Introduction
We begin a series covering the twelve disciples of Jesus. Jesus’ disciples are different from other famous teachers who had disciples, such as Socrates, Mohammed or Buddha. They chose their disciples based on their qualifications or potential. At the very least their disciples could read. However the twelve disciples were kind of hopeless in their own way, ranging from fisherman to a zealot. In fact, Jesus knew that one would even betray him, yet he chose them (John 6:70).
One key difference between Jesus’ disciples and everyone else is that the other religions are always added more to their teachings over time. Jesus and his disciples never changed the gospel message and it is the same today as it was 2000 years ago. (Ephesians 3:19) This is because every other teacher fails to address the core problem of man, sin. Socrates’ and Buddha’ teaching cannot save you from your sin, which is why they need to keep getting updated. Jesus says you don’t have to add anything but just simply tell them about me and what I commanded. (Acts 1:8, Mt 28:19-20) Jesus says to be saved you must be born again. (John 3:3) He led people correctly to God the Father. Jesus knew man is a sinner and they are hopeless. Peter was one of them and was chosen.
Who is Peter?
Outside of Jesus, Peter is the most mentioned person in the gospels. The Gospel of Mark is essentially Mark recording Peter’s teaching on Jesus. Peter was not originally named Peter but Simon (John 1:42). The name ‘Peter’ is Greek, while ‘Cephas’ is Aramaic, which means ‘rock’. Jesus prophetically renamed Peter three years before Jesus says that Peter is the rock on which He will build His church when Peter confesses that Jesus is the Son of God.
Peter was married and was very close to his wife. She helped him throughout his life, most notably she helped him build the church in Antioch. Peter was also a very devoted fisherman. (Luke 5:5) In general, there are lots of adjectives to describe Peter and his actions recorded in the New Testament. Overall, Peter was like us, sometimes Simon, sometimes Peter.
Three Characteristics of Peter
Repentance
As a believer, Peter was a man of repentance. Before going to the cross, Jesus had cautioned Peter but Peter boasted about his loyalty. The result was his betrayal of Jesus by denying Him in front of a little girl. However, Peter repented. (Matthew 26:75) Repenting is a hallmark of a Christian. Repentance is turning from sin, from idols and from darkness and turning into the light and into God. As Christians, while we are on earth not yet glorified, we are in the process of sanctification. We must admit that we sin every day so we should be repenting every day. As Martin Luther said, “Repent; he called for the entire life of believers to be one of penitence”. Once saved, always repenting.
Peter’s repentance was genuine because he remembered what Jesus said. Jesus admonished the church to remember. (Revelation 2:5) To truly repent when you sin, you must remember God’s word. ( 2 Timothy 3:16-17) Without the word of God, we would not know what our sin is and would not be able to repent of it. By the Word, we are also convicted in our hearts of our sin, when otherwise we would deceive ourselves. (1 Samuel 12:7,13) In order for God’s word to be effective towards repentance, you must meditate on it and ask yourself, “How does this passage point me to Christ and what should I do?”. Repentance does not begin with a guilty emotion but instead a remembering of God’s word.
After remembering, it says Peter went out. He left the scene of the sin, which indicates that he started bearing fruit of repentance. Repentance is not genuine until we act. John Calvin said, “Repentance is an inward matter, which has its seat in the heart and soul, but afterwards yields its fruits in a change of life.” Peter fled and wept bitterly as an expression of the godly sorrow in his heart. Until we too have this sort of bitterness and sorrow towards sin, we are not serious about our faith yet.
Humility
Peter is notorious for not being a humble man. He even rebuked Jesus! (Matthew 16:22) Imagine trying to scold God Incarnate. That takes a certain level of pride. He also boasted about his loyalty saying he would follow Jesus to death even if others left, claiming he was the most loyal among the other disciples. (Matthew 26:33)
The sin of pride is extremely deceitful and powerful. Spurgeon claimed after death pride would be second to be destroyed. However we see how much Peter changed, in 1 Peter 5:6, he shares from his own past sin and experience why young men should humble themselves. God is opposed to the proud but gives grace to humble. Opposed means organized resistance. We don’t want to be miserable Christians facing God’s opposition. So we need to be humble because when we are humble God gives grace. (1 Corinthians 15:10)
Peter Masters says, “Humility makes much of Christ, standing amazed at him, and in deep admiration. Whenever his works and attributes are extolled in worship, humility truly marvels and praises him.’ Christ Himself is the prime example of humility (Philippians 2:8). Between King David and King Saul what was the difference? Externally they were similar, handsome, warriors, and kings. The difference was David was a man after God’s own heart, he was humble to obey God. (Acts 13:22 ) Peter makes his final request to the church to ‘grow in the grace of God and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.’ (2 Peter 3:18) Peter was no longer prideful but humble and desired the church to be humble as well.
Courage
Peter has many examples of an initial display of courage but eventually caving to fear. Peter was walking on the water but started sinking and cried out for help and he declared his loyalty, then denied Jesus before a little girl. In Acts 5:29 we see the new Peter who was resolute to obey God rather than fear men even after being thrown into prison. In Acts 10:23-24, Peter braved going against Jewish social norms by staying with Cornelius who was a Gentile. Also in Acts 12:7 Peter is in prison and facing a potential execution, and yet he is sleeping so deeply the angel had to forcefully wake him up.
What changed that gave Peter courage? Peter was always filled with the Holy Spirit. (Acts 4:7-8) We too have the Holy Spirit dwelling in us but it is another matter to be filled. To be filled with the Holy Spirit is to be controlled, to constantly be under God’s Word. This is what the church needs today. The church has grown weak. The early church turned the Roman empire upside down because it had the courage of Christ while being filled with the Holy Spirit.
Eventually Peter was crucified upside down as he sought to obey Christ rather than men. He was a true disciple of Jesus. His example of repentance, humility and courage brings Christianity to life.
BIBLE COMMUNITY CHURCH 
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