Topical Bible: Confidence: Peter

◄ Confidence: Peter ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Peter, originally named Simon, was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ and a prominent figure in the early Christian Church. His journey from a simple fisherman to a foundational leader of the Church is marked by moments of profound confidence, both in his own abilities and in his faith in Jesus Christ. This entry explores the theme of confidence as it relates to Peter, drawing from various episodes in the New Testament.

Calling and Initial Confidence

Peter's initial encounter with Jesus is a testament to his willingness to step out in faith. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus calls Peter and his brother Andrew to follow Him, promising to make them "fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19). Peter's immediate response, leaving his nets and following Jesus, demonstrates a confidence in Jesus' call and a readiness to embrace a new mission.

Walking on Water

One of the most striking episodes illustrating Peter's confidence is found in Matthew 14:28-29. When Jesus walks on water towards the disciples' boat, Peter boldly asks, "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water." Jesus responds, "Come," and Peter steps out of the boat, walking on water towards Jesus. This act of faith, however, is short-lived as Peter becomes fearful of the wind and begins to sink, crying out, "Lord, save me!" (Matthew 14:30). Jesus immediately reaches out to save him, gently rebuking him for his doubt. This incident highlights both Peter's initial confidence and the human tendency to falter when faced with fear.

Confession of Christ

Peter's confidence reaches a theological pinnacle in his confession of Jesus as the Messiah. In Matthew 16:16, Peter declares, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus commends Peter for this revelation, stating, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by My Father in heaven" (Matthew 16:17). This moment underscores Peter's spiritual insight and his role as a leader among the apostles.

Denial and Restoration

Despite his moments of confidence, Peter also experiences profound failure. During Jesus' trial, Peter denies knowing Him three times, as Jesus had foretold (Matthew 26:69-75). This denial is a stark contrast to his earlier boldness and serves as a humbling reminder of human frailty. However, after the resurrection, Jesus restores Peter, asking him three times, "Do you love Me?" and commissioning him to "Feed My sheep" (John 21:15-17). This restoration reaffirms Peter's role and renews his confidence in his mission.

Leadership in the Early Church

Following the ascension of Jesus, Peter emerges as a key leader in the early Church. In Acts 2, he delivers a powerful sermon at Pentecost, resulting in the conversion of about three thousand people (Acts 2:41). His confidence in proclaiming the Gospel and performing miracles, such as healing the lame man at the temple gate (Acts 3:6-8), exemplifies his transformation into a bold witness for Christ.

Conclusion

Peter's journey is a compelling narrative of confidence intertwined with moments of doubt and restoration. His life serves as an example of how faith in Christ can empower believers to overcome personal weaknesses and fulfill their God-given calling. Through his experiences, Peter demonstrates that true confidence is rooted not in human strength, but in reliance on the Lord.

Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 26:33-35
Peter answered and said to him, Though all men shall be offended because of you, yet will I never be offended.
Nave's Topical Index

Luke 22:33,34
And he said to him, Lord, I am ready to go with you, both into prison, and to death.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Peter's Repentance
... But with what self-confidence Peter said: "Though all should forsake thee, yet will
not I. I am ready to go with thee, to prison and to death" (Mark 14:29 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/absolute surrender/peters repentance.htm

Peter on the Waves
... The very thing which had broken Peter's faith mended it again. Fear sunk him by
making him falter in his confidence; and, as he was sinking, the very ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/peter on the waves.htm

Carnal or Spiritual?
... to Jesus. With a heart that had learned to give up all self-confidence,
Peter was prepared for the blessing of the Holy Spirit. ...
/.../murray/the deeper christian life/iii carnal or spiritual.htm

The Authorship.
... Of the apostolic band only three, Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, were
admitted to the inner circle of the Savior's confidence. ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the authorship.htm

The Trial of Peter's Love to Christ.
... felt dependence. Who ever appeared to have stronger confidence in himself
than Peter? Yet few have fallen more shamefully than he. ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xiii the trial of.htm

Peter's Denial and Repentance.
... For this self-confidence, which might to a careless observer seem to underprop
Peter's courage, was to the eye of the Lord undermining it. ...
/.../xviii peters denial and repentance.htm

Peter's Denial. Ch. 22:54-62
... The fall of Peter may be traced to his self-confidence. When he protested
that he would be true to Christ, even though all should ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/e peters denial ch 22 54-62.htm

Peter's Deliverance from Prison
... I learned patience'"a lesson which Peter especially needed"'and I learned trust ... time
to die, and the sisters plenty of time to test their confidence in Him. ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture the acts/peters deliverance from prison.htm

St. Peter of Alcantara Comforts the Saint. Great Temptations and ...
... by bringing to the place where I was that blessed friar, Peter of Alcantara. ... consolation
and joy, bidding me continue my prayer with confidence, and without ...
/.../teresa/the life of st teresa of jesus/chapter xxx st peter of.htm

'Then Shall the Lame Man Leap as an Hart'
... There is a fine flash of exultant confidence in Peter's next words, which
is rather spoiled by the Authorised Version. He did not ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/then shall the lame man.htm