He was surely one of the most privileged as he was one of the few who was taught at the master's hands on a daily basis.
One example given to support this assumption includes the time Peter asked the Lord if he could come to Him as He walked across the water on the Sea of Galilee (Matthew 14:25-33). In this story, Peter steps out of the boat and begins to walk out across the water toward the Lord, but when he gets part way, He begins to sink and calls out to the Lord to save him.
Another example of Peter's erratic and petulant nature is the account in the Garden of Gethsemane when Judas approaches with the high priest's servants sent to apprehend the Lord and bring Him into custody, and with a kiss, betrays Him. Peter draws his sword and attacks one of the servants, cutting off his ear. The Lord rebukes Peter informing him that those who live by the sword, die by the sword. The Lord then takes the injured man and restores his ear, healing him completely, and Peter's act of violence is reversed and undone (John 18:3-11).
But the defining example of Peter's failure to remain firm and unwavering in his faith begins in the upper chambers during the Passover where the Lord institutes the sacrament just prior to the time when He would suffer and atone for our sins in the garden and on the Cross. The Lord reveals the following to Peter:
Luke 22:31-34
31 ¶And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
33 And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death.
34 And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.
I'm sure that when Peter heard this, even though the prophecy came from the Lord, he simply couldn't believe what he heard. His love for the Lord was real and his intent, sincere. And yet, even so, when his association with the Lord was questioned later that day, he did indeed deny that association three times just as the Lord had prophesied, a series of actions which, when complete, caused him to weep bitterly.
So, given the fact that these often cited examples are true, what conclusions, if any, can be drawn about Peter and his character and faith? Well, first and foremost, that Peter was a man complete with all the weaknesses and imperfections that implies, but that does not mean that He was not a great man; he was.
You might argue that the other prophets we read about showed unwavering faith and fearless devotion to God even when threatened with imprisonment or death and, for the most part, you would be right, although the story of Jonah, who tried, unsuccessfully, to flee from the Lord comes to mind. But most of the prophets who were called to suffer bonds or death did so without flinching, demonstrating the rock solid faith associated with those called to this high office.
So, what then of Peter? Well, consider where Peter is in his journey through life when he is prone to vacillate. He has barely been introduced to the gospel having had, at the time of his denial, only three years to learn and internalize it's teachings. I think a little understanding and compassion are in order because if we choose to compare Peter to the biblical prophets who preceeded him, we are doing him a great disservice and are being incredibly unfair as the prophets were men given many, many years to learn and practice the gospel prior to their callings as prophets. We see the end result of a lifetime of practice and achievement. Were we able to examine the lives of other prophets as they grew into their callings, we would, likely, see weaknesses not unlike those demonstrated by Peter. A little perspective here can go a long way.
Peter's faith is real. Think back on the time when the Lord chose him. He was a fisherman who the Lord walked by, and, after meeting with the Lord only briefly followed him immediately at His request, forsaking his family and prosperous life as a fisherman to become, at the Lord's invitation, a fisher of men (Matthew4:18-22, Luke5:1-11). This is an incredible test of faith that most of us, if we were brutally honest with ourselves, would fail to pass. It also shows that Peter was able to almost immediately recognize the person with whom he spoke. I think that fact speaks volumes about who Peter had already become. He was already a man sensitive to spiritual witnesses.
And, what about the time Peter attempted to walk on the water, and failed? I don't think Peter's faith can be questioned here, only, perhaps, it's depth and maturity. After all, the winds were boisterous and the disciples had toiled against them all night into the fourth watch (between 3am-6am). Of all of the apostles there that night, Peter alone asked to join the Lord on the water, despite the intensity of the storm. And don't forget that Peter did take several steps out onto the water, a real achievement of great faith. And, even when he began to sink, his faith in the Lord's ability to save him was unquestioned, and he called out to Jesus. It was faith in himself that wavered that night, not faith in his Lord and master.
The night in the garden when Jesus was betrayed was also a demonstration of Peter's faith and devotion to his Lord, whom he loved. Think about what he did...He drew his sword against the high priest's servant. A crime such as this against the Pharisees would surely not go unpunished and might have resulted in his execution, and yet he was ready to defend the Lord with his own life when necessary.
Peter's darkest moment was yet to come. He followed behind to witness the unthinkable, facing the nightmare of that night alone, separated from the Lord for the first time in three years. And he really was alone. Everyone else had fled (Matthew 26:56-58). These were dangerous times for the Lord, of course, but also for His apostles. The Lord himself pleaded for the safety of His apostles in the garden when he was brought into custody because the Lord recognised that His peril would be their's as well if He didn't intervene (John 18:7-9). And, I think that it is important to note that the gift of the Holy Ghost had not yet been bestowed on Peter or any of the other apostles at that time. This gift of the Holy Ghost was the comforter promised by the Lord before His ascension into heaven, the fulfillment of which occurred at the day of Pentacost (Acts 1:4-5, Acts 2:1-4).
Satan, it appears, had also targeted Peter in an attempt to destroy him
(Luke 22:31-32). He was, after all, chosen by the Lord to succeed him as the presiding authority after His ascension into heaven. Peter was literally surrounded by darkness as he sat among the servants of those who were persecuting and unjustly prosecuting his Lord. This test of faith was more than he could bear at that time while he was surrounded by the forces of evil, being utterly alone. I doubt any of us could pass such a test, and this is one test I'm glad I'll never have to face. I can't even begin to imagine what Peter experienced that night as he witnessed the terrible abuses and indignities patiently endured by the Lord. Again, a little empathy and perspective go a long way toward understanding Peter.
It is worth noting that after the day of Pentecost and the reception of the Holy Ghost that there are no further written accounts of Peter ever again demonstrating anything even approaching a lack of faith. What a difference the strength and courage the Holy Ghost provides can make in a person's life! God really does lend His strength and power to us through His spirit. There are, however many scriptural accounts of his great faith in performing many mighty miracles in the name of Christ. So much so that he was brought before the council of high priests having his life threatened by the very men responsible for causing Jesus' death. So, he had to take their threats seriously. He, however testified boldly of Christ, accusing them of his murder, imperiling his own life all along the way (Acts 3-4). Legend has it that he was ultimately crucifed for his beliefs which he would not deny.
Peter was as great as any man who ever lived, save the Lord himself.
The Lord was right about Peter...he is a rock.
Bible Videos (if the videos don't load, refresh the page):
- Peter and John Heal a Man Lame from Birth
- Peter Preaches and Is Arrested
- Peter and John Are Judged of the Pharisees
- Peter and John Continue to Preach of Jesus
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