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Simon Peter – Prominent Prophet of the Apostles (2 of 10)

Focus Text: Acts 4.10-13

Of all the attributes that might be assigned to Peter, it is doubtful that anyone acquainted with him ever accused him of being timid! When questions were asked, he seemed to always have an answer. When a task needed to be done, he always seemed to be willing to do it. When risks were to be taken, he usually seemed willing to take the risk. We will explore some particular events of his life that illustrate just how bold he could be.

Perhaps one of the better known examples of Peter’s boldness occurred when he and his fellow disciples feared they would drown during a storm on the Sea of Galilee (Matthew 14.22-33). This event has been used to illustrate failures that are associated with lack of faith, but it was Peter’s boldness that prompted him to say, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” (Matthew 14.28). As far as we know, no other disciple was bold enough to say anything to Jesus, let alone request permission to walk on the water even as Jesus was doing. It was Peter’s boldness that moved him to ask and then to step out of the boat.

Most Bible students know that it was Peter who acted as spokesperson for the apostles on the day of Pentecost and whose sermon is recorded in Acts 2. However, the events that closely followed on the heels of Pentecost also point out Peter’s great boldness. Following the miraculous healing of the lame man in Acts 3, Peter and John were imprisoned by the Jewish Sanhedrin (Acts 4.1-3). After spending the night in jail, they were called before the High Court where they were questioned as to the authority behind the preaching of the resurrection (as Peter was doing in Acts 3 at the time of their arrest). Peter’s response to their question of authority went like this: “…let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’ Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4.10-12). Luke records, “Now when they [the Sanhedrin] saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.” (Acts 4.13).

The boldness of Peter did not wane after he witnessed the resurrection and ascension of Christ; he just grew bolder! It was this leadership trait which propelled him to the forefront of the original twelve. It probably also accounts for the fact that his name is always listed first when there is a detailed listing of the twelve. Boldness, as is illustrated in the case of Peter, can certainly be an asset when it is channeled in the right direction.

As if he were not bold enough, Peter prayed with other believers in Jerusalem, “Now, Lord, look on their [the Sanhedrin’s] threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.” (Acts 4.29-30). Peter - Bold and praying for more boldness!

Questions:

1. Was Peter’s boldness an asset to Christ? Was it ever a liability? If so, when or how?

2. Why was the Sanhedrin so opposed to the deeds of Peter and John (see Acts 4.1-3)?

3. What is the connection, if any, between the boldness of Peter and the recognition by the Sanhedrin that they [Peter and John] had “been with Jesus”?

4. How did Peter’s boldness figure into his later service as an elder of the Lord’s church (see 1 Peter 5.1-4)?

"God's Words For US" from Cecelia Lester

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