There is so much that could be said about Peter.  Books have been written about his life.  I will try to mention just a few things about Peter here, but I encourage you to read more about him in the Bible.  His story is quite fascinating.  I will begin by stating that Peter’s life was vastly different after the Lord’s death and resurrection.  Let’s consider a few things about Peter.

  • It was Peter’s brother, Andrew, that brought Peter to the Lord.  (John 1:35-41).
  • Peter was a fisherman by trade.  (Luke 5:1-3).
  • Peter and Andrew immediately the Lord’s call to follow Him.  (Matthew 4:18-20).
  • Peter’s original name was Simon, but the Lord said his name would be Cephas (Peter).  (John 1:42).
  • Peter was married, even as he followed the Lord as an Apostle.  (Mark 1:29-30).
  • Peter was the first one to confess that the Lord Jesus was “Christ, the Son of the living God.”  It was here that the Lord changes Simon’s name to Peter.  (Matthew 16:13-18).
  • Peter walked on water to meet the Lord.  (Matthew 14:22-33).
  • Peter, trying to defend the Lord, cut off the ear of the high priest’s servant.  (John 18:10).
  • Peter denied the Lord three times.  (Luke 22:34).

Peter’s life was filled with failure and success as he sought to follow the Lord.  He had an undeniable love for the Lord, but he seemed to concentrate more on his love for the Lord that the Lord’s love for him.  However, after the Lord died and rose again, Peter’s life changed drastically and he was strengthened by the Holy Spirit to spend the rest of his life in service to his Lord.

  • Peter was given the opportunity three time to publicly acknowledge his love for the Lord. (John 21:15).
  • On the day of Pentecost, Peter spoke boldly of the Lord and exhorted all Israel to believe on the Lord.  (Acts 2:38).
  • Along with John, Peter raised up a lame man who had been lame from birth.  (Acts 3:1-8).
  • Peter raised Tabitha from the dead.  (Acts 9:36-41).
  • Peter took the Gospel to the Gentiles.  (Acts 10).
  • Peter was prominent at the Jerusalem council.  (Acts 15:6-11).
  • Peter was acknowledged by the Apostle Paul as the Apostle to the Jews.  (Galatians 2:8).
  • Peter wrote two books of the Bible…1 and 2 Peter.

Here, I have simply listed many facts about Peter…there are many, many more things that could have been listed.  I encourage you to look at each point individually and look up the scriptural reference to each point to verify the truth of each statement.  The last words of Peter are found in 2 Peter 3:18, “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.”  May we heed the words of this dear faithful saint.  May we obey his words and realize it is what the Lord inspired him to write for our own good.  (407.2)