Redeemer Missionary Church » Bible Study Discussion

The study of Simon Peter

(3 posts)

  1. Grobbins
    Member

    I have some questions about Simon Peter as it relates to our study of a Walk with Christ to the Cross...

    In Matthew 16:18, "And I tell you that you are Peter,and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it."

    Does this phrase indicate that Jesus is assigning Peter a leadership role within the disciples? And... is it true that he was crucified head down? John 21:18–19

    According to Matthew 8:14–17; Mark 1:29–31 and Luke 4:38 added to 1 Corinthians 9:5 it seems to suggest that Peter's mother-in-law was healed by Jesus at their home in Capernaum.

    Additionally, it is interesting that Peter is always listed first in the list of Apostles. Could this be more proof of Jesus' love for Peter?

    The denial of Christ by Peter confounds me. In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus' prediction of Peter's denial is coupled with a prediction that all the apostles would be "sifted like wheat," but that it would be Peter's task, when he had turned again, to strengthen his brethren. In John's epilogue, Peter affirms three times that he loves Jesus.

    Additional facts about Peter:

    - He is the only Apostle to check the empty tomb for himself
    - 1 Corinthians 15:3-7 Paul says, "he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve."

    With all of the facts I have read about the love Peter had for Jesus and his ministry, I find it hard to believe that Peter denied Christ because he no longer loved him or because he didn't want to be associated with him, but rather because he was angry and felt betrayed by Jesus because he loved him so and did not want him to go through with the trial and crucifixion.

    References: Wikipedia.com, Biblegateway.com, newadvent.org

    Posted 1 year ago #

  2. bapatch
    Member

    I don't believe that Jesus loved Peter above the others. In fact, it is typically believed that John was "the disciple Jesus loved." When names are listed in the New Testament, they are done so in order of importance, so that would indicated that, next to Jesus, Peter was probably the leader of the disciples. He certainly becomes the most prominent of the disciples as the New Testament continues.

    I think Peter (and the other disciples, other than John who stood by as Jesus was crucified) deserted Jesus out of panic, fear, and a sense of simply not knowing what to do. Jesus had been with them every step of the way for three years, and now they were suddenly on their own with no one to guide them. It isn't until after Jesus sends his Holy Spirit to dwell within us (Pentecost) that the disciples are empowered and fully able to do the work of Jesus without him there with them.

    Posted 1 year ago #

  3. Grobbins
    Member

    More on Simon Peter

    Accounts outside the New Testament

    In Catholic tradition, Peter is said to have founded the church in Rome with Paul, served as its bishop, authored two epistles, and then met martyrdom there along with Paul.

    Antioch and Corinth

    Later accounts expand on the brief Biblical mention of his visit to Antioch. The Liber Pontificalis (9th century) mentions Peter as having served as bishop of Antioch before his journey to Rome. Historians have furnished other evidence of Peter's sojourn in Antioch. Subsequent tradition held that Peter had been the first Patriarch of Antioch.

    He might have visited Corinth, as a party of "Cephas" existed there.

    Peter's Death

    In the epilogue of the Gospel of John, Jesus hints at the death by which Peter would glorify God (John 21:18–19), saying "'…when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and take you where you do not want to go.'" This is understood as a reference to Peter's crucifixion.

    According to the 1911 Catholic Encyclopedia, St. Peter labored in Rome during the last portion of his life, and there ended his earthly course by martyrdom. The death of St. Peter is attested to by Tertullian at the end of the second century, and by Origen in Eusebius, Church History II.1. Origen says: "Peter was crucified at Rome with his head downwards, as he himself had desired to suffer". According to the noncanonical Acts of Peter, he was crucified upside down.

    Status

    St. Clement of Rome identifies Peter and Paul as the outstanding heroes of the faith. Papias reported that the Gospel of Mark was based on Peter's memoirs, a tradition still accepted by some scholars today.

    Posted 1 year ago #

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