Simon Peter

SIMON PETER

A Study of His Life and Character

His Story: Luke 9

Simon - "God has heard" Peter - "Rock"

Time Period (Approx.) - During the ministry of Christ

Best known For: Simon Peter was a fisherman by trade who left all to follow Christ. He became a leader among the
disciples and was noted for his strong personality, both positively and negatively. He was the first to witness the
resurrection, and the first disciple in the early church to bring the gospel to the gentiles.

Events in Peter's Life that Demonstrate His Character

1. Peter's Calling (Matthew 4:18-20 and Luke 5:1-11)

Peter left everything he had to follow Jesus, and demonstrated his willingness to follow Jesus by walking away from
his fishing boat, leaving everything behind. Peter was convinced that Jesus was worthy of his service, even from the
beginning when Jesus allowed them to catch a multitude of fish. Jesus then made Peter and Andrew "fishers of men."

"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 saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they
straightway left their nets, and followed him." - Matthew 4:18-20

"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 inclosed 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." -
Luke 5:1-11

2. Peter's Great Confession (Luke 9:18-22)

Peter was the first of the disciples to publicly confess that Jesus was the Christ. When Jesus asked His disciples who
they thought He was, Peter replied, "The Christ of God." Simon Peter believed in that fact with everything in him, and
stated it boldly!

"And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Whom say the
people that I am? They answering said, John the Baptist; but some say, Elias; and others say, that one of the old
prophets is risen again. He said unto them, But whom say ye that I am? Peter answering said, The Christ of God. And
he straitly charged them, and commanded them to tell no man that thing; Saying, The Son of man must suffer many
things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day." - Luke
9:18-22

3. Peter's Walking on Water (Matthew 14:22-33)

Peter demonstrated his great faith in God by walking on water, yet he also demonstrated his frailty and great
dependence he had for Jesus when he became doubtful and fell into the sea. Peter was generally quick to act, which
could be a good quality, but also got him into some trouble.

"And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he
sent the multitudes away. And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and
when the evening was come, he was there alone. But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for
the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the
disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But
straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. 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." - Matthew 14:22-33

4. Peter's Rebuking of Jesus (Matthew 16:13-28)

Peter, quick to speak his mind, rebuked Jesus when He told them that He was going to have to die for their sins. Jesus
then rebuked Peter in very harsh terms and told him that he was not concerned for the things of God, but for the things
of men.

"From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many
things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. Then Peter took him,
and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. But he turned, and said unto
Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but
those that be of men." - Matthew 16:21-23

5. Peter's Denial of Jesus (Matthew 26:30-35; 69-75)

Certainly the low point of Simon Peter's life was his denial of Christ after his arrest. Peter said he would never deny the
Lord, but later found himself denying him several times and weeping bitter tears of repentance. It taught Peter a lesson
that he was not above the worst of sins.

"And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives. Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be
offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be
scattered abroad. But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee. Peter answered and said unto him, Though
all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended. Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That
this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I
not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples." - Matthew 26:30-35

"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 bewrayeth 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." - Matthew 26:69-75

6. Peter's Commission to Feed Christ's Sheep (John 21:15-22)

Jesus commissioned Peter to feed His sheep after He ascended to the Father. What an awesome responsibility that
was given to Peter after he had committed such an awful sin of denial toward Christ. It shows Jesus' mercy when we
turn back to Him in repentance.

"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." - John 21:15-22