Subscription Lists

Simon Peter – Prominent Prophet of the Apostles (3 of 10)

Focus Text: Galatians 2.11-16

Three selected events speak of Peter’s penitent and pliable spirit; our study today will take a quick look at these three occasions and draw a practical conclusion from them.

The first event came on the heels of a great compliment paid to Peter; Jesus had just pronounced a blessing upon Peter due to his recognition of the fact that Jesus was the Messiah (see Matthew 16.13-18 & Mark 8.27-30). Almost immediately Jesus began to tell His disciples of the unjust fate that awaited Him in Jerusalem. The disciples were not ready for such an ending to the ministry of Christ. Peter spoke up! Mark records that “…Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him.” (Mark 832). In response, Jesus “…rebuked Peter, saying, ‘Get behind Me, Satan! For you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.’” (Mark 8.33). It would be hard to imagine a sterner rebuke than the one Jesus directed at Peter! Though not explicitly stated, it is obvious that Peter took the rebuke as a mature believer and repented of his wrong.

Perhaps a better known occasion is presented in connection with the crucifixion of Jesus. “And the Lord said, ‘Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.’ But he said to Him, ‘Lord, I am ready to go with You, both to prison and to death.’ Then He said, ‘I tell you, Peter, the rooster shall not crow this day before you will deny three times that you know Me.’” (Luke 22.31-34). That very evening and true to the Lord’s prediction, Peter declared unequivocally that he did not even so much as know Jesus (see Luke 22.54-60). Luke records all else that we know about this incident. “And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said to him, ‘Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.’ So Peter went out and wept bitterly.” (Luke 22.61-62). Penitent and pliable Peter!

The final occasion that we will examine involves an interaction between Paul and Peter in the city of Antioch. Paul summarized the event succinctly when he said, “Now when Peter had come to Antioch, I withstood him to his face, because he was to be blamed…” (Galatians 2.11). Peter clearly had played the part of the hypocrite in regards to his fellowship with the Gentiles. Certainly he knew that the Gentiles were fully acceptable to God and on an equal par with the Jews; he had in fact taken the gospel to the Gentiles and had declared, “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.” (Acts 10.34-35). Indeed Pater was to be blamed! He knew that God did not show partiality but chose to do so himself! We do not have explicit knowledge of Peter’s reaction to Paul’s rebuke, but implicitly we know that he acted in harmony with the penitent and pliable spirit that prevailed in each the previous two incidents cited.

“Rebuke is more effective for a wise man than a hundred blows on a fool.” (Proverbs 17.10). Peter may have strayed, but he was not a fool! He believed in God and trusted in His mercy and grace to preserve him as long as he maintained a penitent and pliable spirit!

Questions:

1. From Mark 8, why did Peter rebuke Jesus? Why did Jesus rebuke Peter?

2. What did Jesus say that He had done to keep Peter’s faith from failing? Did it fail? (Think!!)

3. Why did Paul rebuke Peter? Was his rebuke justified?

4. From Proverbs 27.5, what is better than love carefully concealed?

"Today's Little Lift" from Jim Bullington

Comfort in Isaiah II (12-14-10)