The Twelve Disciples: Characters Revealed

Probably one of the most well-known disciples, Simon Peter was the first called to be a part of Jesus' ministry. He willingly left his life's occupation as a fisherman to follow the new and unorthodox teacher that some said was the prophesied one. After Jesus summoned Peter (and his brother), the Bible states that he told him (them), “...Follow me and I will make you fishers of men”(Matt. 4:19). What did Peter interpret this saying to mean? Although he probably didn't understand a single word, Matthew 4:20 and Mark 1:18 both record that Peter followed Jesus “immediately”. Unafraid to follow a man whom he hardly knew, Peter made a life-changing decision in leaving his line of work. No longer bound to the life of a fisherman, he was able to completely devote himself to the Lord's occupation. Because he made himself available, Simon Peter would soon experience the change that Jesus could bring into his heart. He was to be transformed into a completely different man in only the few years of Jesus ministry on Earth.

At the time of Peter's calling Jesus did something rather unusual. He gave him another name, that was, simply put, a nickname. Peter was called by the the name Cephas, which, in the Hebrew tongue, it is translated as “stone”, or “rock”. Why is this name important to the development and transformation of Peter's character? “ ...Peter's natural temper was stiff, and hardy, and resolute, which I take to be the principal reason why Christ called him Cephas- a stone. When Christ afterwards prayed for him, that his faith might not fail, that so he might be firm to Christ himself, and at the same time bade him strengthen his brethren, and lay out himself for the support of others, then he made him what he here called him, Cep...

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...all that God did in Simon Peter's life, what can be inferred about his true character? As deducted from the passages referring to him, he was plainly an outspoken man of great passion and will, who became unafraid to stand out for Jesus. He learned that in order to have spiritual growth in his life, all he was required to do was take a step of obedience and let God do the rest. No longer did he rely solely on his might, but he trusted that God had an ample supply of power and wisdom to pour over him. He realized that he wasn't very strong compared to the One who came to save him from his sin. “A study of the life and character of Simon Peter reveals noble traits. His enthusiasm and boldness are worthy of emulation. He was extremely devoted and committed to Christ.” (Tenney, 739) Peter was an excellent example of the ardent Christian and a man worthy of recognition.