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PETER
(Study on the Twelve Apostles)
(MBC - Wednesday PM, Septermber 20, 2023
Peter is the first disciple who comes to the mind of people when we think of twelve disciples.
Read Matthew 10:1-4 gives us the complete list of twelve disciples. Who is the first disciple mentioned in the list? ______
Matthew 10:1-4 “And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. 2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; 3 Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.”
Read John 6:66-69; Matthew 16:13-16; Mark 9:2-6 identify who was usually the first disciple to speak up when something needed to be said or when something did not need to be said? ____________________________
John 6:66-69 “From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. 67 Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? 68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. 69 And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.”
Matthew 16:13-16 “When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? 14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. 15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? 16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
Mark 9:2-6 “And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them. 3 And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them. 4 And there appeared unto them Elias with Moses: and they were talking with Jesus. 5 And Peter answered and said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. 6 For he wist not what to say; for they were sore afraid.”
Like Peter, sometimes we are so quick to say something that we should not which lead us to hurt other’s feeling and at the end we thought later, it would be better not to say that thing. Peter was so impulsive.
Read John 21:17; Matthew 14:28-30, who was the disciple of Jesus who most of the time jump into action? _________
John 21:7 “Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher's coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea.”
Matthew 14:28-30 “And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. 29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.”
Even though it is normal action to wisely look first before jumping into something, but Peter was not that kind of person, he always quick to jump into things. Illustration: Usually a person look first into a swimming pool if it is filled with water before jumping into a pool.
Not only Peter was always quick to jump into action without thinking first before jumping but Peter was also quick to say the right thing (Matthew 16:16), and there are times when Peter said the wrong thing (Matthew 16:21-22).
Matthew 16:16 “And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
Matthew 16: 21-22 “From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. 22 Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.”
Most of the time, Peter would speak first and later think about it, and because of this, Peter was known as an impulsive and impetuous disciple who was always quick to speak and quick to jump into action.
We sometimes commit that impulsive attitude; we say or do something that we did not think first. We have done and say things that it is so hard to fix up. This impulsiveness of Peter serves as a warning for us.
Although Peter has a lot of problems or weaknesses, Peter really loved His Master and the Lord Jesus used Peter in a very special way. Likewise, we realized that the Lord unconditional love is always there in times of our failures and restore us.
The Bible gives us more details and records about Peter than any of the other disciples of Jesus.
There are seven lessons to learn in the life of Peter:
I – UNCOUNTABLE CAUGHT OF FISHES (Luke 5:1-11)
Read Luke 5:1-11, then answer several questions.
Luke 5:1-11 “And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret, 2 And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets. 3 And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship. 4 Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. 5 And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. 6 And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. 7 And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. 8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. 9 For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken: 10 And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men. 11 And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.”
What was the other name of Peter? (v.3) __________________
What was the occupation of Peter? (v2) ___________________
Notice the word “draught” in verse 4 which means “catch.” We see that the Lord Jesus giving instruction to Peter on how to catch fish. We can see the picture of a carpenter telling an experienced fisherman how to be a good fisherman and what to do to catch a fish. Did the expert experienced fisherman (Peter) obey the carpenter (Jesus)? (v.5) _____________
(No matter how expert you are, no matter how much experience you have, no matter much education you attained, you can never be successful in life without the power, wisdom, and words of God in your life).
On the previous night, Peter and other fishermen go to catch a fish, how successful were they? (v.5) ____________
(We try to exert all our effort but end in nothing, it is not by our human wisdom, own strength, own scheme, own way, own plan but only through God’s perfect Word, will and ways we can accomplish successfully). When God says we must obey.
When Peter and other fishermen obey the word of Jesus, how successful were they in catching fish? (v.6-7) ___________
When Peter saw the miracle of great multitude of fish, they fell down and said “I am a sinful man, O Lord”, why did Peter say that? Had Peter committed criminal by killing somebody? Why Peter thinks he was such a sinful man? ______________
(Whenever we see the presence of God’s mighty hand in the church worship, in our bible reading, in the provision of our daily needs, in the protection of daily existence, we see how dirty and filthiness of ourselves through the holiness of God, that would remind us how selfish we are, how hardhearted we are, how forgetful and neglectful of the Lordship and authority God has in our lives. Be honest, be humble, be holy. God is always good.
Similarly, like Peter, in Isaiah 6:5, by the help of God, Isaiah also saw the sinfulness of himself.
Isaiah 6:5 “Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.”
Have you ever seen the sinfulness of yourself before a Holy God? Have you ever cried out to God saying that the Lord was so great and so holy, very much in contrast with yourself that is so sinful and so wicked?
When we try to measure ourselves by other people character, we may conclude we are not so bad, however when we measure ourselves in character of a holy God, we see how really sinful and wicked we are.
What different kind of fisherman Jesus told Peter he would become? (v.10) _________________
II – UNBELIEVABLE WALK ON THE WATER (Matthew 14:24-33) Matthew 14:24-33 “But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. 26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. 27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. 28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. 29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. 31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? 32 And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. 33 Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.” We read and learn in Matthew 14:25, that the disciples of the Lord had been struggling in the midst of a stormy sea for several hours during fourth watch that is from 3 a.m. to 6 a.m.
Matthew 14:25 “When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)”
Read Matthew 14:26 and know what the disciples said when they saw Jesus?
Matthew 14:26 “And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a __________; and they cried out for fear.”
The word “spirit” means phantom or ghost. Since the disciple had never seen a real person walking on water, that is why they thought it must be a ghost!
It is sad to know that some people do not believe the Bible and do not even believe that the miracles we read and learn that are written in the Bible actually happened. These people who question the reality of the miracles says that Jesus did not really walk on the water. These people say Jesus’ walking on the water is not true and say instead Jesus really walking on a sandbar and not on the water. These people who doubt the inspiration and infallibility of the Bible explained that the when Peter got out of the boat, and also stepped onto a sandbar, but according to them as Peter walked towards Jesus, Peter fell off the sandbar. Do you believe this imagination really happened? ______________ These explanations erroneously attack the Word of God because they were very foolish unbelievers. Read Matthew 14:28-29 then answer several questions.
Matthew 14:28-29 “And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. 29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.”
Do you believe that Peter needs courage and faith in order for him to step out on the water? ___________
If you are in Peter situation, would you also step out on the water like what Peter did? ____________
Did Peter starts walking on the water as he wanted to do or did Peter wait first until Jesus told him to come? _____________
The Lesson in this particular scene is that we get into trouble because we try do something which the Lord never instructed us to do. In other words, we ignore and belittled God’s Word doing what we want to do in our own way and understanding.
Read Matthew 14:32 shows us the dangerous raging storm, therefore Peter was not walking on a still and calm lake. would you desire to leave the safety of the ship? ______________
Matthew 14:32 “And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.”
Read Matthew 14:30 and learn about the sinking of Peter.
Matthew 14:30 “But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.”
Give the reason why Peter sink? _____________________
What is the lesson that every believer should learn about Peter sinking? __________________________________
We see that Peter had faith to walk on the water (v. 28-29), but Peter also had fear when he saw the stormy wind (v.30).
Do faith and fear together very well? __________________________
When Peter started to walk on the water, he began his first steps by faith, but he did not continue his next steps by faith.
Jesus Christ did not change as He waits for Peter to come.
Jesus Christ did change His command as He said to Peter “come” (v.29).
However, Peter changed because he took his eyes off Jesus and look at the boisterous wind (v.30).
Matthew 14:29-30 “And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.”
Read Matthew 14:30-31 and know what Jesus did after Peter fails and falls.
Matthew 14:30-31 “But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. 31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
When a believer fails and falls, does Jesus always ready and willing to pick up the believer? ________________
In the moment that we are facing storms in our lives that is very real, where will you keep your eyes on the storm or on the Savior? We must be guided through the storms like the car that is guided down the highway by the road. We must always keep our eyes focus on Jesus our Savior, but this does not mean that we have to ignore the problem and pretend that the problem is not there. Live in reality, life is full of challenges, thorny road, stormy seasons, but keep on looking to the Savior. God wants us to face bravely any problems and all storms of life that comes our way, by consistent and continual keeping our eyes on the power, on the promises and on the provision of the Lord Jesus. Every believer can bravely face the storm because his/her eyes are on the Lord. Now, let us talk about our personal storms in life. What storms of life that you sometimes encounter? Do you face difficulties at school? Do you face problems with friends? Do you face problems at home? Do you face things that make you afraid? How can you focus your sight fixed on the Savior’s power, promises, provision? Do you need Jesus in the midst of the storms of life? _______________ In spite of the raging storm he is facing, Peter walked on the water because he trusted His Savior could help him to walk above the water as Jesus said “come”. Somehow Peter thought the storm was greater that his Savior, so Peter sank because his faith failed. Every believer who saw the problems is greater than the Savior will surely fall. Avoid getting your eyes on the net that represents the problems of life and storms of life. Instead, where should your eye be focus? ____________
Psalm 25:15 “Mine eyes are ever toward the Lord; for he shall pluck my feet out of the net.”
III – UNHINDERED ARREST OF JESUS (John 18:3-12) There was a great multitude of Jews and Romans who came to take Jesus away, when He was arrested. Read John 18:3 and find out if these men who arrested the Lord Jesus were armed with weapons? ______________
John 18:3 “Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons.”
Imagine the large crowd of people who purposely arrived to arrest Jesus outnumbered the small band of eleven disciples of the Lord Jesus.
Read Luke 22:38 to know how many weapons did the disciples have to possibly defend themselves and Jesus? ________
Luke 22:38 “And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough.”
Read John 18:10 and find out who was the disciple that had these swords? ________________
John 18:10 “Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus.”
Can you say that Peter was so quick in using this sword? _____________
When Peter drew the sword to smote the right ear of high priest’s servant, was this an act of courage or an act of fear? ___
Peter was strongly interested and enthusiastic person that is eager and determined to do something but the question did Peter have a good intention? ____________
What can you say about why Peter drew the sword, was he really trying to slice off the ear of a man or was Peter probably targeting for something else? ____________
Read Luke 22:51, and know what did Jesus do about the problem of the ear of the high priest servant? ______________
Luke 22:51 “And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.”
Read once again John 18:10 and know if Jesus encouraged Peter to always use his sword? _______________
John 18:11 “Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?”
Read Matthew 26:53 and know if Jesus expect the needed help from Peter? ___________
Matthew 26:53 “Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?”
Do you believe that Jesus could received help that would have been much better than the help from Peter? ___________
Can you tell how much number of armies of the angels would rescue Jesus if He could have called His Father? __________
Notice the term “legion”. A legion at full strength was made up of 6,000 soldiers. In other words, more than twelve (12) legions means more than ____________ angels. That is a very large number of army of angels. Remember, that only one angel is very much stronger than any human or than any group of men could ever assembled.
Did the Lord Jesus ask God the Father to send this large number of legion of angels? ___________ Why or why not? __________
Give the reason why Jesus allows these large number of people to arrest Him? ______________
Give the reason why did Jesus allows these cruel and wicked people to crucify and nailed Him at the cross? ___________
Read Matthew 16:21-22 and learn how it was necessary for Jesus to offer Himself and must suffer to be crucified, died, buried and risen after three days for the sake of our eternal salvation.
Matthew 16:21-22 “From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. 22 Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.”
What would you say if Jesus Christ was not crucified and gone to the cross and died for your sins? _____________
Would there be any way that you could be saved, if Christ did not give His life and died for your sins at the cross? _________
Do you think it was necessary for Jesus Christ to go to the cross in order to pay all your sins and died as substitute? _______
In fact, the reality is that Jesus do not need the help of army of angels.
Read John 18:5-6 and know what happened when Jesus introduced himself as “I am He”
John 18:5-6 “They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them. 6 As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground.”
When Jesus said “I am He”, means Jesus is Jehovah because Jehovah means all powerful One, no beginning and no ending, constantly revealing.
There are 7 “I am” statements of Jesus as He revealed Himself being Jehovah:
1. I am the bread of life – John 6:35
John 6:35 “And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.”
2. I am the light of the world – John 8:12
John 8:12 “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”
3. I am the door of the sheep – John 10:7-9
John 10:7-9 “Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. 9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.”
4. I am the good shepherd – John 10:11, 14
John 10:11, 14 “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.”
5. I am the resurrection and the life – John 11:25
John 11:25 “Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:”
6. I am the way, the truth and the life – John 14:6
John 14:6 “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
7. I am the true vine – John 15:1-5
John 15:1-5 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. 2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. 3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”
After Jesus said, “I am He”, what was the reaction or what happened to those who had come to arrest Him? __________
Jesus could have easily said to them, “fall down dead” and all these arresting men would have immediately fell down dead, but Jesus do not have the desire to kill people. Instead, the bible says, He came to the world to save sinners.
John 3:17 “For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”
I Timothy 1:15 “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.”
IV – UNDENIABLE THREE DENIALS OF PETER (John 18:15-27). When many groups of people arrested Jesus, Peter was very bold and very brave as he cut off the ear of a servant of the high priests named Malchus. However, the boldness and braveness of Peter turned to a cowardice. The brave Peter soon became a coward. Read and know about the Peter who said the he is determined to follow Jesus no matter what even if it would mean his death. Peter is saying it would never happen over his dead body (verse 37). That is the same Peter who was about to deny his Lord his Master (verse 38).
John 13:37-38 “Peter said unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thy sake. 38 Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice.”
How many times Peter denied his Lord Jesus Christ? (v.38) ________________________
Read regarding the three denials of Peter in John 18:17, 25-27 and answer several questions:
John 18:17, 25-27 “Then saith the damsel that kept the door unto Peter, Art not thou also one of this man's disciples? He saith, I am not. 25 And Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. They said therefore unto him, Art not thou also one of his disciples? He denied it, and said, I am not. 26 One of the servants of the high priest, being his kinsman whose ear Peter cut off, saith, Did not I see thee in the garden with him? 27 Peter then denied again: and immediately the cock crew.”
1. Can you say that Peter was proud of his Master, the Lord Jesus? ____________
2. Can you say that Peter was ashamed of his Master, the Lord Jesus? ____________
3. Do you believe that Peter speaks the truth? __________________
4. Do you believe that Peter speaks lies? ______________________
5. Can you say that Peter gladly confessed the Lord? _________________
5. Can you say that Peter cowardly denied the Lord? __________________
Read John 18:26 we can see here that the last denial of Peter was the worst denial of all.
John 18:26 “One of the servants of the high priest, being his kinsman whose ear Peter cut off, saith, Did not I see thee in the garden with him?”
Was the man who asked Peter the third question was a relative of Malchus the one whose ear Peter cut off? __________
Where did the man who asked Peter the third question surely saw Peter? _________________
Did Peter denied the whole thing in spite that Peter was the very man who had sliced off his relative ear? _________
Can you give the reason why Peter denied his Lord? ________________
Can you give the answer why Peter wants these people think that he had no connection with Christ at all? __________
Are you connected to Jesus Christ the Savior? ____________ Do you belong to Jesus Christ? ___________
Has Jesus Christ paid your sins and saved your soul? _____________
Are you grateful to Jesus Christ and what He has done for you at the cross?
Are you ready and happy to share Jesus’s work of redemption to others who are not saved? _______________
Apostle Peter failed the Lord Jesus for he fell deeply into sin.
Read Luke 22:62 and know Peter reaction when people asked him about his connection with his Master Jesus Christ.
Luke 22:62 “And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.”
Find out if Peter was sorry after the three denials that he had done? ________________
How about you, does your fall into sin bother you? _______________
Do you shed tears in your eyes when you fall into sin? _______________
Do you consider sin a serious thing? ______________
Are you aware that sin is a very serious thing to the Lord? ______________
The evidence that sin is a very serious thing in the eyes of God is because God sent His only Son to die on the cross for you.
Sin is a serious thing for it takes the life of Jesus
Romans 5:8 “Christ died for us.”
Galatians 2:20 “the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”
Sin is a serious thing for it takes the blood of Jesus
Ephesians 1:7 “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace”
Romans 3:25 “a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins”
Sin is a serious thing for it takes the blood of Christ and the life of Christ.
Romans 5:9-10 “Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
V – UNIGNORABLE COMMISSION OF FISHING OF MEN – ACTS 2 May I ask each of one of you, have you experience fishing? In your fishing trip, how many fish did you catch? Let us suppose you went to a lake and do some fishing then came home with 3,000 fish. Would you consider that you are successful in your fishing trip? ________________
Apostle Peter caught 3,000 fishes when he went to a fishing trip. When did Peter caught that big number of fishes?
Read Luke 5:10 Jesus knew what will happen in the future, He said to Peter that Peter would catch _____________ .
Luke 5:10 “And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.”
Read Acts 2, we see that Peter boldly preached a great sermon to a large number of the Jews. We learned that Peter was no longer ashamed of Christ, unlike the time when Jesus was under trial before He was crucified, Peter was ashamed to confess that he knows Christ personally and denied three times. Now, this time in Acts 2, we see the different Peter, not ashamed of Jesus, not willing to deny Jesus, no longer a coward, He is now the new Peter who boldly and bravely preached and told these great crowd of people about his Dearest Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (Read Acts 2:14 and following verses).
Acts 2:14 “But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:”
Read Acts 2:37, did the message of Peter’s sermon pierced to their hearts of the Israelites? _____________
Acts 2:37 “Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?”
Earlier in John 18:10, when the large group of people had come to arrest Jesus, Peter was quick to drew and use the sword and sliced off the right ear of Malchus the servant of the high priests, but now in Acts 2 we see Peter is using the Word of God which is sharper than any two-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12).
Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
By using the Word of God in his preaching, Peter was able to pierce in or get through to the hearts of the Jewish crowd of people. We learned that those listeners were pricked in their heart by the sword of the Lord (Word of God) and these great crowd cried out and said, “What shall we do?” (Acts 2:37).
When the audience who heard the message delivered and was convicted by the preaching of Peter and asked what they should do, Peter told them what to do in Acts 2:38-40.
Acts 2:38-40 “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. 40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.”
Read Acts 2:41 find out what Peter told what the number of people need to do, then please answer some questions.
Acts 2:41 “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.”
On that same day, how many people were saved? ________________________
If we remembered Jesus told Peter in Luke 5:10 “from henceforth thou shalt catch men.” And, as a fulfillment of what Jesus had said, Jesus used Peter on this day to catch men and it resulted to 3,000 souls of men.
Read Matthew 4:19 and know what Peter become.
Peter who was before a fisherman by occupation (Luke 5:4-7) but now (Acts 2; Matthew 4:19) become a fisher of _______
Matthew 4:19 “And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
The powerful preaching of Peter in Acts 2 was just the beginning. Peter preaching of the good news had not yet finished for Peter had just begun preaching his convicting powerful sermon. Peter would continue preaching many other messages and many more souls of men would be caught. Peter also begins preaching another sermon in Acts 3:12. Peter continuously obeying the Great commission that is unignorable commission given not only to Apostles but for us as believers.
Acts 3:12 “And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?”
How about yourself, have your soul been caught? ________________
Did the Living and True God had captured you?
Did you repent from your sins and believed the gospel of Jesus Christ?
If God already captured your soul through a fisher of men, and in order for God to caught others also, are you also catching men? are you spreading the Word of salvation to other lost souls? _____. That is unignorable commission of God.
VI – UNCEASING PRAYERS FOR PETER IN PRISON – ACTS 12 Herod the King was persecuting and treating Christians very badly (Acts 12:1)
Acts 12:1 “Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church.”
Find out in verse 2 what did Herod the king do to James? _____________________
Acts 12:2 “And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.”
Know in verse 3-4 what did Herod the king do to Peter? _______________________
Acts 12:3-4 “And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) 4 And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.”
On the other hand, read verse 5 to know what did the Church (believers in Christ) do for Peter? ______________
Acts 12:5 “Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.”
Open verse 6-11, as the church prays for Peter in Prison, did God answer their prayers? ____________________
Acts 12:6-11 “And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison. 7 And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. 8 And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me. 9 And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision. 10 When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him. 11 And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.”
According to the story in verse 12-13, Peter came and knocked at the door of the house of Mary the mother of John Mark. There were many believers who gathered together praying for Peter asking God to get Peter out of prison.
Acts 12:12-13 “And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying. 13 And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda.”
Read verse 14, and find out as the damsel named Rhoda heard and knew the voice of Peter, did she opened the gate to let Peter get in? ____________________
Acts 12:14 “And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate.”
Read verse 15, when Rhoda ran in and told the believers that it was Peter stood before the gate, did these believers believe her? _____________
Did these believers shouted “Amen, let us praise and thanks God because our prayers have been answered and Peter has been released from prison”? _________________
Acts 12:15 “And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel.”
Read verse 16, Peter keeps on knocking at the door, when these believers saw Peter they were ________________
Acts 12:16 “But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished.”
Open Mark 11:24, and learn how should we pray? ______________
Mark 11:24 “Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.”
When God answers our prayers, should we be surprised and shocked? _________
VII – UNAVOIDABLE DEATH OF PETER (JOHN 21) Regarding the unavoidable death of Peter, Jesus told Peter long before it happened. Read John 21:18-19 to know how the Lord Jesus described the death of Peter then answer several questions.
John 21:18-19 “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdest thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. 19 This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.”
Did Jesus told Peter that he will die as a young man or an old man? (Verse 18) ____________________
Does Jesus know all about us, about your life, and all about your death before it actually happens? _________________
Read 21:20-22 and learn the curiosity of Peter and wanted to discover what would happen to John.
John 21:20-22 “Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? 21 Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? 22 Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.”
In verse 22, when Peter saw John, without hesitancy asked Jesus what will happen to John, so Jesus carefully told Peter that John’s death is not Peter’s business but that was Lord’s business. It is God appointed man once to die (Hebrews 9:27).
In verse 22, God has a perfect plan and wonderful unique purpose for every person on this earth. What God will do with someone is not the important thing, but what is important thing is that each believer become obedient to the command of Christ to follow Jesus. Jesus said in John 13:17 “If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.” There is a God’s rewards of obedience in Deuteronomy 11:26-28 “Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse; 27 A blessing, if ye obey the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you this day: 28 And a curse, if ye will not obey the commandments of the Lord your God, but turn aside out of the way which I command you this day, to go after other gods, which ye have not known.”
Remember we as Christian must allow the Lord Jesus to use our lives in a wonderful way no matter how worst the failures of others and how many success others achieved. Give the two books in the Bible that are written by Peter.
1. ___________________
2. ___________________
The last book that the Apostle Peter ever wrote was the book of II Peter. Read II Peter 1:14, we find that Peter spoke about his coming death. Peter knew that his physical death is coming nearer and getting closer, that Peter was ready to go and be with the Lord in eternity.
II Peter 1:14 “Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me.”
The Bible is silent and does not say anything, since it has no record about how Peter died. However, the historical records based from tradition that have been handed down to us and tells us that Peter was crucified on a cross upside down. During the time of Nero who was ruler of the Roman empire, Peter was crucified. Peter was crucified in a different way, upside down because Peter feels he was not worthy to die the same way His Master dear Lord and Savior Jesus died.
For those believers in Christ, the unavoidable death is just the beginning not the end. For the believers, death is just the doorway that leads them into eternity and into the presence of their Savior Jesus Christ. The meaning of death for the believers is depart from the body and to be present with the Lord in heaven. (Philippians 1:23 “to depart and to be _________ __________ which is far __________.”
Peter here is saying that he would put off his temporary tabernacle not made with man’s hand which refers to his physical body (II Peter 1:14 “I must put off this my tabernacle”). Peter agreed and believed what Paul said in II Corinthians 5:8 “We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.” Peter knew that being absent from the body meant being present or at home with the Lord in heaven. So, there is no soul sleep. Bible says there are only two eternal destinations of man’s soul, it either not condemned and goes to heaven or condemned to suffer in hell. John 3:18 “He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”
Are you ready to die? If you were to die today, do you know where will you go? Do you know 100% sure that when you die you will go to heaven?
According to what we already studied, we learned that the man Peter was like: a man with strong-willed, aggressive, courageous, quick to act, quick to speak, impulsive, impetuous, brave man, believing, strong at times and at other times very weak and so forth… Are there any similarities between your and Peter? How? After you have studied the life of Peter and think about his life, can you find yourself in Peter or can you find Peter in you? What are the weak points and good points of Peter that you possessed? What are the lessons that you have learned from the life of Peter? |