Introduction

Of all the twelve apostles the one most widely talked about is Peter.

He most graphically presents to us our need of salvation, for while it is always clear in the stories about him which are found in the Bible that he loves Jesus, he is obviously incapable of doing and saying that which is right.

His treatment by God is a tremendous cause of hope to everyone, because God was patient with this most obviously errant of the disciples except Judas, leading him in such a way that he could discover his own weaknesses and finally be converted.

He is also a cause of hope because after he was converted he was commissioned by the Lord to do a work for Him.

It is said that the greatest honor that can come to a man is to be accepted by Heaven as a minister.
Since I was at the Seminary the first time some 25 years ago I have heard Peter called the first among equals; and I think that may be true.

He was almost always the first into trouble. His salvation is one of the greatest stories of God’s leading His erring children to a life of usefulness.

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, sayeth the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you an expected end” (Jer. 29:11).

“For thus saith the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel; in returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength…” (Isa. 30:15).

Read

Education, pp. 88-91, for example, for excellent information on Peter himself.

Acts of the Apostles, pp. 514–517 first half, for the background of Peter’s first letter.

Texts like; Matt 16:13–20; Acts 1:15–22; Mark 14:66–72; John 21:15–19; Acts 9:32–43.

Lesson Outline

Matt 16:13–20
The foundation of the church is the death of Christ. (See 3 RH 453, col. 3, par. 2.) (Satan in Peter addressed by Christ and rebuked—vv. 21–24).

Acts 1:15–22 Note: The city of God has 12 foundations (Rev 21:14).

Mark 14:66–72; John 21:15–19 The city of God has God’s redeemed named in its foundation- including the only apostle to deny Jesus verbally in public.

Acts 9:32–43 God’s willingness to use the one who denied Jesus publicly, and who was reinstated by Jesus, shows the reality of the Father’s forgiveness to even the apostle who erred the most against Jesus-next to Judas.

1 peter: intro | lesson 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13