Bible character overview - Peter

Written by: My Store Admin

June 3, 2024

Time to read 8 min

Introduction:

Welcome to an insightful character overview of Peter. Here you'll learn about who Peter was, what he did, and his strengths and weaknesses. Also, we have provided questions related to the story of Peter to provoke thought. They can also be used for personal/small-group studies.

Who was Peter from the Bible?

Key facts

When: roughly around 1 - 65 A.D
Where: Bethsaida
Name meaning: ‘Rock’ or ‘Stone’

Glimpse: Peter was the leader of the Apostles and the early church. He was given this position by Jesus and led with strength and obedience. Peter was a very passionate guy which led him into some sticky situations, but he is described by Jesus as the 'rock' on which He will build His church. Peter is used by God to receive the revelation that the message of Jesus Christ isn't just for the Jew but for the Gentile too.

Leap of faith

Peter, also known as Simon, was a Jewish fisherman during the time of Jesus. He was one of the first individuals Jesus called to be His disciple. This calling is described in Matthew 4:18-20: "As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 'Come, follow me,' Jesus said, 'and I will send you out to fish for people.' At once they left their nets and followed him."

After the miraculous feeding of the 5,000, Jesus instructed His disciples to cross the Sea of Galilee by boat while He stayed behind. Later, Jesus walked on water towards them. When the disciples saw Him, they thought He was a ghost, but Jesus reassured them, saying, "Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid." In a moment of bold faith, Peter called out, "Lord, if it’s you, tell me to come to you on the water." Peter stepped out of the boat and began walking on the water towards Jesus. However, when he noticed the strong wind and waves, he became afraid and started to sink. Jesus immediately reached out His hand to save him and asked, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?"

Questions

→ When have you had to take a leap of faith in your life?

→ What do you notice about Peter's faith the longer he is on the water? Elaborate on your observations

"Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”"

Matthew 14:29-30

Hero to zero

In Matthew 16:13-20, Peter makes a bold declaration, recognizing Jesus as the Messiah—a statement that could have been considered blasphemous and punishable by death at the time. Jesus blesses Peter for this declaration, saying, "You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church." However, shortly after, when Jesus begins to explain His impending death, Peter rebukes Him, saying, "Never, Lord! This shall never happen to you!" Jesus responds firmly, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns."

Later, Jesus takes Peter, James, and John—His three closest disciples—up a high mountain. There, they witness a profound event: Jesus is transfigured before them, revealing His glorified self, and He is seen conversing with Elijah and Moses.

Questions

→ Why do you think Peter felt the need to speak with Jesus? Do you think pride played a role in this?

→ Why did Jesus call Peter Satan?

" Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.''

Matthew 16:16

Denied three times

Jesus predicts the "scattering of the sheep," referring to the disciples abandoning Him out of fear of persecution. Peter, however, asserts, "Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will." Jesus responds, "This very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times."

In John 18, as Jesus prays with Peter, James, and John nearby, He is suddenly ambushed by soldiers and officials preparing to arrest Him. Peter draws his sword and cuts off the ear of the high priest's servant. After the immediate tension subsides, Jesus is taken away, and Peter follows at a distance. While in the courtyard, Peter is questioned three times about being a follower of Jesus, and he denies knowing Him each time. This prediction comes true as Peter recalls Jesus’ words.

After Jesus’ death, Mary Magdalene discovers the empty tomb and runs to inform the disciples. Peter and John are the only ones who believe and run to see the tomb for themselves.

The Peter card from the bible bumps game

Questions

→ Why do you think Peter denied Jesus three times?

→ Do you struggle with the fear of what others might think?

“Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.”''

Matthew 26:34

Receiving the Holy Spirit

In Acts, we witness the emergence of the early church with Peter as a leading figure. The disciples were instructed to wait in Jerusalem, gathered in prayer when the Holy Spirit descended upon them, enabling them to speak in various tongues. This event attracted a crowd of onlookers, who were both amazed and skeptical, some accusing the disciples of being drunk. Peter addresses the crowd, declaring that the phenomenon is the fulfillment of Joel 2, and many people come to faith in Christ as a result.

As the church grew, believers began to share their possessions and resources generously. Ananias and Sapphira sold a piece of property and brought some of the proceeds to the apostles while secretly keeping a portion for themselves. Peter rebuked them for lying to the Holy Spirit, leading to their sudden deaths—first Ananias, and then Sapphira.

Questions

→ Why did Jesus send the Holy Spirit? Why do we need the Holy Spirit?

→ Why do you think Ananias and his wife were killed for what they did?

“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them..”

Acts 2:1-4

Peter's vision

After traveling to many places to proclaim the gospel, Peter had a vision in which God declared all things previously considered unclean by Jews to be clean. This included Gentiles, who were also viewed as unclean. While Peter was contemplating this vision, three men sent by a Gentile named Cornelius arrived at his door, asking him to come with them. Peter went to Cornelius' house and witnessed the first Gentile conversion, demonstrating that the gospel was meant for both Jews and Gentiles.

In Acts 12:1-19, Peter is imprisoned by King Herod. During his imprisonment, the church fervently prays for him. An angel visits Peter, freeing him from his chains and instructing him to get dressed and follow. Peter obeys, and the angel leads him out of the prison. Peter then goes to find the disciples and reunites with them.

Questions

→ Why was this vision so revelatory/eye-opening?

→ Why is prayer so important? What examples do you have of breakthroughs by prayer?

“ When she recognized Peter’s voice, she was so overjoyed she ran back without opening it and exclaimed, “Peter is at the door!” “You’re out of your mind,” they told her. When she kept insisting that it was so, they said, “It must be his angel.”

Acts 12:14-15

Peter in Prison

Strengths:

Eyes to see: God revealed to Peter that the gospel isn't just for the Jews but for the Gentiles too. This was a completely new concept and If Peter had been blinded by tradition he would have missed what God was saying
Honored: Peter was given the role of being the rock foundation of the church
Obedience: Peter obeyed God even from the very start when he left all he had to follow Jesus

Weaknesses:

Pride: Peter potentially got a bit puffed up after Jesus appointed him as the rock of the church, and therefore this led to Peter actually telling Jesus what to do
Rashful thinking: Peter liked to act before he thought and this got him into some not-very-good situations
Fear of man: Peter denied Jesus three times suggesting he feared what people might have thought about him and also what people may have done to him.

Conclusion

Peter is like many people, always trying to do the right thing but occasionally missing the mark. He had many highs and lows, but he kept on in the faith and was used greatly by God. Peter's story teaches us that we will have points of regret, but this should never stop us and we must continue in all that God has called us to do. If God has called us to do something, then nothing will get in the way of that.

''For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life''

John 3:16

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The Author: OluKoye Williams

Koye Williams is the creator of the international game biblebumps. His mission is to see the people of the Bible brought to life in a new and exciting way whilst also providing opportunities to spend quality time with the family.

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