Peter the Apostle

Peter the Apostle A New Study • We intend to study the New Testament epistle, 1 Peter. Why? 1. FBC dedicates most of our teaching to the New Testament. 2. 1 Peter follows directly from Exodus: “You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy” (1 Peter 2:9-10). 3. I have never preached through Peter’s preaching or writing systematically and am excited to tackle the project. • Today, we will focus on Peter: the Disciple, the Apostle, and the Martyr (see ISBE). Peter the Disciple • Simon Called – Luke 5:2-11 1. Called out of plenty (v. 6-8) 2. Sinfulness and personal weakness on display 3. All accounts report total abandonment of his previous life (v. 11) • Simon Re-Named – Matthew 16:13-20 • Simon Restored – John 21:1-19 1. Caesarea Philippi and the Garden of Pan 2. Simon Peter takes the role of spokesman 3. Jesus blesses Simon with a new name and refined commission 1. Deliberate re-creation of key details from Peter’s past 2. Full restoration and commission with specific focus on God’s people Peter the Apostle • Peter the Spokesman 1. Peter is the leading spokesman in Acts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12 2. 5 major sermons: Acts 2, 3, 4, 5, 10 3. Beginning with Acts 15, Peter almost disappears. • Peter the Gateway • Peter the Pastor 1. Peter at the house of Cornelius 2. Peter interrupted: Acts 10:44 3. Peter reports to the other Jewish leaders: Acts 11 1. Peter likely ministered in Corinth 2. Later, Peter likely strengthened church over the vast area of Asia Minor while headquartering in Antioch Peter the Martyr 1. Predicted by Jesus: John 21:18-19 2. Peter was arrested by Nero and imprisoned in Rome where he awaited his execution: 1 Peter 5:13 3. Many legends surround Peter’s martyrdom, but all accounts agree that he was killed sometime between 64-68 during Nero’s great persecution, a pogrom that likely also claimed the Apostle Paul. Lessons 1. Peter was called by the mercy and grace of God, not for any inherent traits or leadership abilities. 2. Peter is a shining example of God’s transforming grace – we can trace Peter’s change as the New Testament moves forward. 3. Peter learned, by God’s grace, a willingness to get outside his natural abilities and talents.