Topical Bible: God: Preserver: Peter

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In the narrative of the New Testament, the Apostle Peter stands as a profound testament to God's role as Preserver. Peter, originally named Simon, was a fisherman by trade before being called by Jesus to become a "fisher of men" (Matthew 4:19). Throughout his journey as a disciple and apostle, Peter experienced moments of weakness and failure, yet God's preserving grace continually restored and strengthened him for his mission.

Preservation in Faith and Calling

Peter's initial calling by Jesus marks the beginning of his transformation. Despite his impulsive nature and moments of doubt, such as when he began to sink while walking on water (Matthew 14:30-31), Jesus preserved Peter's faith. Jesus' words, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" (Matthew 14:31), highlight both Peter's human frailty and the divine intervention that sustained him.

Preservation through Forgiveness and Restoration

One of the most poignant examples of God's preserving grace in Peter's life is seen in the events surrounding Jesus' crucifixion. Peter's denial of Christ three times (Luke 22:54-62) could have led to despair and disqualification from his apostolic calling. However, Jesus had already interceded for Peter, saying, "Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith will not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers" (Luke 22:31-32). This intercession underscores God's preserving power, ensuring that Peter's faith, though tested, would not be extinguished.

After the resurrection, Jesus' restoration of Peter is a profound act of preservation. In John 21:15-17 , Jesus thrice asks Peter if he loves Him, paralleling Peter's three denials. Each affirmation of love is met with a commission to "Feed my sheep," reinstating Peter's role and purpose. This restoration is a testament to God's ability to preserve and redeem even those who falter.

Preservation in Leadership and Ministry

Following Pentecost, Peter emerges as a bold leader in the early church, empowered by the Holy Spirit. His sermon in Acts 2:14-41 marks the beginning of his influential ministry, where he boldly proclaims the gospel and witnesses the conversion of thousands. Despite facing persecution and imprisonment, as seen in Acts 4:1-22 and Acts 12:1-19 , Peter's faith and leadership are preserved by God's power. In Acts 12, an angel of the Lord miraculously frees Peter from prison, illustrating divine intervention and preservation in the face of mortal danger.

Preservation in Teaching and Legacy

Peter's epistles further reflect God's preserving work in his life. In 1 Peter 1:3-5 , he writes of a "living hope" and an "inheritance that is imperishable," underscoring the eternal security found in God's preservation. His letters encourage believers to stand firm in faith amidst trials, drawing from his own experiences of divine preservation.

Peter's life and ministry exemplify the theme of God as Preserver. Through forgiveness, restoration, and empowerment, God preserved Peter's faith and calling, enabling him to fulfill his role as a foundational leader in the early church. His account serves as a powerful reminder of God's sustaining grace and the assurance that He who began a good work will carry it on to completion (Philippians 1:6).

Nave's Topical Index

Acts 12:3-17
And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.)
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Forgiveness of Sins.
... up calling yourselves Christians, give up asking God to pardon you ... S. Peter was in
advance of them, but the ... Outside the court he turned to thank his preserver. ...
/.../the life of duty a years plain sermons v 2/sermon lvii the forgiveness of.htm

That the Birth of Christ in Time Diminished Nothing of the Glory ...
... who art come into the world." [2573] So Peter, owing to ... touched God saying, "My Lord
and my God." [2575] For ... is both Creator of all things and Preserver of men ...
/.../cassian/the seven books of john cassian /chapter xix that the birth.htm

The Christian's Book
... the Baptist (Luke 1:13-17; Matthew 3:1-12), Peter, John and ... the world, man, sin,
salvation; and the revelation of God as Creator, Preserver, Lawgiver, Judge ...
/.../sell/studies in the life of the christian/study vi the christians book.htm

The Statements of Iren??us in Regard to the Divine Scriptures.
... And this was nothing wonderful for God to do, who ... is the first one to connect the
epistle with Peter. ... son of Lagus, or Ptolemy Soter (the Preserver), was king ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter viii the statements of irenaeus.htm

Cannot be Proved from Scripture, that Believers under the Old ...
... a return to God the Creator and the Preserver of spirits ... of course that because Enoch
was taken to God, he was ... See Peter Martyr and Vatablus on 2 Kings 2:13. ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/article x it cannot be.htm

The Fatherhood of God
... Peter and Paul, the highly-favored apostles, were of the family of ... May God himself
bring you to know him ... upon the earth.' If I call thee my Preserver thou wilt ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the fatherhood of god.htm

Hymns and Spiritual Songs
... Hymn 1:26. Hope of heaven by the resurrection of Christ, 1 Peter 1. 3-5. Hymn
1:27. ... Hymn 2:19. Our frail bodies, and God our preserver. Hymn 2:20. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watts/hymns and spiritual songs/

Spiritual Worship
... Peter, had spoken; but of the foundation of all, " the happy and holy communion
which the faithful ... 4. As the true God, he is likewise the Preserver of all ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 77 spiritual worship.htm

The Way of Salvation
... expression, for this case of temporal salvation, the apostle Peter had this ... was made:
by him all things consist"Maker, Creator, Preserver, God of providence ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the way of salvation.htm

Of the Places of Burial.
... the body of Jesus): thither also after Peter, John goes ... the Deliverer, and to Caesar
the Preserver: To Caesar ... things which are Caesar's, and to God the things ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 100 of the places.htm