An International Center for Fellowship and Learning

THE EPISTLES OF PETER LESSON 1 – PETER, AN APOSTLE OF CHRIST

Scripture Reading: John 21:15-19.

Memory Verse: “And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matthew 4:19)

INTRODUCTION:

Before studying the writings of Peter, it will be helpful to know something of Peter’s life. His life can be easily broken down into four time periods:(1) Prior to meeting Christ, (2) The gospel era with Christ, (3) Time during the early church shown in Acts 1-15, (4) The last decade or so of his life. Peter was truly a man in transition during a transitionary period of history.

The character and personality of Peter is transparent and easily analyzed. He was bold, confident, courageous, frank, impulsive, energetic, vigorous, strong, and loving. We can easily analyze these characteristics from his early days as a disciple and his days of action as a powerful preacher and courageous leader.

In studying Peter’s epistles, we no doubt will get a view of how Peter was during his final years of ministry. They will show a confident, loving, humble man who was truly ready to give his life for the Master.

LESSON QUESTIONS:

  1. Who introduced Peter to Jesus, and why do you think he did it? John 1:40-42. What is significant about Peter’s name? Matt 16:13-18.
    How did Peter’s occupation relate to the meaning of the name of his hometown? Matthew 4:18; John 1:44.
  2. What may indicate that Peter was a family man? Mark 1:30; I Corinthians 9:5. Do you think his wife traveled with him?
  3. Did Jesus have an “inner circle,” and, if so, who were its members? Mark 5:37; 9:2; 14:33. What might be the reasons for the limited company?
  4. Did Peter experience spiritual defeats as well as victories? Mark 14:66-72; Acts 2:14-16. Can you think of some others?
  5. How and why might Peter have been isolated in these scriptures? Mark 16:5-8; I Corinthians 15:5.
  6. Does Peter’s ministry in the early church seem effective? Acts 3:6-8; 5:25-29.
    ⇒We often associate the book of Acts to Paul’s ministry, but it contains much on Peter’s ministry as well. Peter was used mightily in the early years of the Church.
  7. What difficult task was given Peter? Acts 10:34; 15:7-9. In what ways would his background make this more difficult?
  8. What can we say about the character and personality of Peter? John 18:10-11; 21:15-17. List three other traits you see.
  9. How and when does tradition say Peter died? John 21:18-19. Was the mode of death significant?

EXTRA-MILE QUESTION: Who was Peter’s wife? How does history say she died and what were Peter’s final words to her?