Topical Bible: Faith: Peter

◄ Faith: Peter ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Greek • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Introduction

The Apostle Peter, originally named Simon, is one of the most prominent figures in the New Testament and a central character in the Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles. Known for his impetuous nature and deep devotion to Jesus Christ, Peter's journey of faith is marked by moments of profound insight and human frailty. His life and ministry provide a rich tapestry for understanding the dynamics of faith in the Christian experience.

Calling and Early Ministry

Peter was a fisherman by trade, living in Capernaum, when he was called by Jesus to become a "fisher of men" (Matthew 4:19). His immediate response to Jesus' call exemplifies his initial faith and willingness to leave everything behind to follow Christ. Peter's faith is further demonstrated when he recognizes Jesus as the Messiah, declaring, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matthew 16:16). This confession is pivotal, as Jesus responds by affirming Peter's role in the early Church: "And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church" (Matthew 16:18).

Moments of Weakness and Restoration

Despite his strong declarations of faith, Peter's journey is not without its struggles. One of the most notable instances of Peter's faltering faith occurs when he attempts to walk on water towards Jesus. Initially successful, Peter becomes frightened by the wind and begins to sink, crying out, "Lord, save me!" (Matthew 14:30). Jesus immediately reaches out to save him, gently rebuking, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" (Matthew 14:31).

Peter's denial of Jesus during the events leading up to the crucifixion is another significant moment of weakness. Despite his earlier vow to remain loyal, Peter denies knowing Jesus three times (Matthew 26:69-75). This episode highlights the human tendency to falter under pressure, yet it also sets the stage for Peter's restoration. After the resurrection, Jesus appears to Peter and asks him three times, "Do you love Me?" (John 21:15-17), reaffirming Peter's role and commissioning him to "Feed My sheep."

Pentecost and Leadership in the Early Church

Peter's faith is powerfully renewed at Pentecost, when he receives the Holy Spirit along with the other apostles (Acts 2:1-4). Empowered by the Spirit, Peter delivers a bold sermon that leads to the conversion of about three thousand people (Acts 2:41). His leadership in the early Church is marked by miraculous healings, authoritative preaching, and a steadfast commitment to the Gospel, as seen in his defense before the Sanhedrin (Acts 4:8-12).

Peter's Epistles and Legacy

Peter's letters, 1 and 2 Peter, further illuminate his understanding of faith. He encourages believers to endure suffering with hope and to live holy lives, grounded in the knowledge of Christ's redemptive work. In 1 Peter 1:7 , he writes about the testing of faith, "so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."

Conclusion

Peter's life is a testament to the transformative power of faith in Jesus Christ. From his initial calling to his leadership in the early Church, Peter's journey reflects the complexities of faith, encompassing both human frailty and divine strength. His account continues to inspire believers to pursue a deeper relationship with Christ, trusting in His grace and guidance.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 16:16
And Simon Peter answered and said, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Greek

3453. mueo -- to initiate into the mysteries, hence to instruct
... [In 2 Pet 1:1, the mighty apostle Peter makes it clear that every believer-priest
lives on "level (equal) ground" through the Lord's inworkings of faith.]. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3453.htm - 7k

Library

Simon Peter's Faith in Christ
... ILLUSTRATIONS: SIMON PETER'S FAITH IN CHRIST. When Jesus came into the coasts
of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying ...
/.../newton/the life of jesus christ for the young/simon peters faith in christ.htm

The Christian Sabbath --Peter's Confession of Faith.
... He saw that Peter's faith in the truth was like his name, which means "a rock,"
and so He said,. ... Even Peter's faith was shaken by this. ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxvi the christian sabbathpeters.htm

September 28. "The Trial of Your Faith Being Much More Precious ...
... SEPTEMBER 28. "The trial of your faith being much more precious than gold"
(I. Peter i. 7). "The trial of your faith being much ...
/.../simpson/days of heaven upon earth /september 28 the trial of.htm

How the Confession of the Blessed Peter is the Faith of the Whole ...
... Book III. Chapter XIV. How the confession of the blessed Peter is the faith
of the whole Church. But what are the other words which ...
/.../cassian/the seven books of john cassian /chapter xiv how the confession.htm

St. Thomas Also Confessed the Same Faith as Peter after the Lord's ...
... Book III. Chapter XV. St. Thomas also confessed the same faith as Peter
after the Lord's resurrection. But I want still to add one ...
/.../cassian/the seven books of john cassian /chapter xv st thomas also.htm

Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John
... THE CHURCH IN BABYLON. MARCUS, MY SON. II. PETER. LIKE PRECIOUS FAITH. MAN SUMMONED
BY GOD'S GLORY AND ENERGY. PARTAKERS OF THE DIVINE NATURE. THE POWER OF DILIGENCE ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/

Justification by Faith
... But here we must take heed that we do not halt with God, through an inconstant,
wavering faith: Peter, coming to Christ upon the water, because he fainted ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 5 justification by faith.htm

Prayer and Faith
... Our Lord was declaring a central truth; it was Peter's faith He was seeking to guard;
for well He knew that when faith is broken down, the foundations of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/the necessity of prayer/i prayer and faith.htm

Entire Sanctification as Taught by Peter.
... (1), "Ye have purified your souls." Yes, and it was Peter who spoke ... that God "put
no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith." The word ...
/.../clark/the theology of holiness/chapter viii entire sanctification as.htm

St. Paul Quite in Accordance with St. Peter and Other Apostles of ...
... have been "resisted face to face" by the man who had not even spared Peter on the ...
a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith:" [5297] faith ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter iii st paul quite in.htm