Topical Encyclopedia The concept of conscience in the New Testament is intricately linked to the apostolic mission of declaring the whole counsel of God, a task exemplified by the Apostle Peter. Peter's role in the early church underscores the importance of a clear and faithful conscience in the proclamation of the Gospel and the teachings of Christ.Peter's Apostolic Mission Peter, one of the original twelve apostles, was a central figure in the early Christian church. His mission was to preach the Gospel to both Jews and Gentiles, a task that required a steadfast commitment to the truth and a clear conscience before God and man. In Acts 2, during the day of Pentecost, Peter boldly addresses the crowd, declaring the fulfillment of prophecy and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. His speech is a testament to his unwavering conscience in delivering the message entrusted to him. Conscience and the Whole Counsel of God The Apostle Paul, in Acts 20:27, speaks of not hesitating "to proclaim to you the whole counsel of God." While this statement is attributed to Paul, it reflects a shared apostolic responsibility, including that of Peter, to teach the full scope of God's revelation. Peter's letters further illustrate his commitment to this task. In 1 Peter 3:15-16 , he exhorts believers to "sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you, but respond with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience." Here, Peter emphasizes the necessity of a clear conscience in the defense and declaration of the faith. Peter's Personal Transformation Peter's journey from a fisherman to a leading apostle is marked by significant personal transformation, which is closely tied to the development of his conscience. Initially, Peter's understanding and actions were sometimes flawed, as seen in his denial of Christ (Matthew 26:69-75). However, following Christ's resurrection and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, Peter's conscience becomes a guiding force in his ministry. His speeches in Acts and his epistles reflect a matured conscience, aligned with the truth of the Gospel. Challenges and Perseverance Peter faced numerous challenges in his mission, including persecution and imprisonment. Despite these obstacles, he remained faithful to his calling. In Acts 4:19-20 , when commanded by the Sanhedrin to stop teaching in the name of Jesus, Peter and John respond, "Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than God. For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard." This response highlights Peter's unwavering conscience and commitment to God's command over human authority. Peter's Legacy Peter's legacy in the early church is a testament to the power of a faithful conscience in declaring the whole counsel of God. His writings continue to instruct and inspire believers to maintain a clear conscience, rooted in the truth of the Gospel and the teachings of Christ. Through his example, Peter demonstrates that a faithful conscience is essential for effective ministry and witness, ensuring that the message of salvation is proclaimed with integrity and boldness. Nave's Topical Index Acts 4:19,20But Peter and John answered and said to them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, judge you. Nave's Topical Index Acts 5:29 Library Election Confirmed by the Calling of God. The Reprobate Bring Upon ... Tenth Sunday after Trinity Spiritual Counsel for Church Officers. Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers. The Royal Marriage Feast. The Second Epistle of St. Peter The Doctrine of God In the Creation of the World, and all Things in It, the True God ... Of the Discipline of the Church, and Its Principal Use in Censures ... Caesar Fell Down. Faustus Denies that the Prophets Predicted Christ. Augustin Proves ... Resources What is the dispensation of Conscience? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about eating food/meat that has been sacrificed to idols? | GotQuestions.org Who were Hymenaeus and Alexander, and what does it mean that their faith was shipwrecked? | GotQuestions.org Conscience: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Conscience for Having Cut off Saul's Skirt Conscience for Having Numbered the People of Israel Conscience for his Adultery and the Murder of Uriah Conscience Money: General Scriptures Concerning Conscience of Adam and Eve, After They Sinned Conscience of Herod for Beheading John the Baptist Conscience of Jacob, After he Defrauded Esau Conscience of Joab, for Numbering Israel Conscience of Joseph's Brethren Conscience of Judas, After Betraying the Lord Jesus Conscience of Micah, After Stealing Conscience of Others, not to be offended Conscience of Peter, After Denying the Lord Conscience of Pharaoh, After the Plagues Conscience of Saints, Pure and Good Conscience of the Lepers of Samaria Conscience of the Old Prophet of Beth-El Conscience of the Wicked, Defiled Conscience of the Wicked, Seared Conscience without Spiritual Illumination, a False Guide Conscience: Faithful of Abimelech, when he Took Isaac's Wife for a Concubine Conscience: Faithful of Daniel, in Refusing to Eat of the King's Meat and Wine Conscience: Faithful of Jacob, in his Care of Laban's Property Conscience: Faithful of Joseph, when Potiphar's Wife Tried to Seduce Him Conscience: Faithful of Nehemiah, in the Matter of Taxes Conscience: Faithful of Peter, in Declaring the Whole Counsel of God Conscience: Faithful of Pharaoh, when he Took Abraham's Wife for a Concubine Conscience: General Scriptures Concerning Conscience: Keep the Faith in Purity of Conscience: Ministers should Commend Themselves to That of Their People Conscience: Submit to Authority For Conscience: Suffer Patiently For Conscience: Testimony of, a Source of Joy Conscience: The Accusers of the Woman Taken in Adultery Conscience: The Blood of Christ Alone Can Purify Conscience: we should Have the Approval of Related Terms Conscience-stricken (2 Occurrences) Sin-offering (115 Occurrences) |
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