Topical Encyclopedia The Apostle Peter, originally named Simon, is a prominent figure in the New Testament, known for his close relationship with Jesus Christ and his significant role in the early Christian Church. Despite his devotion, Peter is also remembered for moments of offense, where his actions or words were contrary to the teachings of Christ. These instances provide valuable lessons on human frailty, repentance, and restoration.Denial of Jesus One of the most notable offenses committed by Peter is his denial of Jesus Christ. During the Last Supper, Jesus foretold that Peter would deny Him three times before the rooster crowed. Peter vehemently denied this prediction, asserting his unwavering loyalty (Matthew 26:33-35). However, as Jesus was arrested and taken to the high priest's courtyard, Peter followed at a distance. When confronted by others who recognized him as a follower of Jesus, Peter denied knowing Him three times, fulfilling Jesus' prophecy (Matthew 26:69-75). This act of denial was a significant offense, highlighting Peter's fear and human weakness. Rebuke by Jesus Another instance of offense occurred when Peter rebuked Jesus for speaking about His impending suffering and death. In Matthew 16:21-23 , Jesus began to explain to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, suffer many things, and be killed, but on the third day be raised to life. Peter took Jesus aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, "Far be it from You, Lord! This shall never happen to You." Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men." This sharp rebuke from Jesus underscores the gravity of Peter's offense, as he was unwittingly opposing God's redemptive plan. Walking on Water Peter's attempt to walk on water also illustrates a moment of offense, albeit one rooted in doubt rather than defiance. In Matthew 14:28-31 , when the disciples saw Jesus walking on the sea, Peter asked to come to Him on the water. Jesus invited him, and Peter began to walk toward Jesus. However, when he saw the wind, he became afraid and began to sink, crying out, "Lord, save me!" Jesus immediately reached out His hand and caught him, saying, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" This incident reveals Peter's struggle with faith and trust, leading to a momentary lapse that required Jesus' intervention. Restoration and Commission Despite these offenses, Peter's account is one of redemption and restoration. After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to Peter and the other disciples by the Sea of Galilee. In a poignant moment of reconciliation, Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved Him, mirroring Peter's threefold denial. Each time Peter affirmed his love, Jesus instructed him to "Feed My lambs," "Tend My sheep," and "Feed My sheep" (John 21:15-17). This exchange not only restored Peter but also commissioned him to shepherd the early Church, demonstrating the transformative power of forgiveness and grace. Peter's offenses, while significant, serve as reminders of the challenges faced by even the most devoted followers of Christ. His journey from offense to restoration offers hope and encouragement to believers, emphasizing the importance of repentance, faith, and the redemptive love of Jesus. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 16:23But he turned, and said to Peter, Get you behind me, Satan: you are an offense to me: for you mind not the things that be of God, but those that be of men. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Wesley Meets Peter Bohler Sin and Forgiveness Between Brethren. On Actual Sins Acts XV Who is the Greatest? Levi-Matthew The Self Life. John xiii. 1 John Chapter xx. 30-31, and xxi. 1-11. The Kingdom Conquering the World Resources What does the Bible say about etiquette / manners? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that love covers a multitude of sins? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about grudges? | GotQuestions.org Offence: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Offense: All Things That Cause, Shall be Gathered out of Christ's Offense: Blessedness of not Taking, at Christ Offense: Denunciation Against Those Who Cause Offense: Ministers should be Cautious of Giving Offense: Ministers should Remove That Which Causes Offense: Occasions of, Forbidden Offense: Occasions of, Must Arrive Offense: Persecution, a Cause of, to Mere Professors Offense: Punishment for Occasioning Offense: Saints should Avoid Those Who Cause Offense: Saints should be Cautious of Giving Offense: Saints should be Without Offense: Saints should Cut off What Causes, to Themselves Offense: Saints should Have a Conscience Void of Offense: Saints should not Let Their Liberty Occasion, to Others Offense: Saints should Reprove Those Who Cause Offense: Saints should Use Self-Denial Rather than Occasion Offense: Saints Warned Against Taking Offense: The Wicked Take, At: Christ Crucified Offense: The Wicked Take, At: Christ, As the Bread of Life Offense: The Wicked Take, At: Christ, As the Corner-Stone Offense: The Wicked Take, At: The Low Station of Christ Offense: The Wicked Take, At: The Necessity of Inward Purity Offense: The Wicked Take, At: The Righteousness of Faith Related Terms Transgression (70 Occurrences) |
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