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Little is actually said of most of the twelve disciples throughout the New Testament. Even John, the “beloved disciple,” is mentioned only about 20 times in the gospels; as is Judas Iscariot. (He mostly because of the nefarious role he played in the last week of Jesus’ life.) Andrew is named 12 times, Thomas 10, the rest only 3 times each. Peter, however, is mentioned over 120 times.

He is noted as the leading character of the church in the first half of the Acts of the Apostles. (Paul stepping into that role in the second half of that book as he built on Peter’s initial opening of the “church” to Gentiles). Peter, recognized by most believers as a “pillar” of the early church, at times moderated the Jewish-Gentile difficulties so prevalent at that time. Besides which, 2 epistles are attributed to Peter and he is considered – by some – as Rome’s first bishop and Catholicism’s first pope. (And while Protestants don’t ascribe to that view of Peter, we do acknowledge that he ministered in his later years extensively in Rome and was at some point martyred there.) Beyond that, he may have had a hand in the writing of Mark’s Gospel; the concensus being that Mark was Peter’s scribe during his ministry in Rome, he then using Peter’s recollections to inform his writing of Jesus’ exploits while on earth.

A curious aspect of Peter’s “history” is that he is portrayed warts and all, lending authenticity to the account. Most people omitting any mention of their “heroes” shortcomings in recounting their exploits, preferring instead to highlight only the positives of their endeavors. One possible reason for this being – besides the integrity of those writing the Gospels – is that Peter probably used his failures and miss-steps to connect with those he ministered to. His willingness to truthfully share his journey to and with Christ lending power to his preaching and believability to his message for those who were striving to understand the fuller revelation of God’s will. (One key feature of the gospels being Jesus’ characterization as the central figure around whom the entire Christian faith revolves; Peter often serving as his “foil”. A supporting character who contrasts, highlights and ultimately exalts the leading characters qualities. His shortcomings and miss-steps magnifying Jesus’ virtues even as certain aspects of Jesus’ message are made more clear. In the end being approachable for the rest of us precisely because of his struggles, even as we share and rejoice in his victories. In time, Peter indeed became a rock of the church as he learned to take up his cross for the gospel and lay down his life for his Lord; a flawed but ultimately faithful disciple of his Savior.

Peter’s given name was Simon – Shimon in Hebrew. An uneducated “am ha’oretz”, or one “who could not write.” Yet Jesus used the men of the uneducated class to help Him change the world. And it was some time before Peter’s declaration that Jesus was God’s Son, the Messiah (Matthew 16:16) that Jesus prophetically “nicknamed” Simon, Cephas (Aramaic) or Petros (Greek), meaning rock. Simon Peter actually being a title, like Jesus the Christ; which over time and use became identified as their names. (Matthew 1:40-42) The Gospels relating Simon’s excruciatingly slow growth into the vision of his name, referencing him 54 times by his given name, 115 times as Petros – the rock – or Peter.

And as is often the case, Jesus’ first call to Peter to follow him in ministry involved inconvenience. John Lennon famously singing, “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.” Jesus asking Peter to push his boat back from the shore, after fishing unsuccessfully all night, so Jesus could use his craft as a podium from which to speak to the crowds following him down to the seashore. Later, pushing farther out to sea, Peter and his crew caught such an abundance of fish that they risked tearing their nets and sinking their boats. From these startling events came Jesus’ offer for them to become “fishers of men”, to which they immediately replied by leaving their boats to follow him. (Luke 5:1-11) On such reluctant obedience began Peter’s trek to becoming the Rock.

One pivotal incident leading to that destination happened – once more – on the Sea of Galilee. It’s the familiar story of Jesus walking on water, occurring after a particularly busy day of preaching. Jesus subsequently sending his disciples to the other side of the sea while he stayed behind to contemplate the day and pray. Nothing is said as to how he would rejoin his disciples but I doubt if anyone expected what happened.

Part way across, the disciples ran into bad weather, a common occurrence on this sea. But just as they were despairing for their safety, they looked up and saw an apparition on the water. Someone – or something – was walking on the water! As they cried out in even more alarm, Jesus identified himself by calling out, “Be encouraged. It’s me. Don’t be afraid.” To which Peter, ever the first to reply regardless of the situation (See Matthew 17:1-5), replied to Jesus with, ‘Lord, if it’s you, order me to come to you on the water.’ Jesus then saying, “Come.” And Peter did - or at least he tried. (Matthew 18:22-23)

That’s important to remember, for even though after only a step or two Peter realized what a crazy thing he was attempting and became fearful – for which he was duly scolded – he was the only one in the boat to do even that much. He might have done more with more faith, but at least he had the sense to cry out for Jesus to save him, and He did; subsequently calming the sea and eliciting exclamations of, “Truly you are the Son of God.” (These “sailors” possibly remembering the words of Psalm 77:19; 89:8,9 and in particular the Psalm of the Sailors – 107:23-29)

Mark Hamilton writing, “As is so often with Peter, just as we see him take two remarkable steps forward in faith, we see him take one step back. This is the picture we’ll see again and again of Simon – faithful and bold, yet easily confused, detoured, and oh so flawed. Maybe that is why we love him so much.” 1

1From Simon Peter, Flawed but Faithful Disciple, Abingdon Publishing

Check back next week for more on how the rough-edged Rock was reshaped and reformed to become a polished, rock-steady leader of the early church and beyond.

"'Winging It" from Stan Smith

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