The Writer

The Writer

Begin a series on 1 Peter. The book begins with these words:

1 Peter 1:1

Cannot hope to understand the book, if you don’t understand the man. Attempt to look at important markers in his life to get at the core of who Peter was…at the point that he wrote the book. Other parts to his life that we may explore at other times. Key is: who is this man as he comes to write the letter.

Begin with….

Peter, the fisherman of Galilee

Born in Bethsaida; fisherman of Capernaum. Knows the Sea of Galilee.

Peter, the disciple

Like everyone, Peter’s spiritual pilgrimage begins with an Encounter: John 1:40-42

A short time passes. Life is normal…yet he is following the Lord. Then…

Call: Mt. 4:18-20

The call leads to …

Close walk

Three events: healing of Jairus daughter; transfiguration; Gethsemane

Spiritual Perception: Mark 8:27-30

Overconfidence: same way three incidences of closeness of walk, three incidences of getting out in front of the Lord:

1. dares to rebuke the Lord…on the heals of spiritual perception Mk. 8:31-33

2. dares to walk on the water…only to fail due to lack of faith. Mt. 14:24-33

3. dares to declare himself faithful…despite the words of the Lord. Mt. 26:31-35

Peter, the turncoat

fulfills the word of the Lord. Denies Him; denies him with curses. Graphic: third time – Jesus turns and looks straight at him…goes outside and to use the literal translation: bursts into tears and weeps bitterly.

Problem with being a traitor to the Lord – know He forgives us, but can’t forgive ourselves.

Peter, the restored brother

Restoration is a humbling process. The Lord wants us to know we can be used, but only through the lens of knowing who we really are. Peter had never known..always thought he was better than he was. Now he knows the depth of his sin and weakness of personal character.

John 21:1-19

Peter, the preacher of Pentecost

Restored believers can move from fear to fearlessness.

50 days from the resurrection: 7 weeks and a day. Lord’s Day, just like the Resurrection.

10 days since the Ascension. Jesus told them to go back to Jerusalem and wait for his promise to be fulfilled. Now it has been.. Spirit arrives and empowers.

Less than two months…fear dominated Peter. Denial.

Now…Look who he speaks to: Acts 2:14

Look at what he says: Acts 2:36

Look at the result: Acts 2:37-41

Peter, the apostle

Has been among the premier leaders of the faith. The kinder, gentler Peter; the leader… he is the “sent one”…