Topical Bible: Love to Christ: Peter

Bible > Topical > Love to Christ

◄ Love to Christ: Peter ►

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

Topical Encyclopedia

The Apostle Peter, originally named Simon, is a prominent figure in the New Testament, known for his deep, albeit sometimes faltering, love for Jesus Christ. His journey of faith and devotion provides a profound example of love to Christ, marked by moments of both weakness and strength.

Calling and Early Devotion

Peter's initial encounter with Jesus is recorded in the Gospels, where Jesus calls him to be a "fisher of men" (Matthew 4:19). Peter's immediate response to leave his nets and follow Jesus demonstrates an early and earnest love for Christ, characterized by a willingness to forsake all for the sake of the Gospel.

Confession of Christ

One of the most significant expressions of Peter's love and understanding of Jesus' identity is found in his confession at Caesarea Philippi. When Jesus asks His disciples, "Who do you say I am?" Peter responds, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matthew 16:15-16). This declaration reveals Peter's deep recognition and love for Jesus as the Messiah, a revelation that Jesus affirms as divinely inspired.

Moments of Weakness

Despite his profound love for Christ, Peter's journey is not without its failures. The most notable instance is his denial of Jesus during the events leading up to the crucifixion. As Jesus is arrested, Peter, out of fear, denies knowing Him three times (Matthew 26:69-75). This moment of weakness, however, does not define Peter's love for Christ but rather highlights the human frailty that can accompany even the most sincere devotion.

Restoration and Commission

After His resurrection, Jesus appears to Peter and the other disciples by the Sea of Galilee. In a poignant moment of restoration, Jesus asks Peter three times, "Do you love Me?" to which Peter responds affirmatively each time (John 21:15-17). This thrice-repeated question and affirmation serve to restore Peter and reaffirm his love for Christ, paralleling his earlier threefold denial. Jesus commissions Peter to "Feed My sheep," entrusting him with the care of His followers and solidifying Peter's role as a leader in the early Church.

A Life of Devotion

Following his restoration, Peter's life is marked by unwavering devotion to Christ. He becomes a bold proclaimer of the Gospel, as seen in the book of Acts, where he delivers powerful sermons and performs miracles in Jesus' name (Acts 2:14-41). His epistles further reflect his deep love for Christ, as he encourages believers to endure suffering for the sake of righteousness and to remain steadfast in their faith (1 Peter 4:12-16).

Martyrdom

Tradition holds that Peter's love for Christ ultimately leads him to martyrdom. According to early Church writings, Peter is crucified in Rome under Emperor Nero, choosing to be crucified upside down because he feels unworthy to die in the same manner as his Lord. This ultimate sacrifice underscores the depth of Peter's love and commitment to Christ, a love that endures to the end.

Peter's life, with its highs and lows, serves as a testament to the transformative power of love for Christ. His journey from fisherman to apostle, from denial to bold proclamation, illustrates the profound impact of divine grace and the enduring nature of true devotion.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 21:15-17
So when they had dined, Jesus said to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, love you me more than these? He said to him, Yes, Lord; you know that I love you. He said to him, Feed my lambs.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Trial of Peter's Love to Christ.
... SERMON XIII. The Trial of Peter's love to Christ. ... I. We see Christ questioning Peter
and trying his love. Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xiii the trial of.htm

What the Scriptures Principally Teach: the Ruin and Recovery of ...
... Christ's purpose in it, he would not have been so hasty and displeased) "Peter,
'lovest thou me?' then 'feed my sheep.' " If a man love Christ, he will ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture vi what the scriptures.htm

Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John
... 'THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT'. PEACE, LOVE, AND FAITH. ... THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PETER. CONTENTS. ...
JOY IN BELIEVING. CHRIST AND HIS CROSS THE CENTRE OF THE UNIVERSE. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/

The Son of Man Glorified.
... and Florence Nightingale, have been those who were filled with the love of Christ.
When did an infidel build a hospital! (John 13:36). 36. Simon Peter said unto ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the son of man glorified.htm

Peter's Repentance
... training; and last of all there came that look of love. In His suffering Christ
did not forget him, but turned round and looked upon him, and "Peter went out ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/absolute surrender/peters repentance.htm

Entire Sanctification as Taught by Peter.
... In comparison with the precious "blood of Christ" Peter characterizes silver and
gold, which ... in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the ...
/.../clark/the theology of holiness/chapter viii entire sanctification as.htm

Love and Discernment.
... Jesus Christ bestows upon those who love Him with ... sunlight of our perfect fellowship
with Christ, just as St ... Peter, when asked by his Master, said, "Lord, Thou ...
/.../thomas/the prayers of st paul/ix love and discernment.htm

The Tests of Love to God
... When Peter thought how dearly Christ loved him; how he was ... of heaven in a vision;
that he should deny Christ after he had received such signal love from Him ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/the tests of love to.htm

The Divine Liturgy of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist Mark, the ...
... Liturgy of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist Mark, The Disciple of the Holy Peter. ...
that we may all meet in the divine and boundless love, in Christ Jesus our ...
//christianbookshelf.org/various/early liturgies/the divine liturgy of the.htm

Seventh Appearance of Jesus.
... Compare verses 1-14 with Luke 5:1-11.3. In a group around a fire of coals Peter
here thrice professes his love for Christ, thus revoking the threefold denial ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cxl seventh appearance of jesus.htm