Simon Peter

by Renfrew, J. | Category: General | Jun 1954

Among those who companied with the Lord in the days of His flesh, there was none who had a more important work to do in later years than Simon Peter. We do well to imitate his faith and seek by God's grace to avoid his failures.

Andrew, one of the two who followed Jesus, thought of his brother Simon whom he brought unto Jesus, saying, "We have found the Messiah (which is, being interpreted, Christ)." This was Simon's first meeting with the Lord, and it is preciously recorded of this occasion that Jesus looked upon him, and said, "Thou art Simon the son of John: thou shalt be called Cephas (which is by interpretation, Peter)." Peter means a stone, or a part of a rock (John 1.).

The other Gospel writers refer to a different occasion, when the Lord Jesus was by the sea of Galilee. Matthew and Mark write of Him seeing Simon and Andrew casting a net into the sea, for they were fishers. It is at this time that Jesus calls them to follow Him, saying, "Come ye after Me, and I will make you fishers of men." Their response to the words of the Lord was instant, yet it would appear that Simon's thoughts at times reverted to the fishing. However, the time came when the Lord chose the twelve, and of these Simon Peter was the first.

Peter's faith grew as time went on. Witness the time when Jesus was walking on the water, and Peter at His bidding also walked upon the waters to come to Jesus (Matthew 14.29). Peter had learned something of the power of the Lord's words, though, like ourselves, at times his faith was small. He was nevertheless firmly convinced of the Diety of the Lord, and it was he who promptly replied expressing the faith of all the disciples, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God " (Matthew 16.16).

Thereafter the Lord began to reveal to Peter something of His purposes. He spoke of building His Church, in a time yet future, in connexion with which Peter had a vital work to do. To sustain further Peter's faith, the Lord also gave to him, with James and John, special revelations of His power and glory, on such occasions as the restoration of Jairus' daughter and in the mount of transfiguration (Luke 8.51; 9.28).

When the time of the Lord's crucifixion drew nigh, it was then that Peter's faith was tested to the utmost. The Lord knew all that lay before Him, and knew also of Peter's denial. How tenderly He tells Peter of this; of Satan's request, and of how the Lord had made supplication for him (Luke 22.32).

Peter learned of the weakness of the flesh when he was with the Lord Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane. While Jesus was praying, the disciples were sleeping. It was to Peter the Lord said, "Simon, sleepest thou? Couldest thou not watch one hour?"

The scene of the Lord's trial in the court of the high priest is a sorrowful one, when we read of Peter's threefold denial. A maid spoke to him, and Satan used that maid to bring about Peter's fall. He was in bad company too, when he sat with the officers to see the end. Evil company doth corrupt good manners. Peter had followed afar off. What wondrous grace the Lord showed when, amid the scoffings of men, He turned and looked upon Peter, a look which brought His words to Peter's remembrance and broke his heart!

After the Lord's resurrection, the word of the angel was, "Go, tell His disciples and Peter, He goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see Him, as He said unto you" (Mark 16.7). Then in Luke 24.34, we read, "The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon." The Scriptures are silent as to what the Lord said on that occasion. We do read of what the Lord said when

Peter led the disciples back to the fishing again. His words were very gracious, but very searching, "Simon, son of John, lovest thou Me more than these?" (John 21.15). Love alone was the basis upon which Peter could keep the Lord's commands, "Feed My lambs." "Tend My sheep." "Feed My sheep."

After this the Lord went back to heaven. Then we read that Peter stood up in the midst of the brethren, and spoke of Judas' betrayal and of appointing another in his place (Acts 1.15). So too, when the Holy Spirit was given, Peter stood up with the eleven, and witnessed to the fulfilment of the Scriptures and ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ. Through his words about three thousand souls were saved.

When persecution arose we read that "when they beheld the boldness of Peter and John, ... they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus" (Acts 4.18). Through them the word of the Lord was spread abroad, and none could stay it. Prison doors were opened, and when the apostles were beaten, they rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonour for the Name.

Peter and John went down to Samaria, and through the laying on of their hands, the Holy Spirit was given to those who believed. When the Lord's time came to open a door of faith to the Gentiles, it was Peter whom He chose to speak the word to Cornelius and all that were in his house.

Herod's intention to kill Peter was overruled by the Lord. But the time did come eventually when the Lord's words were fulfilled, "When thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee and carry thee whither thou wouldest not" (John 21.18). As that time drew near, Peter in his second epistle wrote to those who had obtained a like precious faith in the righteousness of our God and Saviour Jesus Christ, stirring up their minds by putting them in remembrance. The putting off of his tabernacle meant for Peter eternal glory, and his thoughts were of entering into the eternal kingdom. He was going to be with his Lord who had said to him many years before, "Verily I say unto you, that ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man shall sit on the throne of His glory, ye also shall sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel " (Matthew 19.28).

What a precious heritage he has left us! What glory is ours who seek to imitate him as he imitated Christ!

0 God, to us may grace be given to follow in His train!

Renfrew, J. | Jun 1954
General