Ten Bible Studies
on the life of:
Simon Peter
the son of Jonas
Contents
1. Peter becomes a disciple ........................................................................................... 1
2. Peter’s confession ...................................................................................................... 4
3. Peter receives instruction........................................................................................... 6
4. Peter is cleansed ....................................................................................................... 8
5. Peter’s denial of Jesus and his restoration............................................................... 10
6. Peter’s sermon on the day of Pentecost. ................................................................. 13
7. Peter by the Beautiful Gate ...................................................................................... 15
8. Peter before the Sanhedrin ...................................................................................... 17
9. Peter delivered out of prison.................................................................................... 19
10. The letters of Peter................................................................................................ 22
Introduction
Simon Peter: a disciple of the Lord Jesus. He, a son of Jonas and a well-known
fisherman from the village of Bethsaida in the prime of his life is called to become a
disciple of the Lord Jesus. The word of Jesus is with power. Peter forsakes everything
to follow Jesus and is immediately full of energetic zeal and self-sacrifice for the service
of the Lord.
When the Lord speaks through His Word and Spirit in our life then He makes us willing
to follow Him. Love is His inner, secret power. And that wonderful work of God’s
Spirit is still with us today. The Lord still calls sinners to His service. Some of them are
given a special commission. Peter too: he became an apostle and proclaimed the
gospel in Jerusalem and far beyond, to both Jews and Gentiles.
Meanwhile Peter remained human; he remained a sinful person. At a pinnacle of faith
we hear him say: “Thou art the Christ the son of the living God”. But he also sinks into
a dismal abyss when he emphatically repeats three times “I know not the man”. Simon
Peter: he was also used by the devil as an offence to his Master to hinder His way to
the cross. But then what a wonder: Christ seeks His failing disciple. On the shores of
the Lake Tiberius the word of the Saviour sounded: “Lovest thou me?” Jesus loved
Peter; He loved him from all eternity and He will never forsake the work of His hands.
That is the wonderful comfort of God’s church here upon earth. “Jesus Christ the same
yesterday, and today, and for ever” (Hebrews 13:8). His love and grace remains to all
eternity because He is and remains faithful. Simon Peter is a testimony of that.
May the Lord richly bless these Bible studies about the life of Peter.
J. H. Mauritz
1. Peter becomes a disciple
Read John 1:35-43 and Matthew 4:18-22
“Behold the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the World….” In this manner
John the Baptist, as forerunner of the Lord Jesus, announces the Saviour of the world.
Two of His disciples hear what John say. They believe what they hear and … follow
Jesus (verse 37). Jesus notices this. He turns himself around and asks: “What seek
ye?” They answer: “Where dwellest thou”? From this it appears that they
acknowledge Him as Lord and Master but also that they desire to know more about
Him. Accordingly the Lord Jesus then invites them to come along with Him so that
they can hear and learn more about Him. They have never forgotten this meeting with
the Lord Jesus. Many years later John could relate exactly when it was.
Andrew is so full of the lessons that he has learnt from this Rabbi that he cannot be
silent about it. His brother also needs to hear this message of mercy and salvation. He
says to Simon: “We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.”
Andrew takes his brother Simon and brings him to the Lord Jesus. Jesus looks upon
him and gives him a new name: “Thou art Simon the son of Jonas: “thou shalt be
called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone”. Therewith Jesus incorporates
Peter in the ring of His disciples. The Lord used the witness of Andrew to gain a
follower of Jesus. What a blessing it would be if more believers would resemble
Andrew. Every true believer should be an evangelist in his or her locality. That could
then well be an eternal blessing for many who live on in their unbelief and sin.
Sometime later, on another day, when Peter is fishing with Andrew, James and John,
Jesus stands on the shore and they hear Him saying to them: “Follow me, and I will
make you fishers of men”. Without any hesitation all four men leave their work and
follow Jesus. His word was spoken with power and they can do nothing else but be
obedient to Him. They forsake everything. Peter and the other disciples will now be
trained for the task of catching men in the net of the gospel. And from being disciples
of Jesus they will progress to becoming His apostles: i.e. those that will bear witness of
His resurrection.
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Questions
John 1
1. Verse 35/36
What was the content of the preaching of John the Baptist?
See also Matthew 3:1-12 and John 10:40-42
2. Verse 37
Andrew and John believed the preaching of John the Baptist and began to follow
Jesus.
a. How was it possible that these disciples of John took heed to the invitation?
b. What does it mean to follow Jesus? What does that mean for us today? See
Isaiah 42:16, Luke 18:28, and Mark 10:21.
3. Verse 40
a. What was the content of Jesus’ invitation?
b. What is the significance of: “for it was about the tenth hour”?
4. Verse 42
a. Say in your own words what Andrew and John meant when they said: “we
have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ”.
b. A certain young person once said: “The disciples found Jesus rather easily.
You hear it being said so often: ‘He reveals himself in the reading and
preaching of His word’. I do believe that. I go faithfully to church and I read
the Bible and I pray that I may find Him. But nothing happens and I do not
how and where I can find Him”.
How would you answer that young person?
5. Verse 43
Andrew led his brother Peter to Jesus. Can we also lead people to Jesus?
Explain your answer.
6. Verse 42,43,46
a. What does this history teach us in relation to the open-hearted testimonies by
John the Baptist and Andrew?
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b. How would you consider the following statement: “Every true believer should
be an evangelist”
Matthew 4
7. Verse 20
a. How did they come to the resolution to forsake everything and immediately
follow Him?
b. Give concrete examples of what it would mean for you to forsake everything
and follow Jesus?
c. Which people make these sacrifices?
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2. Peter’s confession
Read Matthew 16:13-20
The Lord has arrived with His disciples in the vicinity of Caesarea Philippi. It is a lonely
isolated area where He will give His disciples some extra instruction.
In John 6 we can read that many people turned their back on the Lord Jesus and
“walked no more with him”. They considered His message too hard to accept. They
desired a king that would deliver them from the hated tyranny of the Romans. The
idea that a king would lay down his life so that His kingdom could be established in the
hearts of sinful people only irritated them. When the Lord Jesus is together with His
12 disciples He asks them: “Will ye also go away?” (John 6:69). Peter then answers
for all of the 12 disciples and says: “Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of
eternal life”. But now the Lord does not stop there, but inquires further: “Whom do
men say that I the Son of man am?”
Various answers to that question are given. It did indeed appear that many Jews did
have a high regard for the Lord Jesus. But it was consistently apparent that the Jews
desired and expected an earthly king and did not recognise Jesus as being the
promised Messiah. And then the Lord asks: “ but whom say ye that I am?” (verse 15).
Now the issue becomes personal for the disciples. Faith in Jesus requires a personal
and radical answer. And again it is Peter who speaks for the rest of the apostles and
he answers with the confession: “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God.”
It is remarkable that the little word “the” has been used twice. “The Christ, the Son of
the living God”. Peter really wanted to emphasise that there is only one Christ and
that there is no other. Many shall claim to be Christ (Matthew 24:23), but there is only
ONE. Against all unbelief, a child of God will believe in Christ the Son of God.
After this beautiful confession of Peter the Lord pronounces him blessed. Not because
there was anything in himself that was worthy in the sight of God, but simply because
God had glorified His own work in him. Therefore Jesus calls him Peter (a Rock). Peter
had confessed Christ to be the only sure foundation, the Rock upon which Christ would
build His church. And nothing would ever prevail against that church or cause it to be
destroyed: “and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it”.
Later on the Lord would refer back to this event as He bade farewell to His disciples.
“and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (Matthew
28:20). The Lord will take care of His church.
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The disciples also receive the commission to work in God’s Kingdom. The message that
Jesus is the Christ has to be proclaimed to all. Also today the Lord uses men as the
means to proclaim the message of His Word and Spirit. The question also comes to
you via the means of God’s servants: “But you, who do you say that I am?”
Questions
1. Read John 6:66
Here we can read that many disciples turned their back to Jesus and walked no
more with Him.
a. Why did they do this?
b. Why is for many people the preaching of the gospel still an offence to them?
c. What is the warning for us from the fact that many of His disciples forsook
Him?
2. What was actually the essence of Peter’s confession? Consider also John 1:42.
3. Peter made a confession of faith.
a. Sometimes people do confession of faith at quite a young age. Others wait a
long time before they think they will do it with the consequence that some do
not do it at all. Why is this?
b. What is a “saving” confession? Compare Romans 10:9.
4. Discuss the following statement:
“Those who do not become members of a church, exclude themselves from
salvation”. (Consider in this context article 28 of the Belgic Confession of Faith).
5. In verse 17, Jesus called Peter by his original name of Simon Barjona (or Simon, son
of Jonas):
a. Why did He do this?
b. What does this mean for us?
6. Read verse 18.
a. In your own words explain what is meant with the phrase: “and upon this rock I
will build my church”
b. “and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it”. Give real examples of how the
church is attacked in our day and age.
c. How come the church is invincible?
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3. Peter receives instruction
Read Matthew 17:1-27
Jesus took with Him Peter, James, and John. This Bible portion relates to us one of the
most remarkable events in the life of Jesus here upon earth. The Lord Jesus chose
three of His disciples to accompany Him and to be witnesses of His glorious
transfiguration. The last section of the previous chapter deals with the passion that
awaits the Lord Jesus, but in this portion the three disciples are encouraged by a
glimpse of the glory of Christ. At His incarnation the Son of God laid aside His glory;
after His ascension Jesus will by renewal receive the glory that He had with his Father
from all eternity.
Upon this mount of Transfiguration Peter, James, and John receive a glimpse of how
the Lord Jesus Christ would soon appear as the glorified Saviour in heaven. They see,
as in a living mirror, a reflection of His divinity. What no eye has seen they were there
given to see. They saw something of the coming of Christ in His Kingdom (Matthew
16:28) . The disciples were deeply impressed by what they saw on that mountain.
But then they hear a voice speaking from heaven: by renewal God audibly confirms
from heaven that Jesus is the promised Messiah. And “when the disciples heard it,
they fell on their face, and were sore afraid.” Truly, in the presence of the Holy God a
sinful person can do nothing else than be sore afraid! Until Jesus touches them and reassures them with His comfortable presence; then He is the only One Whom they see.
A short time later Jesus has returned to Capernaum with his disciples. Jesus, as well as
Peter, live there and therefore they are obliged to pay the annual temple tax there.
The servants of the temple who were mandated to collect the temple tax come to
Peter and ask: “Doth not your master pay tribute?” They are well aware of the
criticism that Jesus had levelled at the service in the temple and they expect that He
will refuse to pay the temple tax. If that should prove to be the case then they would
have a new reason to accuse Him.
But Peter is very quick to defend his Master and asserts that His Master will surely pay
the temple tax. Apparently, Jesus was not with Peter when he conversed with the
temple servants. A short time later Peter is back in the house and we can assume that
it was Peter’s intention to talk to Jesus about the issue; however, Jesus raised it with
Peter first because we read that “Jesus prevented him”. Jesus began to speak with
Peter by asking: “What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take
custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers?” It is not difficult for Peter to
answer that question and he immediately replies with: “Of strangers”. Jesus then
applies the answer by saying: “Then are the children free”. Peter receives instruction!
Again Peter had been abrupt and spoken without due thought. Jesus does not need to
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pay the tax for the temple of His Father: the Son is free from that obligation!
But to prevent offence the Lord Jesus freely relinquishes His right. He willingly subjects
Himself to the law. The tax that He is willing to pay and that Peter has to pay was
collected from the sea by the power of His word. All things come from Him and all
things are subjected to Him (Romans 11:36 and Hebrews 2:10).
Peter had to go the sea and the first fish that he would catch would have a piece of
money in its mouth: just the right amount for two people. That teaches Peter another
important lesson: Although he is obliged to pay, his Master pays for him.
Questions
1. What is the relationship between Matthew 17:13 and the fact that Jesus took these
three disciples with Him on the mount of Transfiguration?
2. What is the deeper meaning of the fact that Jesus conversed with both Moses and
Elijah upon the mount? What does the fact that these two people are recognised
have to say to us?
3. Why do you think that Peter wanted to build three tabernacles up there on the
mount?
4. The disciples were very afraid (verse 6). Why? Is this situation comparable to Mark
4:40 (read it)? Why or why not? Does this have something to say to us?
5. Try to relate the essence of verse 8 in your own words. What is it to “look unto
Jesus” and when will this be exercised?
6. Jesus wished to prevent offence. Is that also our calling? In this context consider
Romans 14:12 and 21 together with 1 Corinthians 9:12. How far should we go with
this?
7. If Jesus willingly set aside money for the advancement of the temple service, then
we are all the more obliged to freely offer up for the maintenance of the church
and its service. Are there Biblical guidelines for how much we should give to the
church and the deaconry funds? What does “for God loveth a cheerful giver” mean
(2 Corinthians 9:7)?
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4. Peter is cleansed
Read John 13:1-17
The Lord Jesus is together with His twelve disciples to celebrate the Passover. It is the
last time that they will be gathered together as Jesus is about to depart to His heavenly
Father. But first the Master will teach His disciples some very important lessons.
In The East it was customary to wear sandals. Because the roads were often very dry
and dusty, the feet would quickly become dirty. Therefore, when someone entered a
house, a slave or a young servant was ready to wash the feet of visitors as soon as they
entered.
But there is no slave present here in this hall where Jesus and His disciples are
gathered. Therefore one of the disciples will have to do this unpleasant task of a
servant or slave. But who? Each disciple thinks that one of the others should do it.
Consequently, no one does it and their feet remain dirty. Also those of the Lord Jesus.
Not one of the disciples is prepared to be the least and perform the task of a servant
by washing the feet of the others.
Not one of the disciples is even prepared to wash the feet of the Lord Jesus. We may
well ask the question whether these disciples were actually worthy of Jesus suffering
and dying for them. What a great wonder it truly is that that the Lord loves such
disciples: even when they are too proud to wash the feet of each other.
And then the Lord Jesus Himself stands up. He lays aside His outer garment and girds
Himself with a towel: He will wash the feet of the disciples Himself. Jesus will do the
job of a slave. Peter cannot comprehend this and does not allow Jesus to wash his
feet. We can hear him say: “Lord, dost thou wash my feet?” That’s not right! Peter
does not want his Master to humble Himself so low for him. But then listen to the
response of Jesus to His disciple: “If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me”. Peter
is now confronted with a choice. It is one or the other. If he continues to refuse he
will have no part in Jesus and that would be the most dreadful thing imaginable. But
on the other hand, if he accepts the proposal of Jesus, then he must be cleansed by
Him. Peter chooses the latter and says: “Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands
and my head.”
After Jesus has washed the feet of his disciple He explains to them the significance of
what He has done. Now that He has washed their feet they are obliged to follow His
example as He is their Master. The Master humbled Himself to be the least. This
washing of their feet directs them and us to the complete cleansing of our sin by the
blood of Christ. This cleansing is God’s work alone. The disciples are also directed to
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their obligation to serve each other in love. They are not just to know and talk about
the example that Jesus Himself gave, they need to put it into practice as well. It is so
important to exercise this humility that Jesus showed to His disciples when He washed
their feet. A tree is known by its fruit. Jesus also say to us: “If ye know these things,
happy are ye if ye do them”.
Questions
1. Why did Peter decline to have his feet washed (verse 6 and 8)?
2. The Lord Jesus says to Peter: “If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me”.
a. What do these words mean?
b. Why did Peter then ask to be completely washed?
3. What lesson(s) did the disciples-and we-need to learn from the example of the Lord
Jesus? Consider in this context also Philippians 2:2-5 and 4:12
4. Give a few examples of what it means to “wash one another’s feet” in practice.
Is that difficult? Why?
5. “He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit”
(verse 10)?
What did Jesus mean with these words?
6. To be cleansed from our sin is only possible through the blood of Jesus.
a. What does this cleansing consists of?
b. Why do we need a clean heart? See e.g. Psalm 51:10
7. What does Jesus say of us if we may follow His example?
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5. Peter’s denial of Jesus and his restoration.
Read Matthew 26:69-75 and John 21:15-19
“Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee”. That was the reaction of
Peter when the Lord Jesus foretold that he and all of his fellow disciples would forsake
Him. It quickly becomes apparent that Peter’s regard of himself is too high as that very
night the words of Jesus are fulfilled. In a side room, somewhat adjacent to the hall
where Jesus is being examined, Peter is confronted three times with the question if he
belongs to the group of the Lord Jesus. And three times Peter emphatically denies any
knowledge of Jesus. Furthermore, each time Peter denies Jesus his denials intensify.
Finally, at his third denial, Peter “with cursing and swearing” denies any association
with Jesus. This cursing and swearing denotes that Peter swears an oath that he did
not know Jesus and that he curses himself into the damnation of hell if he is not
speaking the truth. And it was just at that moment-what a wonder of divine grace-that
“the Lord turned and looked upon Peter” (Luke 22:61). Then Peter truly understands
what he has done: “And he went out, and wept bitterly”.
After His death and resurrection Jesus meets again with Peter at the shore of the lake
of Tiberius. As Peter had denied Him three times, Jesus now questions Peter three
times.
The Lord addresses him with his previous name of Simon. Therewith Peter is painfully
reminded of the time when he said he did not know Jesus. “Simon, son of Jonas,
lovest thou me more than these?” (referring to the other disciples who were present;
see Matthew 26:33). If we read this word “love” in the original Greek, we see that
Jesus used the word “agape”: this denotes a love that is deep, lively, and passionate; a
love that has a deep willingness and commitment to self-denial. When Peter answers
this question he does not dare to use the word agape; he answers with a much weaker
word for love: filio. This word means: I have some inclination towards you. But Peter
also appeals to Jesus’ omniscience: “Lord, thou knowest that I love thee”. Peter
surrenders himself into the hands of an all-knowing God. Although Peter had indeed
denied Jesus, he yet loves Him, and cannot live without Him. Jesus accepts this answer
of Peter and upon that gives him the commission: “Feed my lambs”. By virtue of that
commission Peter is re-installed into his office.
But Jesus leads Peter still further along the path of humbling. Peter no longer dares to
say that he loves the Lord Jesus more than the other disciples do. The Lord Jesus now
asks Peter if he loves (using the word agape) Him as much as the other disciples. In
answering this question-“Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee”-Peter again uses
filio, the weaker word for love. Then Jesus condescends entirely to the level of His
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disciple. For the third time He asks Peter: “Lovest thou me”, but this time Jesus uses
the same word for love that Peter used twice: “filio”: do you have an inclination
towards Me? Then Peter becomes very grieved that the Lord Jesus also appears to
doubt that love and also because he had now been painfully reminded of his threefold
denial. Again Peter lays his heart open before the Lord and replies: “Lord, thou
knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee”. Jesus accepts this answer and
repeats the commission: “Feed my sheep”. In this manner Peter is restored into his
office in the presence of the other disciples; he also may feed the lambs and sheep of
Jesus. This commission given to Peter is also the commission that God gives to all of
His servants who are called to proclaim the gospel. Although Peter had deeply fallen
and had emphatically denied his master, God receives him again in grace and allowes
him to continue as His servant.
Do you ask, “How this is possible”? This is only possible because God is and remains
the Faithful One: “If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself”
(2 Timothy 2:13).
Questions
1. Peter denied his Master and Judas betrayed Him. Both of them afterward had
remorse about what they had done.
a. What was the difference between the reactions of Peter and Judas about their
betrayal of the Lord Jesus?
b. What are the marks of true repentance? See o.a. Job 42:1-6, Jeremiah 31:19,
and Canons of Dort’s fifth head, article 7.
2. You can confess Jesus with your words while at the same time you deny Him with
your deeds. Give some Biblical examples of this. Consider Titus 1:16 and 2:4, 5.
3. After the first or second denial, Peter would have been better off by leaving the hall
and avoiding further temptation. Can you think of various situations where it is
better to simply leave than to stay?
4. Why did Peter not use the word agape but only the word filio? Did he now love the
Lord any less than when they were in Caesarea-Philippi (Matthew 16:16)? Why is
this history recorded for us in the Bible?
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5. “Feed my lambs”. This commission to Peter is also the task of every servant of God
who has been called to preach the gospel.
a. Who do you think are meant with the “sheep” and the “lambs”?
b. What does it mean to “feed”?
c. What does the task of Peter and, therefore, of ministers entail?
d. In Psalm 23 we read of the shepherd’s rod. What is meant with that rod and
are ministers also to use it in the care of the sheep?
6. Peter clearly humbled himself before the LORD. This is a phrase that is often heard
in the preaching and in the language of God’s people. What is it to humble
yourself, and how is that learnt?
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6. Peter’s sermon on the day of Pentecost.
Read Acts 2:14-41
It is the day of Pentecost. Somewhere in Jerusalem the 12 apostles and some other
disciples of Jesus have gathered together. Wonderful things happen there. When the
apostles address all of the various peoples in their own languages, some of the Jews
and proselytes who were present ask: “What meaneth this?” Others mock and say:
“These men are full of new wine”.
Then Peter stands up. He starts to speak. He begins to explain how all of this is
happening and what it all means. The first thing that he does is to open the Scriptures
of the Old Testament. He quoted some verses from the prophet Joel. In those verses
the extra-ordinary signs that have just been observed were prophesied. Peter tells his
amazed audience that this prophecy has just been fulfilled before their very eyes.
These things had to happen.
And then Peter may relate what he himself had seen. He speaks about Jesus of
Nazareth Who has been crucified by the Jews upon the cross of Calvary. But this Jesus
did not stay in the grave: “Whom God hath raised up.” He is risen and has ascended
into heaven and sits at the right hand of His Father just as David had said in Psalm 110.
Before Jesus died He promised that the Holy Ghost, the Comforter, would come; yes,
that He would be poured out. And now it has happened!
“Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart.” The Jews are guilty
before God. They have killed Jesus, the Son of God. Peter clearly pointed out sin in the
lives of his hearers. And when the Holy Spirit convicts a sinner deep in their heart it is
as if there is no longer any deliverance possible. Only one question remains: “Men and
brethren, what shall we do?” What must we do to be saved?
Peter does have to think long about how to answer that question. What more
beautiful task is there than to proclaim the gospel to those who have been convicted in
their heart about their lost state before the Lord? There is room in such a heart for a
Surety and Mediator: “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus
Christ for the remission of sins”
God demands repentance and conversion, a radical change in our life. All of our
personal sins need to be confessed before the Lord. A promise is also given: “and ye
shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your
children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.”
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About 3000 people “gladly” receive these words of Peter and are converted to God. In
this manner the last section of that prophecy of Joel was fulfilled also: “And it shall
come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered.”
Questions
1. A well-known text that points to the day of Pentecost is Joel 2:28 (see also verse
17). What does this text actually say and how does it relate to the day of Pentecost.
2. Peter’s sermon consists of several different themes (read Acts 2:16-17, 23-24, 3233, and 38-39).
a. Summarise these themes with key words.
b. Summarise in your own words the overall theme of the sermon.
3. Imagine: You have a conversation with your neighbour lady about the doctrine of
the Bible. You to say to her that she needs to be converted in order to be truly
happy. The conversation develops into a long and serious dialogue. Finally at the
end of it all she sincerely asks; “What must I now do to be saved?” What answer
would you give?
4. Peter preaches: “Repent.” That is also the message that comes to us again and
again.
a. Explain what is actually meant with repentance and conversion.
b. What does verse 21 “And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the
name of the Lord shall be saved” have to say to us today?
5. Peter says: “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ
for the remission of sins” (verse 38). What does he mean with the words in italics?
Also consider in this regard the second part of the Form for the Administration of
Baptism (pg. 126 back of Psalter).
6. Peter preached a ‘searching and discovering’ sermon.
a. What is meant with that expression?
b. Is that how God’s servants are called to preach? See Isaiah 58:1 and relate it to
the question.
c. What is your reaction to such preaching?
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7. Peter by the Beautiful Gate
Read Acts 3:1-10
It is the ninth hour (3pm) which is the time for the evening sacrifice in the temple.
Peter and John are walking together to the temple. A man is sitting at the gate of the
temple. This man sits here every day. Why? Because he has been lame from the day
that he was born: he has never been able to walk. Every day he is carried to the
Beautiful Gate so that he can beg there. He expects money from people, who are
going into the temple to pray and offer a sacrifice. He also asks Peter and John, who
are entering the temple via this gate, for a gift. Both of the apostles look earnestly at
him and Peter says to him: “Look on us”. The cripple indeed does that with eyes full of
eager expectation. But the next moment he is disappointed because Peter says to
him: “Silver and gold have I none”. But Peter does not stop there, he continues: “but
such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk”.
Peter reaches his hand down to him and helps him up and “immediately his feet and
ankle bones received strength”. As a clear sign of his healing the man leaps up and
“entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God”.
The people in the temple recognise him as the beggar who always sat at the gate of
the temple. And now he is walking and praising God. The people see that the power
that the Lord gave him to walk is immediately used to glorify his Benefactor.
Everyone looks at this in astonishment. This must be a divine wonder! Steadily more
people draw near to see what is happening and Peter makes use of this opportunity to
preach Jesus to them. He directs the people away from themselves and points them to
Jesus as the Son of God; the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He reminds them of
the heinous crime they have committed in denying and killing Jesus of Nazareth. But
he also testifies that this Jesus is also the Prince of Life, Who has risen from the dead.
“And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong…” Peter clearly
tells the people how this wonder was possible. In this manner the healing of the lame
man gave Peter the opportunity to preach Christ in the temple; the apostles call the
Jews in the temple to repentance and faith.
We are also given the same message every Sunday; we also are blessed to hear that
there is only one Name given under heaven by which we must be saved. Do you know
that Name?
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Questions
1. Verses 2 & 3
This lame man was carried to the Beautiful Gate so that he could beg there.
a. What is our reaction to a beggar or homeless person sitting at the door of the
church?
b. How should our reaction be? See Deuteronomy 15:4 and onwards from verse
7.
c. To what extent does (should) the care of our neighbour concern us?
2. Verses 2 & 3
Peter meets the lame man at the gate of the temple and he does not pass him by.
a. Should the care for our neighbour be connected with the proclamation of the
gospel? Explain you answer.
b. How do (should) we consider this relationship in the context of modern
mission/evangelisation work?
3. Verses 4 & 5
Peter said: “Look on us”.
Compare this with what we read in verse 12 and reconcile the apparent
contradictions.
4. Verse 6
The lame man receives far more than a monetary gift. “We also receive far more
than we ask for”. Do you agree with that statement? Explain.
5. Verse 8 & 9
Because of sin we miss the purpose for which we were created.
a. What was our purpose in our original state of perfection?
b. How can we see in the lame man that there is more than just physical healing?
c. How can we be re-enabled to fulfil the purpose for which we were created?
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8. Peter before the Sanhedrin
Read Acts 4:1-22
Shortly after the outpouring of the Holy Ghost the words of Jesus in Matthew 10:17
are being fulfilled. We read: “But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the
councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues”. After the healing of the lame
man by the Beautiful Gate, Peter and John are arrested and taken to appear before the
Sanhedrin, the spiritual leaders of the people. These Jewish leaders were very
unhappy (verse 2), and in particular they are deeply offended by the preaching of the
gospel. They could see that the gospel was winning thousands of people for Jesus
(verse 4).
We see them standing there before the Sanhedrin: Peter and John, two plain
fishermen. The Sanhedrin consisted of scribes, chief priests, elders, Pharisees, and
Sadducees. The Sanhedrin begins to ask Peter and John in whose name this lame man
has been healed. In response, Peter, full of the Holy Ghost, begins to accuse the
Sanhedrin of what they have done. He shows them the great guilt that they have
brought upon themselves by crucifying Jesus (verse 10). They, the spiritual leaders of
the people should have proclaimed the gospel and called the people to believe in
Jesus, but instead they have despised and killed Him (verse 11).
Yet, it are not only accusations that sound out of the mouth of Peter, he may also
point them to the only way of salvation: “Neither is there salvation in any other: for
there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be
saved” (verse 12). The Sanhedrin becomes impressed with the eloquence of these
ignorant fishermen.
After some consultation between themselves, in the absence of Peter and John, the
Sanhedrin strictly forbids Peter and John to ever speak to anyone again in the Name of
Jesus. But Peter and John boldly refuse to obey this instruction and plainly tell that to
the Sanhedrin. They cannot and may not be silent about the only Name, Jesus Christ,
and Him crucified. With stern threatenings, the Sanhedrin let the two apostles, and
the man who had been lame, go free partly because they are scared of the people.
This history marks the beginning of the persecution of the early church. The Lord had
prophesied that His Church would have tribulation in this world (John 15:20). And
regardless of how heavy that persecution may get, the Lord had also promised that the
He would always be with His Church, to care for it and protect it from all the attacks of
the gates and power of hell: “and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the
world”. What a wonder. In this manner the Lord is still with all those who believe in
His Name and who are obedient to His word.
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Questions
1. Verse 2
a. Why was the Sanhedrin so unhappy and dissatisfied?
b. When can we encounter these same feelings in people around us?
2. Verse 4
What do you think is meant with the words: “Howbeit many of them which heard
the word believed”?
3. Verses 10-12
Peter was a witness of all that Jesus had said and done. What is required in order
to be a witness?
4. Verse 12
a. What is the essence of the word “salvation”?
b. Why did Peter say so emphatically that there was only one Name given under
heaven for salvation?
c. What are we to learn from that?
5. Verse 13
Peter was enabled to bare witness about Jesus without fear before the Sanhedrin.
In the past it had been different. Read Luke 22:54-62. How can we explain the
change?
6. Verse 18-20
Why could Peter and John not be silent? How is that in our time? Give some
examples.
7. Verse 23
The Jews were accused of causing the death of the Lord Jesus.
a. Are we also guilty of that? If so, then how? If not, why not?
b. Is it right-as many have done-to consider all of the persecutions and trials that
the Jews have had to endure over the last 2000 years as righteous judgments of
the Lord upon the Jewish people for having killed and rejected Jesus?
Explain your answer.
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9. Peter delivered out of prison
Read Acts 12:1-19
King Herod has discovered a way by which he can increase his popularity with the
Jews. He lifts up his hand against the disciples of Jesus. The Jews are very happy with
that and it suits them well. Herod desires to promote his own interests as much as he
can and it does not concern him if that will have to be at the cost of others.
Herod is an accomplice of Satan. He arrests James the brother of John and causes him
to be executed by the sword. And he does not stop here, but proceeds with
committing gross injustice by ordering Peter to be arrested. Peter was an important
person to arrest as he, in the eyes of the Jews, was an influential leader of the
followers of the hated Jesus of Nazareth.
Peter is in prison. We can picture it all in our minds: Peter is asleep in his prison cell
while being securely chained to two soldiers who lie on either side of him. Just outside
of the locked door is yet another group of vigilant guards (verse 4). So, all seems
hopeless. As soon as the feast of Passover is over he will be led to appear before
Herod. His verdict and sentence have already been decided. Peter will have to go the
same way as his Master had to go. No, it will not happen in the middle of the feast as
that would put a stain on the religious ceremonies of the Jews. But when all of that
has concluded then Herod will bring forth Peter to have him put to death.
Meanwhile, in the house of Mary, the mother of John Mark, the church of the Lord in
Jerusalem has gathers together. A continual prayer to the Lord for the preservation of
their beloved brother Peter ascends up from this gathered congregation. No, they do
have any power to deliver Peter themselves; they have no military might to storm the
prison; what could they do to overcome the defences of Herod’s fortress?
But God’s church uses entirely different weapons than those of the world: the
congregation of Jerusalem is united in a continual prayer to God. He namely is the
great Hearer of prayer!
In the mean time, something very extraordinary happens in the prison. While Peter is
asleep an angel of the Lord descends and stands beside him. The angel urges Peter to
wake up and to stand up straight (verse 7). A wonder happens: the chains binding
Peter’s wrists loosen and fall to the ground. How amazed Peter must have been; he
really thinks he is dreaming. Guided by the angel he walks away effortlessly from, and
completely unnoticed by, the sleeping soldiers in his cell and past two sets of watching
guards outside the cell. And then the heavy iron outside gate opens on its own accord
and closes again behinds them. As they walk further in the darkness of the night the
angel leaves Peter who then finally realises the reality of what has happened. No,
there was no uprising within the prison, no group of heavily armed assailants who
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raided the prison and overcame all resistance in order to rescue Peter. It took place by
the means of a heavenly messenger in all quietness and without any commotion.
Peter realises that the Lord did it. It is wondrous in his eyes. He says to himself: “Now
I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the
hand of Herod” (verse 11).
The deliverance of Peter is a deed of the Lord. The Lord has heard the prayer of the
congregation and given them their request. That often escapes our attention. We do
pray, but often do not really believe that the Lord will hear us and grant us our
petition; or else we just take it for granted that the Lord will help us.
In Jerusalem, Peter stands at the front door of the house where the congregation is
gathered praying for him. Rhoda, the servant girl, goes to see who is knocking at the
door in the middle of the night and recognises the voice of Peter. Without opening the
door she hurries back inside to tell the others the glad tidings of Peter’s presence. But
no-one believes her. Had they not prayed for that very thing? Yes they had, but
inwardly they had thought too little of the Lord. What unbelief was found right in the
middle of a praying congregation! It was really quite humbling for these people who
did indeed fear the Lord in truth. What a wonder it remains that the Lord will do more
than we can ask or think.
Questions
1. Why does Herod delay the execution of Peter? What does it make you think of
(compare Luke 23:8-11)? What was the difference here between Jesus and Peter?
2. The congregation prays continually for the deliverance of Peter. Also today there
are situations where ‘continual prayer’ is necessary.
a. Give some examples from our own congregation.
b. Give some examples from those who are imprisoned on account of their faith.
3. Can you understand why Rhoda let Peter wait by the door? What do you think of
the reaction of those believers inside who could not believe the truth of what she
said?
4. We confess that the Lord is a Hearer of prayer.
a. Why is it that we so seldom actually believe that the Lord will grant the
deliverance that is asked for? Or do you not agree with the statement that this
question implies? Either way, give reasons.
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b. Why is prayer so necessary? See question 116 of the HC.
c. Does the Lord hear all prayer? Which prayers will the Lord hear and why?
d. What does the Lord desire to teach us in the 3rd petition of the Lord’s Prayer?
5. Can you give some examples of where the Lord has clearly heard prayer? Maybe
even from out of your own life?
6. Are answers to prayer always saving? When are they and when are they not? In
this context consider the prayer of the Canaanitish woman in Matthew 15:25.
Think about how it was before she prayed this prayer and then compare that with
how it was with her after she prayed. What can we learn from all of this?
7. What lessons can we draw from the deliverance of Peter out of the prison?
8. Have any of you read the book The Heavenly Man? This is the biography of Brother
Yun in China. If you have, do you see any similarities? What can you relate to the
rest of the group about this history? (By the way if you have not read it you are
highly recommended to do so).
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10. The letters of Peter
Read 1 Peter 1:1-12 and 4:7-19
After the day of Pentecost many Christian congregations came into existence both
within and outside the borders of Israel. But it was not always easy for these believers.
Many Jews and Gentiles wanted to have nothing to do with these Christians and the
faith that they confessed. Many congregations were persecuted; false accusations had
to justify this.
In addition, it is difficult for the young Christian churches to remain steadfast in the
doctrine. Slowly all kinds of errors penetrate the churches, promoted by deceitful
teachers who intentionally tried to falsify or mock the gospel of Jesus Christ.
When Peter received these tidings from the churches in Asia Minor, he writes two
letters to them. In the first letter he writes about the content and meaning of the faith
in Jesus Christ. God has regenerated His people to an eternal salvation. The comfort of
this eternal glory gives strength to endure the persecutions here below which are only
temporal (1 Peter 1:3-12).
John has well been called the apostle of love and we could call Peter the apostle of
hope. This hope will not make ashamed. This hope is a source of comfort and
encouragement for all who have this hope in Christ.
The ground of this hope is the regeneration that the Holy Spirit works in the hearts of
God’s people. Without being born again (regeneration) we cannot enter the kingdom
of God. This rebirth has its source in the mercy of God. How can God be merciful?
The apostle gives the answer in 1 Peter 1:3; “the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the
dead”. The anchor of true hope is fixed in the sure ground of the death and
resurrection of Christ. And on that sure ground there is prepared for the people of
God an inheritance in heaven that will not fade away.
But for as long as God’s people remain here on earth they are called to a patient
exercise of godliness in an orderly way of life.
In the first part of his first letter Peter encourages the believers to exercise a life of
mutual love, sobriety, and patience in the face of the many tribulations. Their style
and pattern of life must be an example to others. For the supreme example Peter
appeals to Jesus Himself: “Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who,
when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but
committed himself to him that judgeth righteously” (1 Peter 2:22-23).
Furthermore, Peter gives many very practical directions for daily life: for example,
what the Christian’s relationship to civil government and those in authority should be;
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how the relationship between husbands and wives should function; and also, what the
task of the elders in the church should be (1 Peter 3 & 5).
Finally, Peter closes the letter with a prayer for the churches and thanksgiving to God.
In the second letter, Peter addresses three main themes. In chapter 1 he calls believers
to make their calling an election sure. In the second chapter he warns sharply against
false doctrines. And in the last chapter Peter warns very earnestly against the mockers
who try to make the return of Jesus seem ridiculous.
For Christ’s sake, Peter has also suffered himself. It is almost certain that during the
reign of Nero he was crucified upside down. What a rich grace he received so that he
could follow his Master to the very final moment of his life. It is touching that Peter to
whom his Master once said “That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my
church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it,” would end his life in such a
manner. But not unexpected, because Jesus had prophesied: “Whither I go, thou canst
not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards” (John 13:36).
Questions
1. What is the difference between the hope of the natural man and the hope of the
Christian (compare Romans 8:24-25 and 1 Peter 1:13)?
2. The apostle Peter assures the faithful that God will support them in the middle of
all their tribulations (1 Peter 1:5).
a. What does the “power of God” in verse 5 mean?
b. Why can the faithful not remain standing in their own power? (see Canons of
Dort, head 5, article 3).
c. What are the temptations for us today? Consider and discuss some examples.
3. What does Peter say about the Lord Jesus in 1 Peter 1:8?
a. What is a “joy unspeakable and full of glory”?
b. Can you say that the glory of God and the salvation of a sinner actually belong
together? Consider verse 9 in this context.
4. Peter exhorts the believer that “he no longer should live the rest of his time in the
flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God” (1 Peter 4:2). What does he mean
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with that?
5. A very well-known text is “But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore
sober, and watch unto prayer” (1 Peter 4:7).
a. Why did Peter say this?
b. What does this have to say to us?
6. Read 1 Peter 4:12-14 again.
a. Explain, with examples, how close the heat of persecution is for us in our
country.
b. What is the purpose of tribulation?
c. How can we bear that with joy?
7. What does it mean that the righteous be “scarcely” saved (1 Peter 4:18). Is the
salvation of the faithful not sure then? Why does Peter here make a contrast
between the righteous and the ungodly?
8. Try to make clear with each other what Christ meant by the words: “Whither I go,
thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards” (John 13:36).
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