If anyone has ever understood the wonder of God’s goodness in granting us second and third chances, it is the Apostle Peter. As Peter discovered, it is not too late for you and me to return to Jesus Christ today, ask for His forgiveness, and receive abundant second chances.
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Peter’s Family
We know that his father was John (Jonah), who named his first son Simon and his second son Andrew. We also know that Simon was married, and his mother-in-law sometimes lived with them.
However, Simon’s story truly begins when he meets Jesus Christ, who calls him Cephas, which translates to Peter (John 1:42).
In the New Testament, the name “Peter” appears 178 times, “Simon Peter” 29 times, “Simon” (referring to Peter) 17 times, “Cephas” 9 times, and “Simon” (also referring to Peter) twice in Acts 15:14 and 2 Peter 1:1.
Read more: Who were Philip the Apostle and Philip the Evangelist in the Bible?
Apostle Peter in the Gospel of Matthew
The first mention of Peter in the Gospel of Matthew is in chapter 4, verses 18-20, where Jesus calls Peter to become one of His first disciples. According to Matthew 8:14-15, Jesus visits Peter’s house and heals his mother-in-law. Finally, in Matthew 10:1-2, Peter is officially recognized as one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ.
Although Peter is present earlier, he speaks for the first time in Matthew 14:28-30, crying out for help as he is sinking. In the following chapter, Matthew 16:16, Peter makes the significant confession, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
In Matthew 16:22-23, just a few verses after Peter’s confession, he rebukes Jesus for talking about His suffering and death. In Matthew 17:1-4, Peter is part of Jesus’ inner circle, witnessing His transfiguration on the mountain along with James and John.
Apostle Peter in the Gospel of Mark
Mark’s Gospel, though the shortest, frequently highlights Peter’s leadership among Jesus’ early followers. From his introduction as a leading disciple in Mark 1:36 to his presence in the inner circle during Jairus’s daughter’s healing (Mark 5:37), his participation in the end-time discourse (Mark 13:3), his accompaniment in Gethsemane (Mark 14:37), and even the angel’s mention of him after Jesus’ resurrection (Mark 16:7), all emphasize Peter’s prominent role.
Mark also includes brief quotes from Peter, revealing his character. In Mark 10:28, Peter declares his commitment to Jesus by saying, “We have left everything to follow you.” In Mark 11:21, Peter expresses his belief in Jesus’ power by referencing the withered fig tree cursed by Jesus, although his tone suggests a moment of doubt or curiosity.
Apostle Peter in the Gospel of Luke
Luke’s Gospel is the longest and uniquely records the dramatic story of Jesus providing a miraculous catch of fish after Peter had caught nothing all night (Luke 5:1-11). This miracle leads Peter to leave everything to follow Jesus.
In Luke 8:45, 12:41, and 18:28, Peter speaks briefly to Jesus. Luke also notes that Jesus instructed Peter and John to prepare the Last Supper (Luke 22:8).
Near the end of that supper, Jesus addresses Peter’s future return to Him (Luke 22:31-32). Luke also mentions that Jesus looked directly at Peter right after his third denial (Luke 22:61).
Additionally, Luke 24:12 refers to Peter’s visit to the empty tomb (with more details in John 20:2-10). Finally, Luke adds Jesus’ post-resurrection appearance to Peter (Luke 24:34, compared to 1 Corinthians 15:5).
Apostle Peter in the Gospel of John
In John 1:40-42, Andrew introduces his brother, Peter, to Jesus.
After Jesus delivers a “hard” teaching, many disciples desert Him. Jesus turns to the Twelve and asks if they also want to leave. Peter responds, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God” (John 6:68-69).
When Jesus washes His disciples’ feet, Peter objects and is rebuked by the Lord (John 13:6-10). Later that night, Peter signals to John to ask Jesus a question (John 13:21-24). Moments later, Peter himself asks Jesus two questions (John 13:36-38).
In John 18:10-11, Peter is identified as the disciple who cuts off the ear of one of the guards in Gethsemane.
At the end of John’s Gospel, the author includes an additional chapter (John 21:1-23) about fishing with Peter, having breakfast with Jesus, and Jesus’ conversation with Peter about their future.
The Four Gospels
You can read the full account of Peter’s three denials in Matthew 26:20-75, Mark 14:66-72, Luke 22:54-62, and John 18:15-27. As Peter discovered, we can be assured that – no matter how many times we disappoint Him – our Lord will not abandon us.
Lessons from the Life and Story of Apostle Peter in the Bible
From a young age, we were taught: “Three strikes and you’re out.”
In life, the opportunities to mess up are limited. In many competitive situations, it’s no surprise that our first reaction is to shrink back in fear.
It seems that everyone, at least sometimes, struggles with the fear of failure. Every time we hear that a friend or colleague has lost their job, we instinctively think, “Am I next?”
Thank God, His kingdom operates on completely different rules. We can never disappoint God to the point of no return. If we love Him and confess our mistakes, acknowledge our sins, and ask for forgiveness, God will still forgive us and give us another chance.
If anyone has ever understood the wonder of God’s kindness in forgiving and granting second and third chances, it is the Apostle Peter.
On one night, Peter denied Jesus Christ three times: first to a servant girl, then to her and some colleagues, and finally to the entire group present.
However, after the resurrection, Jesus repeatedly emphasized that He still had great plans for this very human and flawed disciple, Peter.
Years later, reflecting on this experience, Peter reminded his fellow Christians that Jesus “bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls” (1 Peter 2:24-25, NIV).
As Peter discovered, it is not too late for you and me to return to Jesus Christ today, confess our sins, ask for His forgiveness, and receive second chances.
