a strong headwind. In the midst of the fear of dying at sea, which is
always a common thing during such a storm, coupled with the laborious, painful chore of rowing
the boat to the harbor, the apostles suddenly got shocked
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. Abruptly, and from nowhere, they
could see a man figure that walked on the water towards them. In fear and surprise they cried out
that it was a ghost. To their surprise, the ghost turned out to be none other than Jesus, their
5
Scott, J. Julius, Jr. Jewish Backgrounds of the New Testament. Grand Rapids: Baker, 2007.
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Master. Immediately Jesus gave them the assurance to stay cheerful and not be afraid because He
was the Lord (Mark 6:50).
As expected, Peter who is ever-impulsive was the first to speak asking the Lord that if it truly
was Him that He command him to go where He was (Matthew 14:28). At that instant, Jesus gave
him the permission to go ahead. However, the events that followed were an indication of God’s
spiritual strength and also bring out the weakness that human beings have. To his credit, Peter
was willing to go on what is a humanly impossible act: to actually walk on water.
On hearing the encouraging and reassuring voice of Jesus, Peter stepped onto the water
while no one else dared to leave the safety and calmness of the boat. Peter then started making
his way toward his Master, and he managed to walk on water with uttermost ease. However,
crashing waves and howling wind soon unfocused his attention. He looked back and started
feeling like he could not make it. It is then that Peter started sinking into the raging sea, causing
panic to set in
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. He was very frightened, and at that moment he looked up to Jesus pleading Him
for salvation (Matthew 14:30). Jesus immediately stretched out His hand catching Peter in a firm
grip. He then offered words of reassuring comfort and instruction saying “O ye man of little
faith, why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14:31). This is one of the most told drama in the Gospels
because it provides us Christians with a powerful lesson regarding faith. It is true that this type of
trust is not easy, and is a gift.
6
Robert H. Gundry, Matthew, A Commentary on His Literary and Theological Art (Grand
Rapids: Eerdmans, 1982) and the second edition entitled, Matthew A Commentary on His
Handbook for a Mixed Church under Persecution (Eerdmans, 1994).
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Besides the story of walking on water, Peter performed multiple miracles and great acts
during his time, which included: Opening the doors of the Church to Jews, Samaritans, and
Gentiles, healing a lame beggar, preaching boldly before the Sanhedrin, and also the preparation
of the last supper.
IV. Peter Hardships
Despite being an apostle, Peter also went through some growing pains just like any other
human being. At one point, he was the gospel to Cornelius who was a Gentile. However, it is
when he saw the Holy Spirit being bestowed upon the Romans in the same way that he had, that
Peter came to a conclusion in Acts 10:34 that “God does not show favoritism”. It was after that
experience that Peter was a strong defendant of the position of the Gentiles as believers and he
was unbending that they did not have to conform to Jewish law.
Another major series of growth in the life of Peter was in regard to his visit to Antioch,
where he had a great time fellowshipping with the Gentile believers. However, after the arrival
of some legalistic Jews in Antioch, Peter tried to appease them by withdrawing from the Gentile
Christians
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. However, the Apostle Paul viewed this as an act of hypocrisy and he called out to
Peter’s face.
Peter spent the later stages of his life with John, the writer of the Gospel of Mark based on
Peter’s memories of his time experience with Jesus. Peter is the writer of two inspired Epistles, 1
7
Harvey, A. E. “1 Peter.” Chapter. In A Companion to the New Testament, 734–749. 2nd ed.
Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2004.
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and 2 Peter, between the period A.D. 60 and 68. Jesus prophesied that Peter would die as a
martyr (John 21:18-19), a prophecy which is assumed to have been fulfilled during Nero’s reign.
According to tradition, Peter was crucified in Rome upside down, and, although there might be
some truth in that story, there is no historical or scriptural witness to the events surrounding.
Peter went through a huge deal of suffering, persecution, and imprisonment on the account of
Christ. He was arrested by the committee that was opposed to his leadership and evangelistic
mission. He was told to deny Jesus. Peter refused at all to bend to these commands and stayed
firm. It is then that he was thoroughly whipped and was threatened to be killed if he did not deny
Christ. When he refused, Peter was taken to prison, after which he was brought before the
council. He was then delivered from prison and the following morning he was teaching in the
temple.
V. Peter’s Death
During the days that led up to the death of Peter, a large number of the Christ’s followers had
already been martyred. Many theologians have suggested that Jesus predicted the death of Peter
through crucifixion when He stated that “when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and
another will dress you and take you where you do not want to go” (John 21:18-19). Eusebius,
Tertullian, and Origen state that Peter’s hands were stretched out, then he was dressed in a prison
attire, he was taken the region of sadness (a crucifixion), where he was crucified
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. It is said that
8
Achtemeier, Paul and Eldon Epp, 1 Peter: A Commentary on First Peter (Minneapolis: Fortress,
1996).
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he was crucified upside down after he claimed that he felt that he was not worthy to be crucified
the same way that the Lord Jesus Christ was.
From being a cocky, arrogant man, Peter transformed to be a humble, obedient, and willing,
follower of the Lord to the point of death. He rejoiced on the day that he died, knowing that he
was to be reunited with Christ Jesus, whom he longed to see. His was a lifetime of 65 years,
whereby he devoted the last thirty-three proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ. During the Old
Testament, there is no one who could be entitled to be even a priest until they reached thirty
years of age
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. David, for instance became king when he was thirty, and this age is usually the
peak of physical and mental abilities. Peter is said to be one of only 12 apostles who will rule
alongside Jesus Christ in the Kingdom of Heaven. Someone who was a lowly fisherman ended
up becoming a mighty fisher of men, who completely shaped and changed the world. Peter still
proclaims the Good News of Jesus Christ through his gospels Mark, the book of Acts, through
the epistles of 1 and II Peter.
Peter lived an unexpected life. Yet, it was an amazing life. Yes, Peter experienced many
hardships. Overall, he could fulfill his purpose in life, because of his obedience to Jesus Christ.
Peter exhibits to all believers an excellent faith. His trusted Jesus even when things did not make
sense. Ultimately, God used him, and he fulfilled his purpose.
9
Lea, Thomas D. and David Alan Black. The New Testament: Its Background and Message, 2nd
ed. Nashville: B & H Academic, 2009.
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Biography
Achtemeier, Paul and Eldon Epp, 1 Peter: A Commentary on First Peter (Minneapolis: Fortress,
1996).
Harvey, A. E. “1 Peter.” Chapter. In A Companion to the New Testament, 734–749. 2nd ed.
Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2004.
Lea, Thomas D. and David Alan Black. The New Testament: Its Background and Message, 2nd
ed. Nashville: B & H Academic, 2009.
Scott, J. Julius, Jr. Jewish Backgrounds of the New Testament. Grand Rapids: Baker, 2007.
Robert H. Gundry, Matthew, A Commentary on His Literary and Theological Art (Grand
Rapids: Eerdmans, 1982) and the second edition entitled, Matthew A Commentary on His
Handbook for a Mixed Church under Persecution (Eerdmans, 1994).
McGiffert, Arthur Cushman. “The Gospel of Peter.” Papers of the American Society of Church
History6 (1894): 101–130.
Roth, Cecil. “Simon-Peter.” Harvard Theological Review 54, no. 2 (1961): 91–97.
The Holy Bible, New International Version. 2000. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House.
