| |||
|
The Apostle Peter
Introduction: 1. The apostle Peter wrote two of the New Testament "epistles" [letters]. a. 1 Peter 1:1-2 b. 2 Peter 1:1 2. These letters must be carefully studied and properly applied because: a. they were written to Christians b. the authority for Peter's teaching came from heaven (Matthew 16:17-19). 3. Before studying Peter's writings, let us review some personal information revealed in the Bible about him. Discussion: I. PETER'S BACKGROUND A. His given name was "Simon," but he was also called "Peter" (Matthew 4:18). B. Jesus named him "Cephas" (John 1:42). C. His father was Jona (John 1:42) whose name also appears as "Jonas" (John 21:15). D. His brother was Andrew (Matthew 4:18). E. He was a fisherman (Matthew 4:18). F. He and James and John were partners (Luke 5:10). G. He was married (Matthew 8:14). II. PETER'S SERVICE TO THE LORD A. Andrew brought him to Jesus (John 1:35-42). B. He left his fishing business to follow Jesus (Matthew 4:18-20). C. He served Jesus as: 1. an apostle (Matthew 10:2) 2. an elder (1 Peter 5:1). D. Jesus gave "the keys of the kingdom" to him (Matthew 16:19). III. PETER'S ACTIVITIES A. During the Lord's ministry: 1. he walked on the Sea of Galilee (Matthew 14:22-33) 2. he identified Jesus as God's Son a. Matthew 16:13-16 b. John 6:66-69 3. he denied Jesus (Matthew 26:31-35, 69-75). B. Following the Lord's resurrection: 1. he visited the empty tomb (John 20:1-7) 2. he saw Jesus by the Sea of Galilee (John 21:1-14) 3. he was the main spokesman on Pentecost (Acts 2:14) 4. he healed a man born lame (Acts 3:1-11) 5. he spoke with courage after he and John were arrested (Acts 4:1-13) 6. he questioned Ananias and Sapphira when they lied about their gift (Acts 5:1-11) 7. he brought Dorcas back to life (Acts 9:40) 8. he taught Cornelius, the first Gentile convert (Acts 10) 9. he spoke in Jerusalem about the conversion of the Gentiles (Acts 15:7-11). | ||