Topical Encyclopedia The Apostle Peter, one of the foremost leaders of the early Christian church, played a pivotal role in the spread of the Gospel and the establishment of the church. His return to Jerusalem marks a significant moment in the early church's history, reflecting both the challenges and the unity of the early Christian community.Context and Background Peter, originally named Simon, was a fisherman by trade and was called by Jesus to be a "fisher of men" (Matthew 4:19). He was part of Jesus' inner circle, witnessing key events such as the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-9) and the agony in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-46). After Jesus' resurrection and ascension, Peter emerged as a leading figure in the nascent church, preaching boldly at Pentecost (Acts 2:14-41) and performing miracles in Jesus' name (Acts 3:1-10). Return to Jerusalem Peter's return to Jerusalem is documented in the Book of Acts, particularly in the context of the early church's mission to the Gentiles. After a series of missionary activities, including the significant event of Cornelius' conversion (Acts 10), Peter returned to Jerusalem to report on these developments. In Acts 11:1-18, Peter's return is met with both curiosity and criticism. The Jewish believers in Jerusalem were initially concerned about Peter's interaction with Gentiles, as it challenged traditional Jewish customs. "So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers took issue with him and said, 'You visited uncircumcised men and ate with them'" (Acts 11:2-3). Peter, however, explained his actions by recounting the vision he received from God, which instructed him not to call any person impure or unclean (Acts 11:9). He also shared how the Holy Spirit had come upon the Gentiles, just as it had upon the Jewish believers at Pentecost (Acts 11:15-17). Peter's defense was compelling, and the Jerusalem church responded with praise to God, acknowledging that "God has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life" (Acts 11:18). This moment was crucial in affirming the church's mission to all nations, breaking down barriers between Jews and Gentiles, and emphasizing the universality of the Gospel. Significance Peter's return to Jerusalem and his subsequent report had profound implications for the early church. It underscored the divine mandate to preach the Gospel to all people, regardless of ethnic or cultural background. This event also set the stage for the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15), where the church would further address the relationship between Jewish law and Gentile converts. Peter's leadership and willingness to follow God's direction, even when it challenged established norms, exemplified the transformative power of the Gospel. His actions and testimony in Jerusalem reinforced the message that salvation through Jesus Christ is available to all who believe, a foundational truth that continues to resonate within the Christian faith. Nave's Topical Index Acts 8:25And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans. Nave's Topical Index Library Chronological Table of the Life of Christ [From Andrews. ] End of Three Months' Ministry in Jerusalem. Under the Olive Trees. The Acts of the Apostles Chronological Tables of the Life and Times of St. Jerome AD 345 ... The Second Epistle of St. Peter To Pammachius against John of Jerusalem. Mark. D. The Fourth Period. Ch. 9:1-50 The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem: Resources Summary of the Book of 1 Peter - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Gospel of Peter? | GotQuestions.org What does 2 Peter 3:8 mean when it says a thousand years are a day? | GotQuestions.org Peter: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Peter of the Law of Defilement Peter of the Law of Forgiveness Peter of the Parable of the Steward Peter of the Prophecy of Jesus Concerning his Second Coming Peter: Accused by the Council; his Defense Peter: Also Called Simon Bar-Jona and Cephas Peter: Calls Attention to the Withered Fig Tree Peter: Confesses Jesus to be the Messiah Peter: Cuts off the Ear of Malchus Peter: Follows Jesus to the High Priest's Palace Peter: Foretells the Death of Ananias and Sapphira Peter: Has a Vision of a Sheet Containing Ceremonially Clean and Unclean Animals Peter: Heals the Immobile Man in the Portico of the Temple Peter: His Denial of Jesus, and his Repentance Peter: His Mother-In-Law Healed Peter: His Presumption in Rebuking Jesus Peter: His Presumption in Refusing to Let Jesus Wash Peter's Feet Peter: His Statement in Front of the Disciples Concerning the Death of Judas Peter: His Treachery Foretold by Jesus, and his Profession of Fidelity Peter: Imprisoned and Delivered by an Angel Peter: Imprisoned and Scourged; his Defense Before the Council Peter: Jesus Sends Message To, After the Resurrection Peter: Prays for the Reception of the Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit Peter: Preaches on Pentecost Day Peter: Present at Lake Tiberias when Jesus Appeared to his Disciples Peter: Present in the Garden of Gethsemane Peter: Present: At the Healing of Jairus' Daughter Peter: Present: At the Transfiguration Peter: Rebukes Simon, the Sorcerer, Who Desires to Purchase This Power Peter: Receives the Servant of the Centurion Peter: Sent With John to Prepare the Passover Meal Peter: Visits Joppa; Stays With Simon, the Tanner; Raises Dorcas from the Dead Peter: Visits Lydda; Heals Aeneas Peter: Visits the Gravesite of Jesus Peter: Walks Upon the Water of Lake Galilee Select Readings: Peter on the Day of Pentecost Related Terms |
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