Lesson 8: Peter

Introduction: In this lesson, we will study the character of Peter 
through incidents recorded in the New Testament.  We will see his 
spiritual growth, his increase in understanding, and his battle 
with sin.  We will also see his contribution to the spread of the 
gospel.

I. Peter's early life
   A. Son of Jonas, also called John and Joannes (Jno. 1:42-43).
   B. Originally named Simon, renamed by Jesus as Cephas (Aramaic 
      for Peter)
   C. Brought to Christ by his brother, Andrew (Matt. 4:18; 
      Jno. 1:40-42)
   D. From the city of Bethsaida (Jno. 1:44).
   E. Lived some time in Capernaum (Matt. 8:5, 14)
   F. A fisherman by trade (Matt. 4:18)
   G. Married (Matt. 8:14; 1 Cor. 9:1-5)

Principles:
     1. Many great church leaders did not rely on worldly status 
    or secular education (Matt. 4:18; Acts 4:13).
     2. Great church leaders may or may not have had families 
    (Matt. 8:14; 1 Cor. 7:7; 32-35; 9:5).


II. Peter's Character During Jesus' Ministry
   A. Humility and confession
      1. Casting nets (Lk. 5:1-10)
   B. Impulsive actions   
      1. Walking on water (Matt. 14:22-33)
      2. Cutting off the slave's ear (Jno. 18:10-11)
   C. Impulsive words
      1. Suggestion at the transfiguration (Lk. 9:28-35)
      2. Disapproval of Jesus' foot-washing (Jno. 13:3-9)
      3. Disapproval of Jesus' suffering (Matt. 16:21-23)
   D. Weakness
      1. Denial before crucifixion (Mk. 14:66-72)
      2. Doubt (Matt. 14:22-33)
Principles:
     1. "My thoughts are not your thoughts" (Is. 55:8).  At first, 
    Jesus' own disciples did not understand the spiritual 
    nature of His kingdom.
     2. Jesus loves sinners (Lk. 5:8-10).
     3. We are often zealous until we feel threatened 
    (Matt. 14:29-30; Mk. 14:29-31,72; Acts 15:6-11; 
    Gal. 2:11-12).
     4. God's people must learn to be servants (Jno. 13:3-9).
     5. We must feel deep sorrow when convicted of sin 
    (Lk. 22:61-62).

III. Peter in the Church
   A.  Preached first gospel sermon (Acts 2:14-47)
   B.  Healed the lame man (Acts 3:11-26)
   C.  Arrested with John after another sermon (Acts 3:11-26; 4:1-4)
   D.  Condemned Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11)
   E.  Respected for healing power (Acts 5:14-15)
   F.  Probably the first apostle to leave Jerusalem (Acts 8: 1-15)
   G.  Preached outside of Jerusalem, healing several (Acts 9:31-42)
   H.  Preaches first gospel sermon to Gentiles (Acts 10 & 11)
   I. Imprisoned by Herod, but freed by an angel (Acts 12:3-11)
   J. Fled to Judea and Caesarea (Acts 12:18-19)
   K. Returned to Jerusalem (Acts 15:2, 7)
   L. Because of fear, withdrew from Gentile Christians 
      (Gal. 2:11-14)
   M. Had foreknowledge of his being killed (Jno. 21:17-19; 
      2 Pet. 1:13-15)
   N. Wrote 2 epistles:
       1. In general, 1 Peter is about retaining purity and hope 
      during suffering.
       2. 2 Peter is generally about "true knowledge" (epignosko) 
      vs. false doctrine.

Principles:
     1. Salvation is from the Jews, but is open to all (Jn. 4:22; 
    Acts 10:34-35).
     2. When persecuted, we must obey God rather than man 
    (Acts 5:27-29).
     3. Our service to God will cost something (Jno. 21:17-19; 
    2 Pet. 1:14; 2 Tim. 3:12).
     4. God's specific prophecies are fulfilled (Acts 1:8).
     5. At times, we must expose sin (Acts 5:1-11).
     6. When guilty, we must accept rebuke (Gal. 2:14).

Questions:

1.  Section II cites several incidents that reflect Peter's 
    thinking.  Look at the scriptures in this section.  How did 
    Peter initially view Jesus' mission and kingdom?
2.  Looking at scriptures in Section II, show how Peter was zealous 
    until he was threatened.
    How can we be guilty of this today?
3.  What happened after the cock crowed (Lk. 22:61-62)?
4.  Some people think of Peter as the first pope.
    Was Peter single or married?
    Did he accept worship?
    How does the Bible describe the special following of Peter 
     (Cephas) (1 Cor. 1:12)?
    Does the Bible mentions popes?
    Although Christ is the head of the church, specific men are 
     appointed to lead local churches.  
    Who are these men? Cite scripture.
    Comment about the play on words used by Jesus in Matt. 16:18.  
     The word Peter is translated from the Greek petros, meaning 
     small stone or pebble.  the word rock is translated from the 
     Greek petra, meaning large stone or boulder.
5.  After Peter healed the lame man, he appeared before the Jewish 
    Council.  What did he say about the healing (Acts 4:10)?
    How did the Jewish leaders respond (vss. 13-18)?
    By this time, how many people had been converted in the city 
    (vs. 4)?
6. Peter told Ananias that he had lied to whom (Acts 5:4)?  Did he 
   lie to men?  What did Peter mean?
    How did the church feel after Ananias and Sapphira were killed 
    (vs. 11)?
    Can this feeling be helpful?
7.  When the persecution began, what happened to the church 
    (Acts 8:1-2)?
     How does this compare with Jesus' prophecy (Acts 1:8)?
     Did all the members leave Jerusalem (Acts 8:4, 14)?
     When did Peter leave (8:14-17)?  Why?  What was the result?


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