Peter the Apostle?

TrueChristian1990

TrueChristian1990

This is a thread about Peter.

I have read the Catholic doctrine about him being the "First Pope" and Jesus establishing the papacy through him. I am not sure what to make of that, but at the same time I understand why Roman Catholic friends of mine believe it, even if I am unconvinced of the truth of their position.

We do know that Peter is the apostle who has the biggest role in the gospels. Jesus appears to address him the most, and at times almost seems to deputize him "leader of the apostles" though definitely maybe the head of a board of equals. Even if "on this rock I will build my Church" does not mean make him Pope, he surely must have recognized Peter's great faith and fortitude even in times of trial ( sort of stone or rocklike in his determination?)

From what I recall, most of the time Jesus is reproving or correcting Peter, for Peter's lack of understanding or at times lack of faith. Peter does dissapoint Jesus at times, especially his thrice denial of him (done under considerable fear of torture or crucifixtion but still.)

I don't want to get into any disparagment of the Roman Church (as that is against forum rules.) I am not a Catholic myself. I am just somewhat intrigued by Peter's role in the gospels, wonder why and how he features more prominently than say John, James, Thomas, Phillip etc.

Did he have any special role in the early Church? or was he just one of Jesus' many flawed but pious and devoted followers?
 
Hi TrueChristian1990,

Pleased to meet you. And a good question. Here are some things I know about Peter from God`s word.

- Peter was one of the pre-ascension disciples/apostles. (Matt. 10: 2)
- Peter was often a spokesman for the others. (Acts 2: 14)
- Peter was to witness of Christ`s life, death, resurrection & ascension. (Acts 1: 22)
- Peter was to go only to the Jews. (Gal. 2: 8)
- Peter did not receive the revelation of the Body of Christ. (Gal. 1: 1 & 12)
- Peter (with the other 11 apostles - pre-ascension) will be kings in the New Jerusalem. (Matt. 19: 28, Rev. 21: 14)

So I believe Peter`s role in the early days was to witness of Christ`s life & character to the Jews, but he did not have the full revelation that Paul had concerning the Body of Christ. It was a lap over time for the two purposes - Israel, & the Body of Christ.

Marilyn.
 
Peter was prominent in the gospels and in Acts. He walked on water with Jesus, Jesus addresses Peter specifically many times, he was present at the transfiguration, but he also denies knowing Jesus 3 times. In Acts, Peter seems to take the leadership role: in choosing a replacement for Judas, the first to preach after the Holy Spirit baptism, and Acts 15 Council in Jerusalem. He also confirmed that Paul's letters were scripture on par with the Old Testament.

Peter is also seen as sinning after becoming an apostle. Paul points this out in Galatians as Peter would eat and spend time with the Gentiles, until the Jewish members showed up. Peter was too worried about his own image in front of the Jews.

The first half of Acts shows Peter very active in his leadership role.
I hope this is helpful.
 
Peter was also sent by The Holy Spirit to minister to some gentiles. A withness to the truth that God saves and delivered this message to them. Kind of like verifying what Paul was doing, as from God, to the Jewish people who might have disagreed with Paul's ministry.

Act 10:1 — Act 10:5

10 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway. He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius. And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God. And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter:
Act 10:34 — Act 10:35
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.
Act 10:44 — Act 10:46
While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,

God bless
 
Very good Cturtle,

An important point. Also passing on the blessing of the Holy Spirit to the Gentiles as you said.

It`s great to share on God`s wonderful word, ay, sis. Marilyn.
 
Marilyn C said:
Very good Cturtle,

An important point. Also passing on the blessing of the Holy Spirit to the Gentiles as you said.

It`s great to share on God`s wonderful word, ay, sis. Marilyn.
Click to expand...

Thanks Marilyn its all the Holy Spirit that reminds me of the Word that has already been spoken and shows me what to say.
Shoot if I didn't rely on Him, my words would just be unfruitful :). I fully agree with you, for me its so exciting to share the Word of God with others and to imerse myself in the Word. It is my life's passion.
 
Just wanted to share a few things that the Holy Spirit showed me last night.

If we look at Peter and his life, just like Paul Peter was a huge example of God's grace. Yes peter made a lot of mistakes, but at first meeting Jesus ordained and prophesied that he would be the back bone (the Pastor or shepherd) so to speak of the early church. He had good leadership qualities, but like you and I he needed some developing, some renewal of his mind with the Words of Jesus and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit to lead and guide him.

If Peter was not important to Jesus and His ministry or comandment to go into all the world and preach the gospel.... Jesus would not have reinstated him after he denied Jesus (John 21:15-19). Jesus (via The Holy Spirit) also would not have warned him in the first place about his denial, and took the time to encourage him to believe in God. But since he did not believe that he could ever deny Jesus (due to his statement....I am ready to die for you, just a few sentences earlier) the Words that were spoken became wayside and quickly forgotten.

He was widely trusted by the Jewish people (the early converts to the way) and thus the reason why I think that they took Peter's word about a lot of things.

God bless
 
2Pe 1:13.. I think it right, as long as I am in this tabernacle (tent, body), to stir you up by way of remembrance,
2Pe 1:14.. Since I know that the laying aside of this body of mine will come speedily, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me.
2Pe 1:15.. Moreover, I will diligently endeavor [to see to it] that [even] after my departure (decease) you may be able at all times to call these things to mind.
(AMP)
Peter coming near the end of his life, and he is just getting ready to speak about the mount of transfiguration experience where Peter, James and John saw Jesus in his Glory, and they all had fellowship with Moses, and Elijah, talking about what Jesus was about to do in Jerusalem. Jesus commanded to tell the vision to no one until after his resurrection. Peter now speaks about it. What I find interesting is that Peter says in verse 15, that he was going to make every effort after he dies to make sure these people would have in remembrance all these things.
Would you not think that he would have said, I am going remind you right now of these things before I die, and not remind them of these things after he was dead? What do you suppose he was thinking about?
 
Hi CCW,

I think Peter was referring to -

`...as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you....I will be careful to ensure that you always have a reminder of these things after my decease.` (1 Peter 1: 13 & 15)

To my understanding Peter is writing his letter to the believers so that they would have a reminder of what he has told them.

Marilyn.
 
Peter was an Apostle .
Peter was an Apostle to the Jews (not the gentiles/Romans)
Peter was what the scriptures say of him.
He is not what the church at Rome says of him. Or rather you must sift the wheat from the chafe .
But too often there is so much chafe it is not worth the trouble on the one hand or you need so much salt to make it anywhere near right as to make it uneatable.

Far better to learn from scripture and by another source.

in Christ
gerald
 
I don't think I would question the crucial role Peter played in the establishment of early Church. But it is fascinating to read the book of Acts and all the NT books to see how Lord used different people in different times. Peter was used to minister to Jews when Paul thought he was the ideal candidate for that. Peter the most outspoken apostle, addresses believers as "dear children" in his letters! What a transformation. Ministry of Paul. leadership of James in the early church. We never know what plans Lord for each one of us. Some are used in most amazing fashion. Same in OT times also. Who would have thought 80 year old Moses would play such a vital role. John the Baptist. 6 month ministry, but the most powerful ministry we have ever seen. God has plans for each and everyone, which are good. The important point is to not exalt man through all this. How Lord uses a person does not bring glory to the person, but only to God
 
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