PETER THE APOSTLE

Peter was one of the three main apostles. Peter was one of the original 12 apostles. He became the leader of the apostles after Jesus' ascension.

He was originally from Bethsaida on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. His home was in Capernaum.

He was married and made his living as a fisherman with his brother Andrew.

Peter was one of the three main apostles, along with James and John, who were chosen by Jesus to be present during certain important moments of His ministry.

Traits of Peter's character:

NEGATIVE

Impetuosity

Immature actions and reactions

Wavering faith

Presumptuous spirit

Questionable wisdom

Famous for rebuking Jesus: for what seemed to him negative thinking (prompting Jesus' sharp reply "Get behind Me Satan"), for his statement to Jesus during the washing of feet during the Last Supper, for his denials of knowing Jesus when Peter was in the courtyard of the high priest, for drawing a sword when Jesus was being arrested.

POSITIVE

His humility

His faith

His unselfish attitude

His willingness to follow God's leading

His understanding of the Holy Spirit's character

For being at Jesus' transfiguration, for walking on water at Jesus' bidding and for being granted the singular privilege of an individual post-resurrection appearance by Jesus (Luke 24:34, 1Cor 15:5).

When Jesus asked him "Who do you say I am?" Peter made that famous statement, "You are the Christ (Messiah) the Son of the Living God." (Matthew 16:15-16).

Under the power of the Holy Spirit, Peter healed the sick and raised the dead.

He made a trip to Antioch (Galatians 2:1), and possibly Corinth (1 Corinthians 1:12). It is believed that Peter later traveled to Rome, and was martyred there by crucifixion in 64 AD.

He is said to have requested that he be crucified upside down, because he said he wasn't worthy of dying in the same way as Jesus. Papias, a disciple of the Apostle John, wrote that Mark's Gospel was influenced by Peter's writings.

Note:

Peter…before Pentecost (Hard-headed); After Pentecost (Hard preaching; hard teaching; hard to deny his testimony and empowerment).