The Introduction of a Fisherman: Getting Ready for Peter

Ladies and Gentlemen: It is my private personal privilege and far beyond anything that ‘scales’ will weigh—that I, with unlimited pleasure, introduce to you the “Worlds Greatest Fisherman’—Paul called him Cephas; Christ said he was the Rock; his friends knew him as the Galilean Fisherman; his fellow Jews called him Simeon; and finally his Greek name is Peter, and this lets us know that he was a true friend of the gentiles. Never forget, names are important.

Members of The Faith Builders Sunday school class and most of those who will read this introduction to one of my favorite disciples may need no introduction, but if there is just one person that can learn to know Peter better and profit spiritually from his acquaintance, that means this introduction is worthwhile and time well spent. In a recent report on a survey made to determine the biblical knowledge level of the general public, I was amazed to learn that more than fifty percent of the people in the USA have never read either the Old or the New Testament.

Even those with limited knowledge of the scripture seem to be able to recall the old red rooster that crowed three times one night and a guy named Peter that denied that he ever knew the man Jesus. Peter suffered most from his denial. I truly believe that I have profited most from the incident. Study first Peter and you will see that it is a letter of hope because it assures us of second and third chances that Christian sinners need so desperately. We all know that permanent denial of Christ is the only unpardonable sin. Peter’s three denials of Christ only lasted for a few minutes, an hour at most, and then he went out into the darkness and cried out in repentance for his horrible sin. The most of us do not have a rooster around to act as our reminder when we have sinned—but we do have the Holy Spirit and he is much more dependable. Christ not only forgave Peter but he forgot the incident and never held it against him.

I have had the honor, privilege and humbling responsibility to serve on several search committees looking for God’s man to recommend to the church as pastor or for other staff positions. The church furnishes the committee with a document setting out certain qualifications the applicant must meet first—before he will even be considered. In more than sixty years, with membership in six different churches—Peter would not have qualified to pastor in any of these churches. There is no indication that he had any formal education…even so, he is known to have preached one of the greatest sermons recorded in the bible…it was at Pentecost, and over five thousand souls were saved. He spent three busy years in the presence of Jesus as he completed his ministry here on earth, and was the first man to look inside the empty tomb—and no doubt was well qualified to preach in anybody’s church. As an afterthought, let me remind you that Christ and all the original twelve disciples did not have a seminary education. Even in the twenty-first century when education is very important it is still second to being a Christian.

When Christ called Peter to fish for men, he was a poor man with only the essentials needed to fish for a living and he probably lived with his family in a modest home that was probably clear of debt. He was a middle age man, married with a family, and was somewhat different in that he was close to his mother-in-law and very concerned when she became seriously ill. His home was near the Sea of Galilee at Capernaum when Christ visited him. Peter was in every way a fisherman, in actions, in speech, in temperament, and even in personal appearance. It is evident that the Lord looked deeper into this man’s heart and soul and his estimate of Peter far exceeded what most of us would have seen. Jesus knew what was in this man, Jesus knew Peter’s abilities and his dependability and he ranked him high among the twelve disciples. Take note here and now that Christ had to rebuke Peter often…more than any of the others, because Peter was a plain and simple man, straightforward, sincere, impulsive and he was very curious about everything that was happening around Christ each day.

Peter had more questions for Christ than any other apostle…usually on the scene and at the time things were happening that he did not understand. Many times he would but in—even interrupting Christ to ask a direct question or even dare to tell Christ where he was wrong. Some examples are: “Lord, what do you mean by that parable of the blind guides?” “Where are you going Lord?” “Lord, why can’t I follow you now?” “No Lord, you are not going to die as long as I am alive.” “Lord, you need to look at the temple and these stones.” Peter wanted answers…when he didn’t want to ask the question—like at the Last Supper, he nudged John to ask Christ which disciple would betray him. There is nothing wrong with asking questions for the right reasons… Peter became a smart and knowledgeable person and his writings prove that. Sometimes Christians accomplish less than their ability affords simply because they have not asked the right questions. Questions are one of the greatest learning tools in any textbook.

Most Christians have a weakness and Peter was no exception. He was both presumptuous and conceited in that he did not think that he could ever fail Christ. No one could hold on—stick with Christ through what ever may happen as well as he “Just Knew He Could”—however when the chips were down, Peter heard the rooster and ran. Don’t put Peter down. We do the same thing when we overestimate what we will be willing and able to do and then underestimate the power and control that the devil has over us.

Peter was presumptuous enough to actually criticize Jesus—as he did on the occasion when Jesus was in the middle of a press of people and he asked Peter, “Who touched me?” Peter said. “Lord, you see all these people crowded around us…pressing in on us…and so why did you ask who touched you? “Who could tell?” “Why did you ask me?” Christ knew that Peter meant well and just did not understand, so he did not rebuke him…but only replied. “I know some particular person touched me for a particular object, for virtue went out from me.” Peter just did not understand how Christ was able to discern that someone had made a silent appeal for help. What a blessing it is to understand that Christ knows our needs and even though we do not openly ask for or seek help, by his virtue we are automatically blessed.

On one occasion when Jesus was trying to prepare his followers for his coming death on the cross, Peter spoke up letting every one present know that he was more informed that Christ was. He said, “For be it from the Lord, to suffer and die.” And again when Peter asks Christ a question, it proves that he thought he was better informed than Christ was. “Lord, do you wash my feet?” “Lord, you shall never wash my feet.” And then to show us that he was humble and could change his mind when he fully understood what Christ was trying to teach the disciples; he said, “Wash me all over, head, and hands, and feet.” I give the last example of how comfortable Peter felt in the presence of Christ…he loved his Lord and Christ knew it. Jesus rates Peter very high on his list of dependable followers and does not hold it against Peter when he accused Jesus of being completely wrong. Yes that is right. You see; Jesus looks on the inside and sees what you want to express and even though you disagree with him—if your heart is right He never holds it against you. In Acts 10:6, Peter is on a housetop praying. He sees a vision of a sheet holding many different animals. He hears the voice of Christ telling him to kill and eat the animals. Peter thought Christ was wrong…he said; “Not so Lord,” “Surely you don’t mean what you are telling me to do, because I do not eat unclean food.” Do you remember Christ’s answer?

There seems to be little doubt in the minds of historians that have written about the life of Peter that the one miracle that influenced his life first and foremost was the one when Christ told him to cast his net on the other side of the boat. Peter had already fished all night and he knew that there was no need to put the net back in the water. He was tired and hungry and ready to go home to eat and rest. Knowing his nature as we do now…there is little wonder that Peter did not make a scene…use bad language or even refuse to cast the net back into the water. Only a true fisherman will understand how tired Peter was. Only a true fisherman can understand how energy abounded and hungers pangs were completely gone by the time the net-full of fish were safely in the live-well. And only a fisherman would know how badly Peter would like to have a new fish-finder like the one Christ was using.

Peter is probably the only man that ever lived on this earth that had a well developed—perfect faith in Jesus Christ and it only lasted a few seconds. He observed a man walking on the top of deep water in a lake. He recognized the man to be Jesus Christ, in whom he had great faith. Christ invited Peter to step out on top of the water and come to him…and for a few seconds his great faith became a totally perfect faith, and he walked on the top of the water just as Christ was doing. He saw Jesus. He believed in him totally without any doubt and maintained dry feet. His mind’s eye sneaked a minute glance at Peter and he immediately felt the water up around his knees. Listen! Hear me now…the lesson taught here is relevant to you and me. Our ability to survive in these troubled times depends upon the strength and depth of our faith …survival depends on the amount of our time that is spent looking into the eyes of Jesus—seeking his face—humbling ourselves before him—repenting of our sins and simply requesting that he bear us up and over the bilious waves…or at worst, walk through troubled waters with us.

There seems to be a movement of greater numbers of people who are involved in the mega churches in America and revivals being held in foreign countries. I do not want to be so critical that it would stand in the way of any legitimate movement of people toward God. However there is a trend that really bothers me and it has to do with the subjects of sermons being preached. The bible warns that in the later days people will be more interested in sermons that ‘tickle their ears,’ make them prosperous, removes every pain and discomfort, and provides for the here and now. Folks, it is past time for our pastors to proclaim the hard doctrines of the bible.

Jesus preached on “The Bread of Life,” and his main object to get rid of a bunch of transitory people that were following him for personal reasons [maybe another fish dinner for free]. He wanted the strong in faith that were willing to work to stay with him. He must have been very plain and totally convincing because a bunch of the crowd sloughed off—for a time it looked like everyone was going to leave him on the road by himself. The bible says that “Upon this many of his disciples went back and walked no more with him.” Then Jesus asked the twelve apostles: “Will you also go away?” Old Peter is the talkative one, but this time he made perfect sense and needed no rebuke; he said…”Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of life, and we have believed and know that thou art the Holy One of God.”

WHO WROTE: Before we run out of paper and ink, it seems best that we spend a little time on the usual essentials of a proper introduction. For example—who wrote these two letters? The first verses tell us that Peter wrote the books to those who had accepted Christ and were now scattered throughout the known world of that day. We know from studying church history that especially the Jews who converted to the teachings of Christ were persecuted, taken slaves, and driven out of their homes and country. Peter indicates that the same Silas that traveled with Paul also served as his secretary in the writing of these books.

WHERE: Where was Peter when he wrote the books? You will find that there are two opinions and I think it best that each reader make up their own mind what they believe is the strongest argument. Some think Peter was in Babylon because of what he says in 5: 13. The more traditional view is that Peter was in Rome when he wrote the letter. Some think that Rome was to the new movement what Babylon was in the OT; and they think he was trying to keep anyone from knowing he was in Rome. They think that this was written during the reign of Nero during his persecution of Christians.

WHEN AND TO WHOM: The date was no earlier than AD 62 and no later than AD 64, because Peter suffered martyrdom at the hands of Nero in AD 65. There are five Roman provinces named in the first verses, and this made up most of the Roman Empire at that time. The churches in these provinces were made up mainly of converted Jews and Gentile Christians. Who ever the Christians were to whom Peter wrote—they were experiencing some kind of persecution. As of today, Christians in America have not faced the kinds of persecutions experienced by these early Christians. Harrow! We may not have to stick around very long before we get our first introduction to persecution. If you agree with this—it makes it more important for you to see what Peter had to say to his people.

There is one interesting comparison between the letters written by Peter and those written by Paul. Each time Paul wrote, he addressed people located in one specific city and in some case there may have been only one church involved. In these two letters by Peter, he is including all the churches found in at least the five provinces that he names in the first chapter.