Introduction

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. His journey of faith is marked by moments of great insight and profound weakness, culminating in a deep sense of resignation to God's will. This entry explores the theme of resignation in Peter's life, highlighting key biblical events and passages.

Peter's Early Zeal and Impulsiveness

Peter's initial interactions with Jesus reveal a man of great enthusiasm and impulsiveness. Upon meeting Jesus, Peter immediately left his fishing nets to follow Him (Matthew 4:18-20). His zeal is further demonstrated when he declares, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matthew 16:16). However, Peter's impulsive nature often led him to act without fully understanding God's plan, as seen when he rebuked Jesus for predicting His own death, prompting Jesus to respond, "Get behind Me, Satan!" (Matthew 16:23).

The Denial and Restoration of Peter

One of the most poignant moments of resignation in Peter's life occurs during the events surrounding Jesus' crucifixion. Despite his earlier declaration of unwavering loyalty, Peter denies knowing Jesus three times (Matthew 26:69-75). This act of denial is a turning point for Peter, leading to deep remorse and a recognition of his own limitations. The Gospel of Luke records that after the rooster crowed, "The Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him... And he went outside and wept bitterly" (Luke 22:61-62).

Following Jesus' resurrection, Peter's restoration is a profound moment of grace and resignation. In John 21, Jesus asks Peter three times, "Do you love Me?" (John 21:15-17), mirroring Peter's three denials. Each affirmation of love is met with a commission to "Feed My sheep," signifying Peter's acceptance of his role in the early Church and his resignation to God's will for his life.

Peter's Resignation to Suffering and Leadership

Peter's journey of resignation continues as he embraces the suffering and leadership that come with his apostolic calling. In Acts 5:41, after being flogged for preaching the Gospel, Peter and the other apostles "rejoiced that they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name" . This acceptance of suffering reflects a mature resignation to God's purposes, recognizing that trials are part of the Christian journey.

Peter's epistles further illustrate his resigned acceptance of God's will. In 1 Peter 4:12-13, he writes, "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial that has come upon you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ" . This exhortation reveals Peter's understanding that suffering is integral to the Christian life and a means of participating in Christ's own sufferings.

Conclusion

Peter's life is a testament to the transformative power of God's grace and the journey toward spiritual maturity. His initial impulsiveness and subsequent failures are met with divine forgiveness and restoration, leading to a profound resignation to God's will. Through his experiences, Peter becomes a model of faithfulness and resilience, embracing the challenges of leadership and suffering with a heart surrendered to God.2 Peter 1:14
Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ has showed me.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Resignation
... And now, as one who is strong and ready, he says calmly to Peter, "The cup ... sorrow,
we know where to find relief; we learn the spirit of resignation, and under ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chapin/the crown of thorns/resignation.htm

xi.
... Peter had indeed signed an instrument of resignation; but Cyril says, that he was
terrified into it; and that he would have no such resignation be of force ...
//christianbookshelf.org/schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/xi.htm

The Jewish Rebellions
... the poor Jews conquered, as the Christian martyrs conquered afterwards, by resignation;
by that ... Peter wrote his epistle, the Jews broke out in open rebellion. ...
/.../kingsley/discipline and other sermons/sermon xv the jewish rebellions.htm

Meditation v. Jesus Goes up to Jerusalem.
... No words can give an adequate idea of the love and resignation which were expressed
in ... When Peter and John came to the supper-room with the chalice, all the ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/meditation v jesus goes up.htm

Endurance
... Peter says, 'if, when ye be beaten for your faults, ye take it patiently ... he was perfect
in duty, perfect in love of right, perfect in resignation, perfect in ...
/.../kingsley/discipline and other sermons/sermon xxi endurance.htm

The Martyrdom of James
... The contrast of James and Peter may teach us the equal love that presides ... But the
change between his ardent anticipations and his calm resignation, and between ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/the martyrdom of james.htm

Gethsemane, the Oil-Press
... He cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What,
could ye ... So, the third element in the prayer is the utter resignation to the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/gethsemane the oil-press.htm

The Transfiguration
... as told by the different Evangelists, is this,"That our Lord took Peter, and John ...
all the majesty, and courage, and wisdom, and love, and resignation, and pity ...
/.../kingsley/twenty-five village sermons/sermon xv the transfiguration.htm

Of Internal and Mystical Silence.
... him sufficiently: This love is attained to by means of perfect Resignation and internal ...
Peter most affectionately told the Lord, that for his sake he was ready ...
/.../the spiritual guide which disentangles the soul/chap xvii of internal and.htm

The Consensus of Geneva. AD 1552.
... [910] These and other theological differences caused his resignation or dismissal
from the school, though ... It was strongly advocated in Zurich by Peter Martyr. ...
/.../ 60 the consensus of.htm

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