Topical Encyclopedia Peter, originally named Simon, was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ and a central figure in the New Testament. Known for his impulsive nature and deep devotion, Peter's decisions throughout the Gospels and Acts reveal his character and the transformative power of faith.Calling and Early Decisions Peter was a fisherman by trade, working alongside his brother Andrew. His life took a pivotal turn when Jesus called him to be a "fisher of men" (Matthew 4:19). Without hesitation, Peter made the decisive choice to leave his nets and follow Jesus, demonstrating his willingness to abandon his former life for a higher calling. Confession of Christ One of Peter's most significant decisions was his confession of Jesus as the Messiah. In Matthew 16:16 , Peter declared, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." This confession was met with Jesus' affirmation and the promise that Peter would be the rock upon which the Church would be built (Matthew 16:18). This decision to recognize and proclaim Jesus' divine identity was foundational for the early Christian community. Walking on Water Peter's decision to step out of the boat and walk on water towards Jesus (Matthew 14:28-29) illustrates his bold faith. However, his subsequent fear and doubt, leading to his sinking, highlight the human struggle between faith and fear. Jesus' response, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" (Matthew 14:31), serves as a reminder of the importance of steadfast faith in the face of uncertainty. Denial and Restoration Despite his earlier declarations of loyalty, Peter made the grave decision to deny Jesus three times during His trial (Matthew 26:69-75). This moment of weakness was a turning point for Peter, leading to deep remorse and repentance. After the resurrection, Jesus restored Peter, asking him three times, "Do you love Me?" and commissioning him to "Feed My sheep" (John 21:15-17). This restoration underscores the themes of forgiveness and redemption. Leadership in the Early Church In the Book of Acts, Peter emerges as a leader in the early Church, making critical decisions that shaped the spread of the Gospel. At Pentecost, Peter boldly preached to the crowds, resulting in the conversion of about three thousand people (Acts 2:41). His decision to address the Sanhedrin with courage and conviction (Acts 4:8-12) further solidified his role as a pillar of the early Christian community. Vision and Inclusion of Gentiles Peter's vision in Acts 10, where he was instructed to eat what was previously considered unclean, marked a significant decision in the inclusion of Gentiles into the Church. His subsequent visit to Cornelius, a Roman centurion, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Gentiles (Acts 10:44-48) demonstrated Peter's obedience to God's revelation and his role in breaking down barriers between Jews and Gentiles. Peter's decisions, marked by moments of both triumph and failure, reflect the journey of a disciple transformed by the grace and power of Christ. His life serves as an example of faith, repentance, and leadership in the Christian tradition. Torrey's Topical Textbook John 6:68Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? you have the words of eternal life. Torrey's Topical Textbook Greek 3453. mueo -- to initiate into the mysteries, hence to instruct ... every decision (action) of life becomes equally, eternally meaningful. See 2472 ("of equal value"). [In 2 Pet 1:1, the mighty apostle Peter makes it clear that ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3453.htm - 7k Library The Great Confession - the Great Commission - the Great ... Simon's Disciples Adopt the Mysteries; Simon Meets St. Peter at ... Simon's Astonishment at Peter's Treatment of the Scriptures. The Peter of History and the Peter of Fiction. He Then Explains the Phrase of S. Peter, "Him God Made Lord and ... Discourse on Spiritual Food and True Discipleship. Peter's ... Peter Stood Up. Thursday Night - Before Annas and Caiaphas - Peter and Jesus. Jew and Gentile Jesus Announces his Departure. Resources What does the Bible say about indecision / being indecisive? | GotQuestions.orgWho is really “playing God”'the doctor who euthanizes a dying patient, or the doctor who extends the life of a terminally ill patient? | GotQuestions.org What is revivalism? | GotQuestions.org Decision: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Decision: Exhibited in Being on the Lord's Side Decision: Exhibited in Blessedness of Decision: Exhibited in Following God Fully Decision: Exhibited in Keeping the Commandments of God Decision: Exhibited in Loving God Perfectly Decision: Exhibited in Seeking God With the Heart Decision: Exhibited in Serving God Decision: General Scriptures Concerning Decision: Necessary to the Service of God Decision: Opposed to a Divided Service Decision: Opposed to Double-Mindedness Decision: Opposed to Halting Between Two Opinions Decision: Opposed to not Setting the Heart Aright Decision: Opposed to Turning to the Right or Left Valley of Decision: General Scriptures Concerning Related Terms |
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