A Chronicle On The Apostle Peter, His Name And His Impetuous Self
Posted: Wednesday, August 31, 2011
by Joel Hendon
http://hebronics.org/index.html
The Holy Bible has much concerning Peter, the Apostle, and his activities, yet there is much that is not known for certain. There are other ancient writings which give a lot of information concerning him, but we cannot be sure if it is all factual. This material is often referred to as tradition. But there is enough in the bible alone to determine a number of things.
Peter’s birth name was Simon, by which he was known early on, but Jesus began calling him Peter and most consider it having been given him because of his strong faith. Peter, in the Greek language is Petrov or Petros meaning a stone or pebble. Much different to “rock” which is translated from “petra”, meaning a huge bedrock.
Perhaps of all the apostles, Peter may have had the most unique personality. He was very impetuous. He was the type man that many men today can understand. Many have his traits. He made more mistakes than most of the other apostles, most of which were due to his zeal and eager nature. Of course, there may have been others who also made such mistakes but they were not recorded in the bible. A few verses from the bible can give one an idea of his impetuousness.
On the night of the last supper, Jesus, took water and began washing the apostles feet, to teach them a lesson in humility. Now read what happens when he comes to Peter:
Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. (John 13:6-0 KJV)
You can see by his quick change of mind that he had spoken out of turn and recognized it. It is apparent that none of the others had such questioned the motive of Jesus nor did they feel it necessary.
Another time when Jesus took Peter James and John into a high mountain where he was to be transfigured. Notice the impetuous Peter receive a rebuff from the Almighty God:
And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him. Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. (Matthew 17:1-5 KJV)
Be aware here, that Moses and Elias (Elias a Latin transliteration from the Greek--Refers to Elijah the prophet which is Hebrew or Arabic) were the two individuals who were most revered by those who lived under the Old Testament and prior to it. This scriptural incident is one of the many where the Bible teaches that Jesus was the replacement for all previous spiritual leaders of the past. That His word and our mode of worship was what we must now do. Peter, eager to show reverence to all three, was instructed by God Himself to, from henceforth, listen to His Son.
Another instance of Peter taking action when he should have been waiting for Jesus to handle the situation:
On the night after the Passover Feast and the initiating of the Lords’ Supper and later in the garden where Judas betrayed Jesus and the soldiers came to take him away…watch Peter once again:
When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples. And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples. Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons. Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye? They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them. As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground. Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way: That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none. 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. 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? Then the band and the captain and officers of the Jews took Jesus, and bound him (John 18:1-12 KJV)
Peter was also the one who, after Jesus had told them of his imminent death and told them they would all be offended by Him this night, no one seemed to question that, except Peter.
But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I. And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. (Mark 14:29-30 KJV)
Those of us who attempt to live the Christian life according to Jesus’ gospel, can relate to Peter, seeing he had weaknesses and yet strengths. Jesus understood him perfectly. He knew that Peter was doing his best, considering his human traits and weaknesses. And according to tradition, he died as he had lived. They were about to crucify him when he asked that they crucify him upside down because he was unworthy to be done as the Savior.
And tradition has it they did honor that request.
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