Jesus' First Follower - A Study of 1 & 2 Peter

Well, good evening everybody. Welcome to Well, good evening everybody. Welcome to kind of kickoff of our church's fall kind of kickoff of our church's fall kind of kickoff of our church's fall Wednesday night season of Bible studies. Wednesday night season of Bible studies. Wednesday night season of Bible studies. And I don't know about you, but I'm And I don't know about you, but I'm And I don't know about you, but I'm really ready to be back. It seemed like really ready to be back. It seemed like really ready to be back. It seemed like a long summer. And yeah, I'm I'm I a long summer. And yeah, I'm I'm I a long summer. And yeah, I'm I'm I missed you guys, but somebody needs to missed you guys, but somebody needs to missed you guys, but somebody needs to tell Mother Nature summer's over. tell Mother Nature summer's over. tell Mother Nature summer's over. It's like you can cut the weather, you It's like you can cut the weather, you It's like you can cut the weather, you know, at this point. Seriously, it's know, at this point. Seriously, it's know, at this point. Seriously, it's great to be back and good to see you great to be back and good to see you great to be back and good to see you guys. We are uh about to kick off a guys. We are uh about to kick off a guys. We are uh about to kick off a 7-week series is our first part of this 7-week series is our first part of this 7-week series is our first part of this semester which will go all the way semester which will go all the way semester which will go all the way through mid December. But we're going to through mid December. But we're going to through mid December. But we're going to kick off uh seven weeks. But let me say kick off uh seven weeks. But let me say kick off uh seven weeks. But let me say a prayer for us and we're just going to a prayer for us and we're just going to a prayer for us and we're just going to dedicate this time in this series to the dedicate this time in this series to the dedicate this time in this series to the Lord. Father, we are grateful to you for Lord. Father, we are grateful to you for Lord. Father, we are grateful to you for so many things. Things that we take for so many things. Things that we take for so many things. Things that we take for granted, things that we can see your granted, things that we can see your granted, things that we can see your hand in. We're grateful to be here. hand in. We're grateful to be here. hand in. We're grateful to be here. We're grateful to share our hearts, our We're grateful to share our hearts, our We're grateful to share our hearts, our minds, our troubles, and our uh minds, our troubles, and our uh minds, our troubles, and our uh successes, the things you've blessed us successes, the things you've blessed us successes, the things you've blessed us with. We thank you for this nation. I with. We thank you for this nation. I with. We thank you for this nation. I pray, Father, your hand would be on it. pray, Father, your hand would be on it. pray, Father, your hand would be on it. I pray, Lord, where we are off the path I pray, Lord, where we are off the path I pray, Lord, where we are off the path that you would pull us back. I pray that that you would pull us back. I pray that that you would pull us back. I pray that you would change the hearts of our you would change the hearts of our you would change the hearts of our leaders, Lord, to pursue righteousness leaders, Lord, to pursue righteousness leaders, Lord, to pursue righteousness and pursue truth. Father, we know that and pursue truth. Father, we know that and pursue truth. Father, we know that you are sovereign and that in all things you are sovereign and that in all things you are sovereign and that in all things your will prevails. And so, we trust you your will prevails. And so, we trust you your will prevails. And so, we trust you with the future, with our lives, and with the future, with our lives, and with the future, with our lives, and with everything. in Christ's name. Amen.

with everything. in Christ's name. Amen. with everything. in Christ's name. Amen. >> Well, as always, I'll put the number up >> Well, as always, I'll put the number up >> Well, as always, I'll put the number up here. It's also on your handout, whether here. It's also on your handout, whether here. It's also on your handout, whether you're online or here. Uh but if you you're online or here. Uh but if you you're online or here. Uh but if you want to text questions in during class, want to text questions in during class, want to text questions in during class, uh feel free try to answer as many uh feel free try to answer as many uh feel free try to answer as many questions as we can. This series is questions as we can. This series is questions as we can. This series is called uh lessons from Jesus first called uh lessons from Jesus first called uh lessons from Jesus first follower. What I really want to talk follower. What I really want to talk follower. What I really want to talk about is the Apostle Peter. I just don't about is the Apostle Peter. I just don't about is the Apostle Peter. I just don't know if you've ever thought about it know if you've ever thought about it know if you've ever thought about it that way, but Peter was technically that way, but Peter was technically that way, but Peter was technically speaking the very first follower of speaking the very first follower of speaking the very first follower of Jesus. And we have some of Peter's Jesus. And we have some of Peter's Jesus. And we have some of Peter's teaching in the Bible, and I want to teaching in the Bible, and I want to teaching in the Bible, and I want to look at that. But Peter's life itself is look at that. But Peter's life itself is look at that. But Peter's life itself is a form of teaching. And that's true for a form of teaching. And that's true for a form of teaching. And that's true for you and me as well. In fact, most people you and me as well. In fact, most people you and me as well. In fact, most people say that the biggest lessons we teach say that the biggest lessons we teach say that the biggest lessons we teach are by who we are and how we live rather are by who we are and how we live rather are by who we are and how we live rather than what we say. Both are important, than what we say. Both are important, than what we say. Both are important, but you're going to find that's true in but you're going to find that's true in but you're going to find that's true in Peter's life as well. So, that's what Peter's life as well. So, that's what Peter's life as well. So, that's what we're going to be studying is the life we're going to be studying is the life we're going to be studying is the life and the teaching of the Apostle Peter. and the teaching of the Apostle Peter. and the teaching of the Apostle Peter. Peter's life, you just dive right in. I Peter's life, you just dive right in. I Peter's life, you just dive right in. I I really look at Peter's life and you I really look at Peter's life and you I really look at Peter's life and you see it's a before and after story. I see it's a before and after story. I see it's a before and after story. I mean, it's Peter is is just very mean, it's Peter is is just very mean, it's Peter is is just very clearly. And tonight, we're going to clearly. And tonight, we're going to clearly. And tonight, we're going to look at kind of a biography. We'll get look at kind of a biography. We'll get look at kind of a biography. We'll get into some of the teaching, but I really into some of the teaching, but I really into some of the teaching, but I really want to set the stage by giving you a want to set the stage by giving you a want to set the stage by giving you a biography, if you will, of Peter before biography, if you will, of Peter before biography, if you will, of Peter before we dive into his teaching. But if you we dive into his teaching. But if you we dive into his teaching. But if you look at his life, I just want you to look at his life, I just want you to look at his life, I just want you to think of this paradigm. It's before and think of this paradigm. It's before and think of this paradigm. It's before and after. There are a lot of before and after. There are a lot of before and after. There are a lot of before and afters in life. That little paradigm afters in life. That little paradigm afters in life. That little paradigm plays itself out. Some before and afters

plays itself out. Some before and afters plays itself out. Some before and afters don't look very much different. don't look very much different. don't look very much different. It just it's the same before. It's the It just it's the same before. It's the It just it's the same before. It's the same after. same after. same after. Some before and afters look very Some before and afters look very Some before and afters look very different but maybe not so good on on different but maybe not so good on on different but maybe not so good on on the after side. the after side. the after side. And then there are just some before and And then there are just some before and And then there are just some before and afters that are just wonderful. They afters that are just wonderful. They afters that are just wonderful. They fill you up, right? fill you up, right? fill you up, right? Well, Peter's story is a before and Well, Peter's story is a before and Well, Peter's story is a before and after story. And I would argue that for after story. And I would argue that for after story. And I would argue that for anyone who's really had an encounter anyone who's really had an encounter anyone who's really had an encounter with Jesus Christ, our lives kind of fit with Jesus Christ, our lives kind of fit with Jesus Christ, our lives kind of fit that paradigm as well. So, let me jump that paradigm as well. So, let me jump that paradigm as well. So, let me jump in and let's just talk about Peter, his in and let's just talk about Peter, his in and let's just talk about Peter, his life. What do we know about the life of life. What do we know about the life of life. What do we know about the life of Peter? Peter was a hometown boy. This is Peter? Peter was a hometown boy. This is Peter? Peter was a hometown boy. This is the northern part of Israel, right up the northern part of Israel, right up the northern part of Israel, right up around the Sea of Galilee. This is what around the Sea of Galilee. This is what around the Sea of Galilee. This is what it looked like in the first century. it looked like in the first century. it looked like in the first century. Peter Peter Peter never went further when he was young never went further when he was young never went further when he was young than the Bible tells us he was born in than the Bible tells us he was born in than the Bible tells us he was born in Bethesda, a little fishing village on Bethesda, a little fishing village on Bethesda, a little fishing village on the Sea of Galilee. And we know from the the Sea of Galilee. And we know from the the Sea of Galilee. And we know from the Bible that he lived a great deal of his Bible that he lived a great deal of his Bible that he lived a great deal of his adult life in Capernaum, a larger adult life in Capernaum, a larger adult life in Capernaum, a larger village on the Sea of Galilee. I want village on the Sea of Galilee. I want village on the Sea of Galilee. I want you to think about Peter as kind of a you to think about Peter as kind of a you to think about Peter as kind of a hometown boy. He was uh captain of the hometown boy. He was uh captain of the hometown boy. He was uh captain of the football team, you know, and he'd be out football team, you know, and he'd be out football team, you know, and he'd be out there fishing and people would say, "You there fishing and people would say, "You there fishing and people would say, "You remember that time that we came back and remember that time that we came back and remember that time that we came back and won the state championship?" I mean, won the state championship?" I mean, won the state championship?" I mean, that's Peter, okay? He's a good hometown that's Peter, okay? He's a good hometown that's Peter, okay? He's a good hometown boy. not a great score on his ACTs. And boy. not a great score on his ACTs. And boy. not a great score on his ACTs. And so he ends up, you know, fishing instead

so he ends up, you know, fishing instead so he ends up, you know, fishing instead of in college, so to speak. But if you of in college, so to speak. But if you of in college, so to speak. But if you think about Peter, his personality is think about Peter, his personality is think about Peter, his personality is very much uh just an average regular very much uh just an average regular very much uh just an average regular person of the time. This picture on the person of the time. This picture on the person of the time. This picture on the right, by the way, is from the early right, by the way, is from the early right, by the way, is from the early 1900s. It is fishermen on the Sea of 1900s. It is fishermen on the Sea of 1900s. It is fishermen on the Sea of Galilee. That hasn't changed in 1900 Galilee. That hasn't changed in 1900 Galilee. That hasn't changed in 1900 years. So that's not Peter, years. So that's not Peter, years. So that's not Peter, but that could be Peter. I mean that is but that could be Peter. I mean that is but that could be Peter. I mean that is exactly what fishing on the Sea of exactly what fishing on the Sea of exactly what fishing on the Sea of Galilee uh was like at that time. We Galilee uh was like at that time. We Galilee uh was like at that time. We actually know and have known for a long actually know and have known for a long actually know and have known for a long time a lot about Capernaum. Capernum's time a lot about Capernaum. Capernum's time a lot about Capernaum. Capernum's been excavated and those of you that been excavated and those of you that been excavated and those of you that have been these pictures will be have been these pictures will be have been these pictures will be familiar. If you've been to Israel, familiar. If you've been to Israel, familiar. If you've been to Israel, you've probably gone to Capernaum and so you've probably gone to Capernaum and so you've probably gone to Capernaum and so you know these pictures. This is part of you know these pictures. This is part of you know these pictures. This is part of Capernaum. Capernaum. Capernaum. This is I'll show you for a second, but This is I'll show you for a second, but This is I'll show you for a second, but this Catholic this a Catholic church and this Catholic this a Catholic church and this Catholic this a Catholic church and it's built there for a particular it's built there for a particular it's built there for a particular reason. This is a synagogue and the reason. This is a synagogue and the reason. This is a synagogue and the white stone is a 4th century synagogue. white stone is a 4th century synagogue. white stone is a 4th century synagogue. So from the 300s but underneath it, if So from the 300s but underneath it, if So from the 300s but underneath it, if you get close, you can't see it in this you get close, you can't see it in this you get close, you can't see it in this picture, there is a layer of black picture, there is a layer of black picture, there is a layer of black basaltt. So much much cheaper stone.

basaltt. So much much cheaper stone. basaltt. So much much cheaper stone. First century synagogue. This c this First century synagogue. This c this First century synagogue. This c this synagogue was built on top of the first synagogue was built on top of the first synagogue was built on top of the first century synagogue. This synagogue was century synagogue. This synagogue was century synagogue. This synagogue was the one Jesus was in. It's the synagogue the one Jesus was in. It's the synagogue the one Jesus was in. It's the synagogue Peter was in. I mean, you know exactly Peter was in. I mean, you know exactly Peter was in. I mean, you know exactly where this was. So, the building next where this was. So, the building next where this was. So, the building next door today is a Catholic church. It's door today is a Catholic church. It's door today is a Catholic church. It's really interesting. This is a kind of a really interesting. This is a kind of a really interesting. This is a kind of a closeup. It's built there for a reason. closeup. It's built there for a reason. closeup. It's built there for a reason. It's built over the top of what is It's built over the top of what is It's built over the top of what is considered a very important considered a very important considered a very important archaeological find. This it's built archaeological find. This it's built archaeological find. This it's built over this structure. This is a picture over this structure. This is a picture over this structure. This is a picture of it before the church was built. This of it before the church was built. This of it before the church was built. This is an octagonal structure built in the is an octagonal structure built in the is an octagonal structure built in the Byzantine era. I'm going to tell you Byzantine era. I'm going to tell you Byzantine era. I'm going to tell you when the Byzantine era you you can just when the Byzantine era you you can just when the Byzantine era you you can just assume that the Byzantine era starts in assume that the Byzantine era starts in assume that the Byzantine era starts in about 330 AD. I'll tell you more in a about 330 AD. I'll tell you more in a about 330 AD. I'll tell you more in a minute as to why then. And this was a minute as to why then. And this was a minute as to why then. And this was a monument, if you will, that was built monument, if you will, that was built monument, if you will, that was built over a first century house. It's the over a first century house. It's the over a first century house. It's the house of a fisherman. And according to house of a fisherman. And according to house of a fisherman. And according to tradition in 330 AD, which is I mean, if tradition in 330 AD, which is I mean, if tradition in 330 AD, which is I mean, if you just think about that, that's 200 you just think about that, that's 200 you just think about that, that's 200 years away. That's a long time, but it's years away. That's a long time, but it's years away. That's a long time, but it's not 2,000 years away. This is the site not 2,000 years away. This is the site not 2,000 years away. This is the site where they thought Peter's house was in where they thought Peter's house was in where they thought Peter's house was in Capernaum. And so this is Peter's house Capernaum. And so this is Peter's house Capernaum. And so this is Peter's house underneath it. So in the Byzantine era, underneath it. So in the Byzantine era, underneath it. So in the Byzantine era, they built a monument there to mark the they built a monument there to mark the they built a monument there to mark the spot. And then later in modern times, spot. And then later in modern times, spot. And then later in modern times, they built a Catholic church. If you go they built a Catholic church. If you go they built a Catholic church. If you go into this Catholic church, by the way, into this Catholic church, by the way, into this Catholic church, by the way, in the middle, it's you can see straight in the middle, it's you can see straight in the middle, it's you can see straight down through it. So, Capernaum, where he

down through it. So, Capernaum, where he down through it. So, Capernaum, where he lived a lot of his adult life, where he lived a lot of his adult life, where he lived a lot of his adult life, where he probably fished with his family, is probably fished with his family, is probably fished with his family, is pretty well known to us. pretty well known to us. pretty well known to us. Where he was born, we know that the Where he was born, we know that the Where he was born, we know that the gospels tell us he was born in Bethada, gospels tell us he was born in Bethada, gospels tell us he was born in Bethada, but Bethada has been remarkably but Bethada has been remarkably but Bethada has been remarkably difficult to find. And here's why. In difficult to find. And here's why. In difficult to find. And here's why. In fact, all this archaeology is a little fact, all this archaeology is a little fact, all this archaeology is a little bit like a detective story. So, around bit like a detective story. So, around bit like a detective story. So, around the Sea of Galilee, you begin to dig and the Sea of Galilee, you begin to dig and the Sea of Galilee, you begin to dig and you dig up and you can tell this is a you dig up and you can tell this is a you dig up and you can tell this is a fishing village. You find fish hooks, fishing village. You find fish hooks, fishing village. You find fish hooks, you find weights, you find a village, a you find weights, you find a village, a you find weights, you find a village, a small village, and you can tell this is small village, and you can tell this is small village, and you can tell this is a fishing village, but you never a fishing village, but you never a fishing village, but you never excavate the sign that says, "Welcome to excavate the sign that says, "Welcome to excavate the sign that says, "Welcome to Bethada, population 67, home of Peter Bethada, population 67, home of Peter Bethada, population 67, home of Peter and Andrew." There are no labels for it. and Andrew." There are no labels for it. and Andrew." There are no labels for it. There's no way to know. Since Laura and There's no way to know. Since Laura and There's no way to know. Since Laura and I have been going to Israel, there have I have been going to Israel, there have I have been going to Israel, there have been three archaeological sites that been three archaeological sites that been three archaeological sites that over the time people have thought this over the time people have thought this over the time people have thought this is probably Betha. This is probably the is probably Betha. This is probably the is probably Betha. This is probably the home of Peter. But I can with a 99% home of Peter. But I can with a 99% home of Peter. But I can with a 99% degree of confidence can tell you degree of confidence can tell you degree of confidence can tell you Bethesda has been unearthed now. And it Bethesda has been unearthed now. And it Bethesda has been unearthed now. And it is right there on the Sea of Galilee. It is right there on the Sea of Galilee. It is right there on the Sea of Galilee. It is at a place called Elor, but this is is at a place called Elor, but this is is at a place called Elor, but this is the biblical Betha. And it's not all the biblical Betha. And it's not all the biblical Betha. And it's not all excavated yet. But as they began to excavated yet. But as they began to excavated yet. But as they began to excavate, they got excited when they excavate, they got excited when they excavate, they got excited when they found a Byzantine era church. So let me found a Byzantine era church. So let me found a Byzantine era church. So let me tell you why that's so important. So tell you why that's so important. So tell you why that's so important. So from the time of Jesus Christ until

from the time of Jesus Christ until from the time of Jesus Christ until Constantine became emperor. So let's so Constantine became emperor. So let's so Constantine became emperor. So let's so 313 AD but let's just call it 330. So in 313 AD but let's just call it 330. So in 313 AD but let's just call it 330. So in the 200 years right between or the 300 the 200 years right between or the 300 the 200 years right between or the 300 years excuse me between the resurrection years excuse me between the resurrection years excuse me between the resurrection of Jesus and three about 330 AD in that of Jesus and three about 330 AD in that of Jesus and three about 330 AD in that time period it wasn't really legal to be time period it wasn't really legal to be time period it wasn't really legal to be Christian. You can't build churches, Christian. You can't build churches, Christian. You can't build churches, church buildings. You can't put up First church buildings. You can't put up First church buildings. You can't put up First Baptist Church at Capernium. You can't Baptist Church at Capernium. You can't Baptist Church at Capernium. You can't do that because you suffer persecution do that because you suffer persecution do that because you suffer persecution off and on. Sometimes very harsh. I off and on. Sometimes very harsh. I off and on. Sometimes very harsh. I mean, the idea of throwing Christians, mean, the idea of throwing Christians, mean, the idea of throwing Christians, you're going to see some unbelievable you're going to see some unbelievable you're going to see some unbelievable persecution in the life of Peter in just persecution in the life of Peter in just persecution in the life of Peter in just a little bit. So, Christians couldn't uh a little bit. So, Christians couldn't uh a little bit. So, Christians couldn't uh publicly mark their spots. They met in publicly mark their spots. They met in publicly mark their spots. They met in house churches, etc. house churches, etc. house churches, etc. So when Constantine becomes emperor and So when Constantine becomes emperor and So when Constantine becomes emperor and makes in 313 issues an edict of makes in 313 issues an edict of makes in 313 issues an edict of toleration so that it's no longer toleration so that it's no longer toleration so that it's no longer allowed to persecute Christianity. allowed to persecute Christianity. allowed to persecute Christianity. Christians come and they begin looking Christians come and they begin looking Christians come and they begin looking for memorable sites.

for memorable sites. for memorable sites. Well, they're a couple hundred years Well, they're a couple hundred years Well, they're a couple hundred years removed from this, but there's still a removed from this, but there's still a removed from this, but there's still a lot of writing and a lot of tradition lot of writing and a lot of tradition lot of writing and a lot of tradition around it. So when they would find a around it. So when they would find a around it. So when they would find a site where they thought was like Peter's site where they thought was like Peter's site where they thought was like Peter's house in Capernaum, uh this is when in house in Capernaum, uh this is when in house in Capernaum, uh this is when in this era is exactly when you see the this era is exactly when you see the this era is exactly when you see the church of the holy sephiler built over church of the holy sephiler built over church of the holy sephiler built over where they believe Jesus was crucified where they believe Jesus was crucified where they believe Jesus was crucified and the garden of uh the garden tomb. and the garden of uh the garden tomb. and the garden of uh the garden tomb. All those things were marked and built All those things were marked and built All those things were marked and built to mark them built and marked with to mark them built and marked with to mark them built and marked with churches in the early 300s basically. churches in the early 300s basically. churches in the early 300s basically. So, they're digging here and they come So, they're digging here and they come So, they're digging here and they come across a church that dates to the across a church that dates to the across a church that dates to the Byzantine era. What is your first Byzantine era. What is your first Byzantine era. What is your first thought? The people in the 300s thought thought? The people in the 300s thought thought? The people in the 300s thought this was a very important spot. But this was a very important spot. But this was a very important spot. But what's even more remarkable is as they what's even more remarkable is as they what's even more remarkable is as they excavate it, they find this Greek excavate it, they find this Greek excavate it, they find this Greek inscription. inscription. inscription. So, this is over here. So, they find So, this is over here. So, they find So, this is over here. So, they find this Greek inscription and the this Greek inscription and the this Greek inscription and the translation is this. The work of paving translation is this. The work of paving translation is this. The work of paving in the uh diacon with mosaic was done by in the uh diacon with mosaic was done by in the uh diacon with mosaic was done by the zeal of Constantinos. This is a the zeal of Constantinos. This is a the zeal of Constantinos. This is a plaque that says Constantinos paid for plaque that says Constantinos paid for plaque that says Constantinos paid for the church. This is a donor plaque is the church. This is a donor plaque is the church. This is a donor plaque is what this is. They used to put them in what this is. They used to put them in what this is. They used to put them in mosaics on the floor. We tend to put a mosaics on the floor. We tend to put a mosaics on the floor. We tend to put a plaque on the side of the building. This plaque on the side of the building. This plaque on the side of the building. This is a donor plaque. But look at what it is a donor plaque. But look at what it is a donor plaque. But look at what it says. It says, "All the work of paving says. It says, "All the work of paving says. It says, "All the work of paving and the mosaic was done by the zeal of and the mosaic was done by the zeal of and the mosaic was done by the zeal of Constantinos, a servant of Christ, a

Constantinos, a servant of Christ, a Constantinos, a servant of Christ, a Christian." Christian." Christian." And then this is an appeal to chief of And then this is an appeal to chief of And then this is an appeal to chief of the apostles and holder of the keys of the apostles and holder of the keys of the apostles and holder of the keys of the heavenly spheres. Please intercede the heavenly spheres. Please intercede the heavenly spheres. Please intercede for him and his children, Gorgio and for him and his children, Gorgio and for him and his children, Gorgio and Theophano. So what this is is a Theophano. So what this is is a Theophano. So what this is is a dedication to Constantinos who paid for dedication to Constantinos who paid for dedication to Constantinos who paid for this monument and it is an appeal to this monument and it is an appeal to this monument and it is an appeal to Peter, chief of the apostles, holder uh Peter, chief of the apostles, holder uh Peter, chief of the apostles, holder uh the keys of heaven. And that's why it's the keys of heaven. And that's why it's the keys of heaven. And that's why it's so certain that the house underneath it so certain that the house underneath it so certain that the house underneath it when you dig down, you find a first when you dig down, you find a first when you dig down, you find a first century fishing village and a first century fishing village and a first century fishing village and a first century fishing house. And that's why I century fishing house. And that's why I century fishing house. And that's why I think with personally 99% certainty, think with personally 99% certainty, think with personally 99% certainty, that's Peter's house where he grew up. that's Peter's house where he grew up. that's Peter's house where he grew up. That's where he started school. It's That's where he started school. It's That's where he started school. It's where he skinned his knee. Where he where he skinned his knee. Where he where he skinned his knee. Where he learned to ride a bicycle. This is learned to ride a bicycle. This is learned to ride a bicycle. This is Peter's house. Okay. So, a lot of Peter's house. Okay. So, a lot of Peter's house. Okay. So, a lot of interesting archaeology and a lot of interesting archaeology and a lot of interesting archaeology and a lot of marking those sites in the Byzantine marking those sites in the Byzantine marking those sites in the Byzantine era. But if you think about it, Betha era. But if you think about it, Betha era. But if you think about it, Betha and Capernium, Peter didn't go very far and Capernium, Peter didn't go very far and Capernium, Peter didn't go very far and that was the extent of his life. He and that was the extent of his life. He and that was the extent of his life. He wasn't likely to go very far. By the wasn't likely to go very far. By the wasn't likely to go very far. By the way, I just want to uh tell you why this way, I just want to uh tell you why this way, I just want to uh tell you why this title and it's interesting that this title and it's interesting that this title and it's interesting that this title for Peter was used this early. Do title for Peter was used this early. Do title for Peter was used this early. Do you remember in Matthew 16 there is the you remember in Matthew 16 there is the you remember in Matthew 16 there is the account of when Jesus uh came into account of when Jesus uh came into account of when Jesus uh came into Cesaria Philippi and he says to his Cesaria Philippi and he says to his Cesaria Philippi and he says to his disciples, who do people say that I am?

disciples, who do people say that I am? disciples, who do people say that I am? And they said, some say you're John the And they said, some say you're John the And they said, some say you're John the Baptist, come back to life. Some say Baptist, come back to life. Some say Baptist, come back to life. Some say you're Elijah, come again. Others say you're Elijah, come again. Others say you're Elijah, come again. Others say you're Jeremiah or one of the prophets. you're Jeremiah or one of the prophets. you're Jeremiah or one of the prophets. And he said, but who do you say that I And he said, but who do you say that I And he said, but who do you say that I am? And Simon Peter, am? And Simon Peter, am? And Simon Peter, his name was Simon Shimone. his name was Simon Shimone. his name was Simon Shimone. Peter was a nickname. Peter means rock. Peter was a nickname. Peter means rock. Peter was a nickname. Peter means rock. So think of him as Rocky. That's why I So think of him as Rocky. That's why I So think of him as Rocky. That's why I say he had to be a football star. I mean say he had to be a football star. I mean say he had to be a football star. I mean that's how you get that nickname, right? that's how you get that nickname, right? that's how you get that nickname, right? So it's Peter means rock. I mean it's So it's Peter means rock. I mean it's So it's Peter means rock. I mean it's Rocky. Yeah. His name's Simon, but we Rocky. Yeah. His name's Simon, but we Rocky. Yeah. His name's Simon, but we call him Rocky. And so he says, "What do call him Rocky. And so he says, "What do call him Rocky. And so he says, "What do you say?" He said, "You are the Messiah, you say?" He said, "You are the Messiah, you say?" He said, "You are the Messiah, the Christ, the son of the living God." the Christ, the son of the living God." the Christ, the son of the living God." And Jesus said, "Blessed are you, Simon, And Jesus said, "Blessed are you, Simon, And Jesus said, "Blessed are you, Simon, son of Jonah, for flesh and blood has son of Jonah, for flesh and blood has son of Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my father not revealed this to you, but my father not revealed this to you, but my father who's in heaven. And I tell you, you are who's in heaven. And I tell you, you are who's in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter. You are a rock. But on this rock, Peter. You are a rock. But on this rock, Peter. You are a rock. But on this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of I will build my church, and the gates of I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it. I will hell will not prevail against it. I will hell will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of give you the keys of the kingdom of give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth heaven, and whatever you bind on earth heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever shall be bound in heaven, and whatever shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you free or loose on earth will be you free or loose on earth will be you free or loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." So this statement of loosed in heaven." So this statement of loosed in heaven." So this statement of Jesus to Peter, this is why when you see Jesus to Peter, this is why when you see Jesus to Peter, this is why when you see Peter in paintings and statues later in Peter in paintings and statues later in Peter in paintings and statues later in history, you'll see him holding keys.

history, you'll see him holding keys. history, you'll see him holding keys. And it is a reference to this. Now in And it is a reference to this. Now in And it is a reference to this. Now in Catholic tradition, this is Jesus Catholic tradition, this is Jesus Catholic tradition, this is Jesus saying, "Peter, you're the first pope." saying, "Peter, you're the first pope." saying, "Peter, you're the first pope." And so if you look at the list of And so if you look at the list of And so if you look at the list of historically popes in the Catholic historically popes in the Catholic historically popes in the Catholic Church, they go, they kind of Church, they go, they kind of Church, they go, they kind of retroactively go back to Peter. retroactively go back to Peter. retroactively go back to Peter. Protestants don't think that's what's Protestants don't think that's what's Protestants don't think that's what's happening here. What they're saying is happening here. What they're saying is happening here. What they're saying is is this confession is the rock on which is this confession is the rock on which is this confession is the rock on which Jesus will build his church. Not Peter Jesus will build his church. Not Peter Jesus will build his church. Not Peter as the first pope, but it's this as the first pope, but it's this as the first pope, but it's this confession that Jesus is the Messiah, confession that Jesus is the Messiah, confession that Jesus is the Messiah, the son of the living God. That the son of the living God. That the son of the living God. That confession of faith is what the church confession of faith is what the church confession of faith is what the church is built on. So that's two different is built on. So that's two different is built on. So that's two different views, but in any case, early on you see views, but in any case, early on you see views, but in any case, early on you see Peter getting this title that he is Peter getting this title that he is Peter getting this title that he is chief of the apostle and holder of the chief of the apostle and holder of the chief of the apostle and holder of the keys of heaven, if you will. So you get keys of heaven, if you will. So you get keys of heaven, if you will. So you get this reference to Peter. You think of this reference to Peter. You think of this reference to Peter. You think of it, this is Peter's house. it, this is Peter's house. it, this is Peter's house. So let's fast forward then. Peter is So let's fast forward then. Peter is So let's fast forward then. Peter is fishing. And why is Peter fishing? And fishing. And why is Peter fishing? And fishing. And why is Peter fishing? And this is an interesting story as well.

this is an interesting story as well. this is an interesting story as well. The way things worked with Jewish kids The way things worked with Jewish kids The way things worked with Jewish kids in those days and is a great system. In in those days and is a great system. In in those days and is a great system. In fact, this is a lot like what we used to fact, this is a lot like what we used to fact, this is a lot like what we used to do in America way back when. But do in America way back when. But do in America way back when. But basically, when you were uh five or six basically, when you were uh five or six basically, when you were uh five or six years old, you began going to school. years old, you began going to school. years old, you began going to school. you know, the house of the the house of you know, the house of the the house of you know, the house of the the house of the book, basically the bet sofer. And the book, basically the bet sofer. And the book, basically the bet sofer. And from that time until you were 13, you from that time until you were 13, you from that time until you were 13, you would go to school and you would learn would go to school and you would learn would go to school and you would learn to read. And guess what? You learn to to read. And guess what? You learn to to read. And guess what? You learn to read the Torah. Think first five books read the Torah. Think first five books read the Torah. Think first five books of the Old Testament. Okay? The law, the of the Old Testament. Okay? The law, the of the Old Testament. Okay? The law, the law of Moses, the law that you're law of Moses, the law that you're law of Moses, the law that you're supposed to keep. So you need to learn supposed to keep. So you need to learn supposed to keep. So you need to learn the law. What's a good way to learn the the law. What's a good way to learn the the law. What's a good way to learn the law? Read it once a year. So they would law? Read it once a year. So they would law? Read it once a year. So they would read through it once every year. So from read through it once every year. So from read through it once every year. So from 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 years old you are 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 years old you are 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 years old you are learn to read by reading through the law learn to read by reading through the law learn to read by reading through the law and you learn the law. At 13 years old and you learn the law. At 13 years old and you learn the law. At 13 years old you become a son of the commandment bar you become a son of the commandment bar you become a son of the commandment bar mitzvah. That's what a bar mitzvah is. mitzvah. That's what a bar mitzvah is. mitzvah. That's what a bar mitzvah is. 13 it says you should know the law now 13 it says you should know the law now 13 it says you should know the law now you need to keep the law. You're not a you need to keep the law. You're not a you need to keep the law. You're not a kid anymore so you can keep the law. kid anymore so you can keep the law. kid anymore so you can keep the law. Well at that point uh boys and girls Well at that point uh boys and girls Well at that point uh boys and girls both typically would go be apprenticed both typically would go be apprenticed both typically would go be apprenticed to their mother or their father. women to their mother or their father. women to their mother or their father. women to go learn how to be homemakers, etc.

to go learn how to be homemakers, etc. to go learn how to be homemakers, etc. Men go learn to be carpenter, fishermen, Men go learn to be carpenter, fishermen, Men go learn to be carpenter, fishermen, whatever. And so Peter at 13 years old whatever. And so Peter at 13 years old whatever. And so Peter at 13 years old goes to be a fisherman. Now, there are goes to be a fisherman. Now, there are goes to be a fisherman. Now, there are some kids that showed promise and they some kids that showed promise and they some kids that showed promise and they would go from 13 to 18 years old. They would go from 13 to 18 years old. They would go from 13 to 18 years old. They would continue their schooling in the would continue their schooling in the would continue their schooling in the bet midrash, the house of bet midrash, the house of bet midrash, the house of interpretation. Well, now that you know interpretation. Well, now that you know interpretation. Well, now that you know what the law says, now you can start what the law says, now you can start what the law says, now you can start learning what does the law mean. This is learning what does the law mean. This is learning what does the law mean. This is the disputes about the law and the the disputes about the law and the the disputes about the law and the opinions about the law and reasoning opinions about the law and reasoning opinions about the law and reasoning about the law. And then when you got to about the law. And then when you got to about the law. And then when you got to be 18, the handful of the most promising be 18, the handful of the most promising be 18, the handful of the most promising students could be taken on as a disciple students could be taken on as a disciple students could be taken on as a disciple by a rabbi. It's not like going to by a rabbi. It's not like going to by a rabbi. It's not like going to college. Rabbis only had a handful of college. Rabbis only had a handful of college. Rabbis only had a handful of disciples. Probably the most famous, you disciples. Probably the most famous, you disciples. Probably the most famous, you know, is Rabbi Galiel. One of the most know, is Rabbi Galiel. One of the most know, is Rabbi Galiel. One of the most famous rabbis in all of history, took famous rabbis in all of history, took famous rabbis in all of history, took Paul on as a disciple. Paul on as a disciple. Paul on as a disciple. Needless to say, Peter didn't score well Needless to say, Peter didn't score well Needless to say, Peter didn't score well enough. And so, he dropped out at 13 and enough. And so, he dropped out at 13 and enough. And so, he dropped out at 13 and he has been a fisherman. And so, Jesus he has been a fisherman. And so, Jesus he has been a fisherman. And so, Jesus is coming along the Sea of Galilee.

is coming along the Sea of Galilee. is coming along the Sea of Galilee. And it says, "Now after John was And it says, "Now after John was And it says, "Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee arrested, Jesus came into Galilee arrested, Jesus came into Galilee proclaiming the good news of God and proclaiming the good news of God and proclaiming the good news of God and saying,"This is what Jesus was saying,"This is what Jesus was saying,"This is what Jesus was preaching." By the way, if you ever preaching." By the way, if you ever preaching." By the way, if you ever wonder what was Jesus going around wonder what was Jesus going around wonder what was Jesus going around preaching, this is it. The time is preaching, this is it. The time is preaching, this is it. The time is fulfilled. The kingdom of God is here. fulfilled. The kingdom of God is here. fulfilled. The kingdom of God is here. Repent and h have faith in the gospel or Repent and h have faith in the gospel or Repent and h have faith in the gospel or believe the good news. And passing believe the good news. And passing believe the good news. And passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon, Peter, and Andrew, the brother of Simon, Peter, and Andrew, the brother of Simon, Peter, and Andrew, the brother of Simon, uh, casting a net into the sea Simon, uh, casting a net into the sea Simon, uh, casting a net into the sea because they were fishermen. And Jesus because they were fishermen. And Jesus because they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, "Follow me, and I will said to them, "Follow me, and I will said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." And make you fishers of men." And make you fishers of men." And immediately they left their nets and immediately they left their nets and immediately they left their nets and they followed him. This is the first they followed him. This is the first they followed him. This is the first disciples, Peter and Andrew, and they disciples, Peter and Andrew, and they disciples, Peter and Andrew, and they drop their nets and they begin to follow drop their nets and they begin to follow drop their nets and they begin to follow Jesus. Now, this is a really unusual Jesus. Now, this is a really unusual Jesus. Now, this is a really unusual thing to happen because here comes thing to happen because here comes thing to happen because here comes Jesus. He's a rabbi and he picks them to Jesus. He's a rabbi and he picks them to Jesus. He's a rabbi and he picks them to be his disciples. And you have to think be his disciples. And you have to think be his disciples. And you have to think to yourself, this is so contrary to the to yourself, this is so contrary to the to yourself, this is so contrary to the system of the time. And you have to ask system of the time. And you have to ask system of the time. And you have to ask yourself, why in the world would he pick yourself, why in the world would he pick yourself, why in the world would he pick Peter and Andrew and really the rest of Peter and Andrew and really the rest of Peter and Andrew and really the rest of the disciples? Why did he pick Peter?

the disciples? Why did he pick Peter? the disciples? Why did he pick Peter? And I want to come back to that. But I And I want to come back to that. But I And I want to come back to that. But I want to come back to that when we get want to come back to that when we get want to come back to that when we get through the rest of his life. He was a through the rest of his life. He was a through the rest of his life. He was a very very unusual choice for a rabbi to very very unusual choice for a rabbi to very very unusual choice for a rabbi to become a disciple. become a disciple. become a disciple. I quoted this to you and I'm going to I quoted this to you and I'm going to I quoted this to you and I'm going to quote a lot of it out of the Gospel of quote a lot of it out of the Gospel of quote a lot of it out of the Gospel of Mark. You're probably familiar with the Mark. You're probably familiar with the Mark. You're probably familiar with the teaching of Peter. The first and second teaching of Peter. The first and second teaching of Peter. The first and second Peter are letters that Peter wrote right Peter are letters that Peter wrote right Peter are letters that Peter wrote right at the end of his life. And that's what at the end of his life. And that's what at the end of his life. And that's what I want to really study over the next I want to really study over the next I want to really study over the next several weeks is after a long life lived several weeks is after a long life lived several weeks is after a long life lived serving Christ, what does Peter have to serving Christ, what does Peter have to serving Christ, what does Peter have to say to us at the end of his life? What say to us at the end of his life? What say to us at the end of his life? What wisdom would he impart to us? But what wisdom would he impart to us? But what wisdom would he impart to us? But what you may not be familiar with is the you may not be familiar with is the you may not be familiar with is the Gospel of Mark is the teaching of Peter. Gospel of Mark is the teaching of Peter. Gospel of Mark is the teaching of Peter. I'll show you what I mean. This is from I'll show you what I mean. This is from I'll show you what I mean. This is from uh some of the early now we're not in uh some of the early now we're not in uh some of the early now we're not in the Bible. Okay? So, this is church the Bible. Okay? So, this is church the Bible. Okay? So, this is church tradition. It may not be true but these tradition. It may not be true but these tradition. It may not be true but these are the early traditions. These two are the early traditions. These two are the early traditions. These two quotes come from the work of quotes come from the work of quotes come from the work of was a Christian. This is when he lived was a Christian. This is when he lived was a Christian. This is when he lived 260 to 339. He wrote uh what's called 260 to 339. He wrote uh what's called 260 to 339. He wrote uh what's called the uh history of the church the uh history of the church the uh history of the church ecclesiastical history. He wrote ecclesiastical history. He wrote ecclesiastical history. He wrote interesting history. So from the 4th interesting history. So from the 4th interesting history. So from the 4th century Byzantine era right when it century Byzantine era right when it century Byzantine era right when it becomes legal to be a Christian he becomes legal to be a Christian he becomes legal to be a Christian he begins to write a history of the church begins to write a history of the church begins to write a history of the church and he begins to get quotations from and he begins to get quotations from and he begins to get quotations from people that lived before him. So for people that lived before him. So for people that lived before him. So for example he gets the words of Clement. He example he gets the words of Clement. He example he gets the words of Clement. He is a Christian who lived in the first is a Christian who lived in the first is a Christian who lived in the first century and he said this. Clement says

century and he said this. Clement says century and he said this. Clement says the gospel according to Mark was written the gospel according to Mark was written the gospel according to Mark was written in this way. As Peter had preached the in this way. As Peter had preached the in this way. As Peter had preached the word publicly at Rome and declared the word publicly at Rome and declared the word publicly at Rome and declared the gospel by the spirit. Many people who gospel by the spirit. Many people who gospel by the spirit. Many people who were present requested that Mark, who were present requested that Mark, who were present requested that Mark, who was traveling with him, who had followed was traveling with him, who had followed was traveling with him, who had followed him for a long time and remembered all him for a long time and remembered all him for a long time and remembered all of his stories, should write them down. of his stories, should write them down. of his stories, should write them down. And having composed the gospel, he gave And having composed the gospel, he gave And having composed the gospel, he gave it to those people who had requested it. it to those people who had requested it. it to those people who had requested it. So the early early church tradition is So the early early church tradition is So the early early church tradition is that Mark wrote down the teaching of that Mark wrote down the teaching of that Mark wrote down the teaching of Peter. And if you read the Gospel of Peter. And if you read the Gospel of Peter. And if you read the Gospel of Mark, it reads like a collection of Mark, it reads like a collection of Mark, it reads like a collection of stories less than a history, right? stories less than a history, right? stories less than a history, right? And so I think this is true but that And so I think this is true but that And so I think this is true but that Mark wrote down Peter. So what you read Mark wrote down Peter. So what you read Mark wrote down Peter. So what you read in the Gospel of Mark are the little in the Gospel of Mark are the little in the Gospel of Mark are the little sermons that Peter would give. Here's uh sermons that Peter would give. Here's uh sermons that Peter would give. Here's uh Ucius relaying the words of origin who Ucius relaying the words of origin who Ucius relaying the words of origin who lived a little bit later. Among the four lived a little bit later. Among the four lived a little bit later. Among the four gospels which by the way already here gospels which by the way already here gospels which by the way already here that early there were only four gospels.

that early there were only four gospels. that early there were only four gospels. If you hear about the gospel of Thomas, If you hear about the gospel of Thomas, If you hear about the gospel of Thomas, gospel of Mary Magdalene, Gnostic gospel of Mary Magdalene, Gnostic gospel of Mary Magdalene, Gnostic gospels, if any of you have heard of gospels, if any of you have heard of gospels, if any of you have heard of that and and and more secular scholars that and and and more secular scholars that and and and more secular scholars would say, well, there are more than would say, well, there are more than would say, well, there are more than four gospels. Not according to the four gospels. Not according to the four gospels. Not according to the church at a very early stage recognize church at a very early stage recognize church at a very early stage recognize there are four uh authentic gospels. there are four uh authentic gospels. there are four uh authentic gospels. Among the four gospels which are are the Among the four gospels which are are the Among the four gospels which are are the only indisputable ones in the church. I only indisputable ones in the church. I only indisputable ones in the church. I have learned by tradition that the first have learned by tradition that the first have learned by tradition that the first was written by Matthew who was once a was written by Matthew who was once a was written by Matthew who was once a tax collector but afterwards he became tax collector but afterwards he became tax collector but afterwards he became an apostle of Jesus and it was prepared an apostle of Jesus and it was prepared an apostle of Jesus and it was prepared for those who were Jews who converted to for those who were Jews who converted to for those who were Jews who converted to Christianity. And the gospel of Matthew Christianity. And the gospel of Matthew Christianity. And the gospel of Matthew reads like he expects them to know a lot reads like he expects them to know a lot reads like he expects them to know a lot of Jewish things and he's telling them of Jewish things and he's telling them of Jewish things and he's telling them about Jesus. This rings true. It was uh about Jesus. This rings true. It was uh about Jesus. This rings true. It was uh published in Hebrew and then translated published in Hebrew and then translated published in Hebrew and then translated into Greek according to origin. The into Greek according to origin. The into Greek according to origin. The second is by Mark who composed it second is by Mark who composed it second is by Mark who composed it according to the instructions or according to the instructions or according to the instructions or teaching of Peter who in his letter teaching of Peter who in his letter teaching of Peter who in his letter uh first Peter acknowledges Mark as a uh first Peter acknowledges Mark as a uh first Peter acknowledges Mark as a son saying and basically refers to Mark son saying and basically refers to Mark son saying and basically refers to Mark as one who traveled with him. The third as one who traveled with him. The third as one who traveled with him. The third by Luke is the gospel commended by Paul, by Luke is the gospel commended by Paul, by Luke is the gospel commended by Paul, Paul's companion, and composed for Paul's companion, and composed for Paul's companion, and composed for Gentiles. And the last was that which we Gentiles. And the last was that which we Gentiles. And the last was that which we also think the last one written was the also think the last one written was the also think the last one written was the gospel of John. So I just mention this gospel of John. So I just mention this gospel of John. So I just mention this to you to say that when you read the to you to say that when you read the to you to say that when you read the Gospel of Mark, you're reading the Gospel of Mark, you're reading the Gospel of Mark, you're reading the little sermons of Peter and what he little sermons of Peter and what he little sermons of Peter and what he would preach when he went around.

would preach when he went around. would preach when he went around. And so Jesus Peter, the interesting And so Jesus Peter, the interesting And so Jesus Peter, the interesting thing about Peter as we move through his thing about Peter as we move through his thing about Peter as we move through his biography. So he becomes a follower of biography. So he becomes a follower of biography. So he becomes a follower of Jesus. But he comes to Jesus with a set Jesus. But he comes to Jesus with a set Jesus. But he comes to Jesus with a set of expectations, if you will. He of expectations, if you will. He of expectations, if you will. He believes Jesus is the Messiah. He is the believes Jesus is the Messiah. He is the believes Jesus is the Messiah. He is the one promised. He's the Christ. And he one promised. He's the Christ. And he one promised. He's the Christ. And he has certain expectations about the has certain expectations about the has certain expectations about the Messiah, just like most of the Jews did, Messiah, just like most of the Jews did, Messiah, just like most of the Jews did, that Jesus is going to conquer the that Jesus is going to conquer the that Jesus is going to conquer the Romans. He's going to restore the Romans. He's going to restore the Romans. He's going to restore the kingdom. He's going to be a king, a kingdom. He's going to be a king, a kingdom. He's going to be a king, a physical king like David. And so when physical king like David. And so when physical king like David. And so when Jesus begins teaching, Peter starts to Jesus begins teaching, Peter starts to Jesus begins teaching, Peter starts to find that this teaching clashes with his find that this teaching clashes with his find that this teaching clashes with his expectations. And I would argue that expectations. And I would argue that expectations. And I would argue that probably happens to all of us, doesn't probably happens to all of us, doesn't probably happens to all of us, doesn't it? As we come to Christ, we come with it? As we come to Christ, we come with it? As we come to Christ, we come with our backgrounds, we come with our our backgrounds, we come with our our backgrounds, we come with our baggage, we come with our baggage, we come with our baggage, we come with our preconceptions, and we begin to to hear preconceptions, and we begin to to hear preconceptions, and we begin to to hear the gospel and it begins to collide with the gospel and it begins to collide with the gospel and it begins to collide with us a little bit. And we realize that us a little bit. And we realize that us a little bit. And we realize that what I brought to this, the gospel wants what I brought to this, the gospel wants what I brought to this, the gospel wants to reshape it. Peter, I love Peter to reshape it. Peter, I love Peter to reshape it. Peter, I love Peter because he got reshaped in a very public because he got reshaped in a very public because he got reshaped in a very public way. This is one of the famous passages way. This is one of the famous passages way. This is one of the famous passages about him. So Jesus began to teach that about him. So Jesus began to teach that about him. So Jesus began to teach that the son of man, Jesus, must suffer many the son of man, Jesus, must suffer many the son of man, Jesus, must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and things and be rejected by the elders and things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests. And you're thinking, this chief priests. And you're thinking, this chief priests. And you're thinking, this is not the script at all. And the is not the script at all. And the is not the script at all. And the scribes, and he must be killed, and scribes, and he must be killed, and scribes, and he must be killed, and after three days rise again. And the after three days rise again. And the after three days rise again. And the disciples when they heard this, they're disciples when they heard this, they're disciples when they heard this, they're like, I have no idea what he's talking like, I have no idea what he's talking like, I have no idea what he's talking about. Sounds crazy to me. and it is not about. Sounds crazy to me. and it is not about. Sounds crazy to me. and it is not at all what's going to happen here. Now, at all what's going to happen here. Now, at all what's going to happen here. Now, this is not what's supposed to happen.

this is not what's supposed to happen. this is not what's supposed to happen. And he said this plainly and Peter took And he said this plainly and Peter took And he said this plainly and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. Okay, him aside and began to rebuke him. Okay, him aside and began to rebuke him. Okay, just time out on that. All right, so you just time out on that. All right, so you just time out on that. All right, so you can imagine that this is major cognitive can imagine that this is major cognitive can imagine that this is major cognitive dissonance for him that Jesus who he dissonance for him that Jesus who he dissonance for him that Jesus who he believes is the Messiah has got it believes is the Messiah has got it believes is the Messiah has got it wrong. Now, to be fair to Peter, how wrong. Now, to be fair to Peter, how wrong. Now, to be fair to Peter, how many times have you read the Bible and many times have you read the Bible and many times have you read the Bible and go, I don't know about that. You know, I go, I don't know about that. You know, I go, I don't know about that. You know, I don't know if God got that one right or don't know if God got that one right or don't know if God got that one right or not. Well, that's Peter, but he's doing not. Well, that's Peter, but he's doing not. Well, that's Peter, but he's doing it in public. Took him aside, began to it in public. Took him aside, began to it in public. Took him aside, began to rebuke him. But turning and seeing his rebuke him. But turning and seeing his rebuke him. But turning and seeing his disciples, Jesus rebuked Peter and he disciples, Jesus rebuked Peter and he disciples, Jesus rebuked Peter and he said, "Get behind me, Satan, for you are said, "Get behind me, Satan, for you are said, "Get behind me, Satan, for you are not setting your mind on the things of not setting your mind on the things of not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man." Well, God, but on the things of man." Well, God, but on the things of man." Well, that's true. Peter was looking for an that's true. Peter was looking for an that's true. Peter was looking for an earthly kingdom and a temporal solution earthly kingdom and a temporal solution earthly kingdom and a temporal solution to our problem. He was looking for a to our problem. He was looking for a to our problem. He was looking for a better political regime. And Jesus said, better political regime. And Jesus said, better political regime. And Jesus said, "That's too low an expectation. That's "That's too low an expectation. That's "That's too low an expectation. That's not what I'm here for. I'm here for not what I'm here for. I'm here for not what I'm here for. I'm here for something far bigger than that." And so something far bigger than that." And so something far bigger than that." And so you get this harsh idea that, you know, you get this harsh idea that, you know, you get this harsh idea that, you know, Peter, your expectations Peter, your expectations Peter, your expectations are the expectations of a worldly way of are the expectations of a worldly way of are the expectations of a worldly way of thinking. I want to change that. And so thinking. I want to change that. And so thinking. I want to change that. And so as Peter interacts with Jesus, as we as Peter interacts with Jesus, as we as Peter interacts with Jesus, as we interact with the scripture, the word of interact with the scripture, the word of interact with the scripture, the word of God, Jesus, the word of God begins to God, Jesus, the word of God begins to God, Jesus, the word of God begins to reset our expectations.

reset our expectations. reset our expectations. And so calling the crowd to him, he And so calling the crowd to him, he And so calling the crowd to him, he said, 'If anyone would come after me, said, 'If anyone would come after me, said, 'If anyone would come after me, this is that famous thing. You have to this is that famous thing. You have to this is that famous thing. You have to deny yourself. Give up your deny yourself. Give up your deny yourself. Give up your expectations. Give up what you think I expectations. Give up what you think I expectations. Give up what you think I need to be. You give up telling me that need to be. You give up telling me that need to be. You give up telling me that God has to be okay with this. You see God has to be okay with this. You see God has to be okay with this. You see that a lot of that in our culture. He that a lot of that in our culture. He that a lot of that in our culture. He said, "You give that up. Take up your said, "You give that up. Take up your said, "You give that up. Take up your cross and follow me wherever I go." And cross and follow me wherever I go." And cross and follow me wherever I go." And for him, it was going to be to death and for him, it was going to be to death and for him, it was going to be to death and resurrection. For whoever would save his resurrection. For whoever would save his resurrection. For whoever would save his life will lose it. Whoever loses it for life will lose it. Whoever loses it for life will lose it. Whoever loses it for my sake and the gospel's sake will save my sake and the gospel's sake will save my sake and the gospel's sake will save it. For what does it profit a man to it. For what does it profit a man to it. For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his own gain the whole world and forfeit his own gain the whole world and forfeit his own soul? And so this is Jesus and I just soul? And so this is Jesus and I just soul? And so this is Jesus and I just want you to see Peter as he begins to want you to see Peter as he begins to want you to see Peter as he begins to change. And by the way, this is Peter's change. And by the way, this is Peter's change. And by the way, this is Peter's sermon. This is from Mark. Mark wrote sermon. This is from Mark. Mark wrote sermon. This is from Mark. Mark wrote down what Peter preached. He said, down what Peter preached. He said, down what Peter preached. He said, "Well, let me tell you about one of my "Well, let me tell you about one of my "Well, let me tell you about one of my biggest blunders. Remember the time when biggest blunders. Remember the time when biggest blunders. Remember the time when I took Jesus aside and told him he was I took Jesus aside and told him he was I took Jesus aside and told him he was wrong? Yeah. I I just see some humility wrong? Yeah. I I just see some humility wrong? Yeah. I I just see some humility here in that when Peter begins to here in that when Peter begins to here in that when Peter begins to preach, he just tells it like it is.

preach, he just tells it like it is. preach, he just tells it like it is. Question. Question. Question. >> Yes. How old How old do you think that >> Yes. How old How old do you think that >> Yes. How old How old do you think that Peter and the rest of the disciples were Peter and the rest of the disciples were Peter and the rest of the disciples were when they were called? when they were called? when they were called? >> That's a really good question. How old >> That's a really good question. How old >> That's a really good question. How old were they? This is going to be were they? This is going to be were they? This is going to be conjecture. I mean, it's kind of an conjecture. I mean, it's kind of an conjecture. I mean, it's kind of an informed opinion, but this is an opinion informed opinion, but this is an opinion informed opinion, but this is an opinion because we do not know for sure. There's because we do not know for sure. There's because we do not know for sure. There's not even any great tradition around it. not even any great tradition around it. not even any great tradition around it. So So So the hard and fast rule would be that the hard and fast rule would be that the hard and fast rule would be that Peter's married. And so if you're Peter's married. And so if you're Peter's married. And so if you're married, if he's married, he probably married, if he's married, he probably married, if he's married, he probably has children. You're going to hear has children. You're going to hear has children. You're going to hear sayings that, well, you had to be 30 sayings that, well, you had to be 30 sayings that, well, you had to be 30 years old before you can marry and have years old before you can marry and have years old before you can marry and have children. And I don't know that I think children. And I don't know that I think children. And I don't know that I think that's necessarily historically correct. that's necessarily historically correct. that's necessarily historically correct. But I will say this, he was clearly into But I will say this, he was clearly into But I will say this, he was clearly into his 20s and maybe he was 30 years old. his 20s and maybe he was 30 years old. his 20s and maybe he was 30 years old. He was a little older uh disciple. He's He was a little older uh disciple. He's He was a little older uh disciple. He's one of the leaders because he's older. one of the leaders because he's older. one of the leaders because he's older. He's perhaps more mature, a little more He's perhaps more mature, a little more He's perhaps more mature, a little more life mature. So, I would suggest that life mature. So, I would suggest that life mature. So, I would suggest that Peter is probably one of the older late Peter is probably one of the older late Peter is probably one of the older late 20s, 30 maybe early 30s, uh, around that 20s, 30 maybe early 30s, uh, around that 20s, 30 maybe early 30s, uh, around that time. Uh, he can't be a lot older than time. Uh, he can't be a lot older than time. Uh, he can't be a lot older than that because, spoiler alert, he's going that because, spoiler alert, he's going that because, spoiler alert, he's going to die in 68 and he's an old man when he to die in 68 and he's an old man when he to die in 68 and he's an old man when he dies. Now, you could live to an old age dies. Now, you could live to an old age dies. Now, you could live to an old age then, too. But realistically, I'm just then, too. But realistically, I'm just then, too. But realistically, I'm just going to let's just say he's around 30 going to let's just say he's around 30 going to let's just say he's around 30 years old. The rest of them, some of years old. The rest of them, some of years old. The rest of them, some of them you can tell are clustered in that them you can tell are clustered in that them you can tell are clustered in that same general area. And probably the same general area. And probably the same general area. And probably the youngest is probably John. He's probably youngest is probably John. He's probably youngest is probably John. He's probably teens. 15, 16, 17ish. Again, it's hard

teens. 15, 16, 17ish. Again, it's hard teens. 15, 16, 17ish. Again, it's hard to be definitive, but I would say to be definitive, but I would say to be definitive, but I would say somewhere between 17 and 30 is probably somewhere between 17 and 30 is probably somewhere between 17 and 30 is probably where they were grouped. Again, little where they were grouped. Again, little where they were grouped. Again, little bit of conjecture, but I think that's bit of conjecture, but I think that's bit of conjecture, but I think that's pretty accurate. pretty accurate. pretty accurate. Okay, good question. Okay, good question. Okay, good question. So, as we move on, you get near to the So, as we move on, you get near to the So, as we move on, you get near to the end of Jesus ministry. So, three years end of Jesus ministry. So, three years end of Jesus ministry. So, three years Peter's had and Peter does a lot of Peter's had and Peter does a lot of Peter's had and Peter does a lot of other dumb things, but you begin to see other dumb things, but you begin to see other dumb things, but you begin to see Peter grow. You know, all the great Peter grow. You know, all the great Peter grow. You know, all the great stories about Peter stepping out of the stories about Peter stepping out of the stories about Peter stepping out of the boat and being willing to walk on the boat and being willing to walk on the boat and being willing to walk on the water. Well, his faith fails him, but water. Well, his faith fails him, but water. Well, his faith fails him, but he's the only one that got out of the he's the only one that got out of the he's the only one that got out of the boat. You know, you begin to see Peter boat. You know, you begin to see Peter boat. You know, you begin to see Peter mature. You begin to see him be shaped, mature. You begin to see him be shaped, mature. You begin to see him be shaped, but he's still got some arrogance in but he's still got some arrogance in but he's still got some arrogance in him. he still thinks a little more him. he still thinks a little more him. he still thinks a little more highly of himself than he ought. And so highly of himself than he ought. And so highly of himself than he ought. And so they are uh this is the night of Jesus they are uh this is the night of Jesus they are uh this is the night of Jesus betrayal. So it's uh Thursday night, betrayal. So it's uh Thursday night, betrayal. So it's uh Thursday night, they've eaten the Passover meal and they've eaten the Passover meal and they've eaten the Passover meal and they're going out after they've sung a they're going out after they've sung a they're going out after they've sung a hymn. They're going to the Mount of hymn. They're going to the Mount of hymn. They're going to the Mount of Olives. And Jesus said to them, this is Olives. And Jesus said to them, this is Olives. And Jesus said to them, this is where they're going to the Garden of where they're going to the Garden of where they're going to the Garden of Gethsemane for him to pray. Every one of Gethsemane for him to pray. Every one of Gethsemane for him to pray. Every one of you are going to fall away for it is you are going to fall away for it is you are going to fall away for it is written, this is an Old Testament written, this is an Old Testament written, this is an Old Testament quotation, I will strike the shepherd quotation, I will strike the shepherd quotation, I will strike the shepherd and the sheep will be scattered. He and the sheep will be scattered. He and the sheep will be scattered. He says, 'But listen, you're you're he says, 'But listen, you're you're he says, 'But listen, you're you're he basically says, 'You're going to be so basically says, 'You're going to be so basically says, 'You're going to be so disillusioned about what's about to disillusioned about what's about to disillusioned about what's about to happen tonight. He said, 'But he said, happen tonight. He said, 'But he said, happen tonight. He said, 'But he said, after I am raised from the dead, and after I am raised from the dead, and after I am raised from the dead, and they're like, we do not understand this.

they're like, we do not understand this. they're like, we do not understand this. He goes, I know you just think, just He goes, I know you just think, just He goes, I know you just think, just hold on to this thought for a minute. I hold on to this thought for a minute. I hold on to this thought for a minute. I want to encourage you. I will go ahead want to encourage you. I will go ahead want to encourage you. I will go ahead of you to Galilee. Peter said to him, of you to Galilee. Peter said to him, of you to Galilee. Peter said to him, "The rest of these," this is a loose "The rest of these," this is a loose "The rest of these," this is a loose translation, "the rest of these bozos translation, "the rest of these bozos translation, "the rest of these bozos might run away, but I'm not going to run might run away, but I'm not going to run might run away, but I'm not going to run away. I was the captain of the football away. I was the captain of the football away. I was the captain of the football team. Do I need to remind you of that?" team. Do I need to remind you of that?" team. Do I need to remind you of that?" He said, "The rest of them might, but I He said, "The rest of them might, but I He said, "The rest of them might, but I will not." And Jesus said to him, I tell will not." And Jesus said to him, I tell will not." And Jesus said to him, I tell you this, Peter, and I can just see Pet, you this, Peter, and I can just see Pet, you this, Peter, and I can just see Pet, this is my opinion. I think Jesus kind this is my opinion. I think Jesus kind this is my opinion. I think Jesus kind of smiling like, "I know you think that, of smiling like, "I know you think that, of smiling like, "I know you think that, Peter." And he says, 'But this very Peter." And he says, 'But this very Peter." And he says, 'But this very night before the rooster crows twice, night before the rooster crows twice, night before the rooster crows twice, you're going to deny me three times. And you're going to deny me three times. And you're going to deny me three times. And Peter said, 'n no way. Even if I must Peter said, 'n no way. Even if I must Peter said, 'n no way. Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you.' And die with you, I will not deny you.' And die with you, I will not deny you.' And the rest of them said, "Well, me too. Me the rest of them said, "Well, me too. Me the rest of them said, "Well, me too. Me too. Me too." Well, you know how the too. Me too." Well, you know how the too. Me too." Well, you know how the story goes. story goes. story goes. As Peter was in the courtyard, well, As Peter was in the courtyard, well, As Peter was in the courtyard, well, Jesus has been arrested three times. I'm Jesus has been arrested three times. I'm Jesus has been arrested three times. I'm I'll skip through this just a little I'll skip through this just a little I'll skip through this just a little bit. He's accused of being with Jesus, bit. He's accused of being with Jesus, bit. He's accused of being with Jesus, but he denied it, saying, "I don't know but he denied it, saying, "I don't know but he denied it, saying, "I don't know what you're talking about." And they what you're talking about." And they what you're talking about." And they said, "This man is also one of them."

said, "This man is also one of them." said, "This man is also one of them." But Gene said, "No." And after a little But Gene said, "No." And after a little But Gene said, "No." And after a little while, one of them said, "You must be while, one of them said, "You must be while, one of them said, "You must be one of them because you are a Galilean." one of them because you are a Galilean." one of them because you are a Galilean." How do they know he's a Galilean? His How do they know he's a Galilean? His How do they know he's a Galilean? His accent. He's from Goatbo. I mean, it is accent. He's from Goatbo. I mean, it is accent. He's from Goatbo. I mean, it is the equivalent. I got to quit saying the equivalent. I got to quit saying the equivalent. I got to quit saying goatbo. He's from southern Mississippi. goatbo. He's from southern Mississippi. goatbo. He's from southern Mississippi. And he talks like that. And he they And he talks like that. And he they And he talks like that. And he they realize he's not educated. This guy's a realize he's not educated. This guy's a realize he's not educated. This guy's a fisherman. and he's got an accent. It's fisherman. and he's got an accent. It's fisherman. and he's got an accent. It's like, you're a Galilean. You are one of like, you're a Galilean. You are one of like, you're a Galilean. You are one of those guys. But he began to invoke a those guys. But he began to invoke a those guys. But he began to invoke a curse and to swear, I do not know this curse and to swear, I do not know this curse and to swear, I do not know this man of who you speak. And immediately man of who you speak. And immediately man of who you speak. And immediately the rooster crowed a second time and the rooster crowed a second time and the rooster crowed a second time and Peter remembered what Jesus said and he Peter remembered what Jesus said and he Peter remembered what Jesus said and he broke down and he wept. What you see broke down and he wept. What you see broke down and he wept. What you see happening in this story is you see some happening in this story is you see some happening in this story is you see some great things about Peter. He drops his great things about Peter. He drops his great things about Peter. He drops his nets. He follows Jesus. And for this nets. He follows Jesus. And for this nets. He follows Jesus. And for this three-year period, you see Peter, I three-year period, you see Peter, I three-year period, you see Peter, I mean, some people think Peter is the is mean, some people think Peter is the is mean, some people think Peter is the is the, you know, he's just the go-getter the, you know, he's just the go-getter the, you know, he's just the go-getter disciple that's always saying the wrong disciple that's always saying the wrong disciple that's always saying the wrong thing, always doing the wrong thing. But thing, always doing the wrong thing. But thing, always doing the wrong thing. But I'd like you to think about it a little I'd like you to think about it a little I'd like you to think about it a little differently. Peter is beginning to differently. Peter is beginning to differently. Peter is beginning to realize that Jesus is not who he wants realize that Jesus is not who he wants realize that Jesus is not who he wants him to be. And Peter is beginning to him to be. And Peter is beginning to him to be. And Peter is beginning to realize that he, Peter, is not who he realize that he, Peter, is not who he realize that he, Peter, is not who he thinks he is. And I would argue that thinks he is. And I would argue that thinks he is. And I would argue that that's a healthy thing. And I think that's a healthy thing. And I think that's a healthy thing. And I think that's happening on purpose because I that's happening on purpose because I that's happening on purpose because I think we just like Peter have to let go think we just like Peter have to let go think we just like Peter have to let go of some of our illusions and of some of our illusions and of some of our illusions and expectations. If we're going to follow expectations. If we're going to follow expectations. If we're going to follow Christ, we need to surrender to Christ.

Christ, we need to surrender to Christ. Christ, we need to surrender to Christ. And you know, one of the hardest things And you know, one of the hardest things And you know, one of the hardest things to surrender is my image of myself to surrender is my image of myself to surrender is my image of myself and my dreams and hopes and desires and and my dreams and hopes and desires and and my dreams and hopes and desires and what I need God to help me do, right? what I need God to help me do, right? what I need God to help me do, right? It's it's still a mecentric thing. And It's it's still a mecentric thing. And It's it's still a mecentric thing. And what you see here is Peter's what you see here is Peter's what you see here is Peter's expectations of Jesus are crushed at the expectations of Jesus are crushed at the expectations of Jesus are crushed at the crucifixion. And his image of himself is crucifixion. And his image of himself is crucifixion. And his image of himself is laid bare for what he really is. He's laid bare for what he really is. He's laid bare for what he really is. He's not a bad person, but he's not the man not a bad person, but he's not the man not a bad person, but he's not the man of faith. And he's not as brave as he of faith. And he's not as brave as he of faith. And he's not as brave as he thought that he was. And so Peter kind thought that he was. And so Peter kind thought that he was. And so Peter kind of hits the bottom. And at this point, of hits the bottom. And at this point, of hits the bottom. And at this point, you kind of think to yourself that God you kind of think to yourself that God you kind of think to yourself that God is probably done with Peter. And Peter is probably done with Peter. And Peter is probably done with Peter. And Peter thinks that too because let's fast thinks that too because let's fast thinks that too because let's fast forward a few days. They go to Galilee. forward a few days. They go to Galilee. forward a few days. They go to Galilee. They leave Jerusalem because it's not They leave Jerusalem because it's not They leave Jerusalem because it's not safe to be at Jerusalem. Obviously, safe to be at Jerusalem. Obviously, safe to be at Jerusalem. Obviously, they're going to potentially kill the they're going to potentially kill the they're going to potentially kill the rest of Jesus disciples if they can find rest of Jesus disciples if they can find rest of Jesus disciples if they can find them. And so they all are at the Sea of them. And so they all are at the Sea of them. And so they all are at the Sea of Galilee Galilee Galilee and the sons of Zebedee, James and John, and the sons of Zebedee, James and John, and the sons of Zebedee, James and John, and and they're with them. And Simon and and they're with them. And Simon and and they're with them. And Simon Peter said to them, "I guess we'll go Peter said to them, "I guess we'll go Peter said to them, "I guess we'll go back to fishing." Peter has come full back to fishing." Peter has come full back to fishing." Peter has come full circle, excited follower of Jesus, circle, excited follower of Jesus, circle, excited follower of Jesus, disillusioned about what he thought disillusioned about what he thought disillusioned about what he thought Jesus was going to be about, Jesus was going to be about, Jesus was going to be about, disillusioned about who he thought he disillusioned about who he thought he disillusioned about who he thought he was. And here he's come full circle and was. And here he's come full circle and was. And here he's come full circle and he's like, "I guess I'm going back to he's like, "I guess I'm going back to he's like, "I guess I'm going back to fishing."

fishing." fishing." So, they go out into the boat, but they So, they go out into the boat, but they So, they go out into the boat, but they didn't catch anything. And as day was didn't catch anything. And as day was didn't catch anything. And as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore, but breaking, Jesus stood on the shore, but breaking, Jesus stood on the shore, but they didn't know it was Jesus. And if they didn't know it was Jesus. And if they didn't know it was Jesus. And if you've ever been there, you'll realize you've ever been there, you'll realize you've ever been there, you'll realize it's really foggy in the morning. It's it's really foggy in the morning. It's it's really foggy in the morning. It's really hard to see uh people. is very really hard to see uh people. is very really hard to see uh people. is very very believable. And so uh he said, very believable. And so uh he said, very believable. And so uh he said, "Children," he yells to them, "Do you "Children," he yells to them, "Do you "Children," he yells to them, "Do you have any fish?" And they said, "No." And have any fish?" And they said, "No." And have any fish?" And they said, "No." And he said, "Why don't you cast the net on he said, "Why don't you cast the net on he said, "Why don't you cast the net on the right side of the boat and you will the right side of the boat and you will the right side of the boat and you will find some." So they did, and now the the find some." So they did, and now the the find some." So they did, and now the the net was full. And so John says, "This net was full. And so John says, "This net was full. And so John says, "This has happened before. That's got to be has happened before. That's got to be has happened before. That's got to be Jesus, cuz that was miraculous. He did Jesus, cuz that was miraculous. He did Jesus, cuz that was miraculous. He did this before. That's Jesus." And so Peter this before. That's Jesus." And so Peter this before. That's Jesus." And so Peter strips off his clothes, rambunctious as strips off his clothes, rambunctious as strips off his clothes, rambunctious as always, starts swimming to the shore, always, starts swimming to the shore, always, starts swimming to the shore, says, "You guys bring the fish. I got to says, "You guys bring the fish. I got to says, "You guys bring the fish. I got to go see Jesus." I suspect about halfway go see Jesus." I suspect about halfway go see Jesus." I suspect about halfway through that swimming, he goes, "Oh through that swimming, he goes, "Oh through that swimming, he goes, "Oh yeah, last time I saw him, I said that I yeah, last time I saw him, I said that I yeah, last time I saw him, I said that I would die for him." And then I denied would die for him." And then I denied would die for him." And then I denied him three times and maybe I should have him three times and maybe I should have him three times and maybe I should have stayed in the boat, right? But he's he's stayed in the boat, right? But he's he's stayed in the boat, right? But he's he's still got that zeal, doesn't he? He still got that zeal, doesn't he? He still got that zeal, doesn't he? He wants Jesus even as imperfect as he is.

wants Jesus even as imperfect as he is. wants Jesus even as imperfect as he is. And there's a great thing there. And I And there's a great thing there. And I And there's a great thing there. And I would suggest to you what you see happen would suggest to you what you see happen would suggest to you what you see happen next is Jesus saying, "Finally, Peter, next is Jesus saying, "Finally, Peter, next is Jesus saying, "Finally, Peter, finally, I can use you after three finally, I can use you after three finally, I can use you after three years." And you've given up on what you years." And you've given up on what you years." And you've given up on what you think I need to be and what God needs to think I need to be and what God needs to think I need to be and what God needs to do for you. And you've given up any do for you. And you've given up any do for you. And you've given up any illusions about how wonderful you are. illusions about how wonderful you are. illusions about how wonderful you are. And you come to me with nothing except And you come to me with nothing except And you come to me with nothing except here I am. And Jesus says,"ow I can use here I am. And Jesus says,"ow I can use here I am. And Jesus says,"ow I can use you." This is when Peter's ministry you." This is when Peter's ministry you." This is when Peter's ministry actually begins. And so, you know, the actually begins. And so, you know, the actually begins. And so, you know, the story, Jesus asks him three times. story, Jesus asks him three times. story, Jesus asks him three times. Because he denied him three times. He Because he denied him three times. He Because he denied him three times. He said, "Simon, uh, do you love me more said, "Simon, uh, do you love me more said, "Simon, uh, do you love me more than these?" This is Jesus is really than these?" This is Jesus is really than these?" This is Jesus is really getting him. He's remember he said, getting him. He's remember he said, getting him. He's remember he said, "These guys might leave you, but I "These guys might leave you, but I "These guys might leave you, but I won't." Jesus said, "Do you love me more won't." Jesus said, "Do you love me more won't." Jesus said, "Do you love me more than these guys?" And Peter's like, than these guys?" And Peter's like, than these guys?" And Peter's like, "No." You know, mumbles. And he said, "No." You know, mumbles. And he said, "No." You know, mumbles. And he said, "You know that I love you." Jesus said, "You know that I love you." Jesus said, "You know that I love you." Jesus said, "Well, do you love me?" And he said, "Well, do you love me?" And he said, "Well, do you love me?" And he said, "Uh, you know that I love you." And the "Uh, you know that I love you." And the "Uh, you know that I love you." And the third time he asked him. And Peter was third time he asked him. And Peter was third time he asked him. And Peter was grieved because he said to him the third grieved because he said to him the third grieved because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" And he said, time, "Do you love me?" And he said, time, "Do you love me?" And he said, "You know everything. You know that I "You know everything. You know that I "You know everything. You know that I love you." And Jesus said, "Okay, now love you." And Jesus said, "Okay, now love you." And Jesus said, "Okay, now I'm going to give you your mission. Go I'm going to give you your mission. Go I'm going to give you your mission. Go feed my sheep. Truly I say to you, when feed my sheep. Truly I say to you, when feed my sheep. Truly I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress you were young, you used to dress you were young, you used to dress yourself and go wherever you wanted. But yourself and go wherever you wanted. But yourself and go wherever you wanted. But when you were old, you'll stretch out when you were old, you'll stretch out when you were old, you'll stretch out your hands, and another will dress you your hands, and another will dress you your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to and carry you where you do not want to and carry you where you do not want to go." This is Jesus saying,"I just need go." This is Jesus saying,"I just need go." This is Jesus saying,"I just need you to realize that you're this isn't you to realize that you're this isn't you to realize that you're this isn't going to be easy. You go feed my sheep.

going to be easy. You go feed my sheep. going to be easy. You go feed my sheep. You go preach the gospel. Great You go preach the gospel. Great You go preach the gospel. Great commission. Go into all the world, make commission. Go into all the world, make commission. Go into all the world, make disciples. That's what I want you to do. disciples. That's what I want you to do. disciples. That's what I want you to do. And I'm just going to tell you now. And I'm just going to tell you now. And I'm just going to tell you now. You're going to be killed for this." You're going to be killed for this." You're going to be killed for this." That's what he's telling him. But from That's what he's telling him. But from That's what he's telling him. But from this point on, this point on, this point on, this Peter is faithful. And so the day this Peter is faithful. And so the day this Peter is faithful. And so the day of Pentecost comes. So not long after of Pentecost comes. So not long after of Pentecost comes. So not long after what we just saw, about 40 days later or what we just saw, about 40 days later or what we just saw, about 40 days later or so, they are in Jerusalem together. And so, they are in Jerusalem together. And so, they are in Jerusalem together. And you see on the day of Pentecost, the you see on the day of Pentecost, the you see on the day of Pentecost, the spirit comes upon them. spirit comes upon them. spirit comes upon them. Heavenly sound like mighty rushing wind. Heavenly sound like mighty rushing wind. Heavenly sound like mighty rushing wind. It filled the entire house. They began It filled the entire house. They began It filled the entire house. They began to speak in different languages. And so to speak in different languages. And so to speak in different languages. And so all these people from all over the world all these people from all over the world all these people from all over the world are going, "How is it that that guy's are going, "How is it that that guy's are going, "How is it that that guy's speaking and you understand him in your speaking and you understand him in your speaking and you understand him in your language and I understand him in mine?" language and I understand him in mine?" language and I understand him in mine?" That's technically what speaking in That's technically what speaking in That's technically what speaking in tongues appears to be in the scriptures. tongues appears to be in the scriptures. tongues appears to be in the scriptures. That's a miracle that I could be That's a miracle that I could be That's a miracle that I could be speaking to you and someone who speaks speaking to you and someone who speaks speaking to you and someone who speaks doesn't speak English understands what doesn't speak English understands what doesn't speak English understands what I'm saying. That's not me. That's a I'm saying. That's not me. That's a I'm saying. That's not me. That's a that's the spirit of God. So that's what that's the spirit of God. So that's what that's the spirit of God. So that's what happens. Well, everybody's attention. happens. Well, everybody's attention. happens. Well, everybody's attention. They get everybody's attention. Peter They get everybody's attention. Peter They get everybody's attention. Peter stands up. Now remember, this is Peter stands up. Now remember, this is Peter stands up. Now remember, this is Peter who flunked out on his ACT, couldn't who flunked out on his ACT, couldn't who flunked out on his ACT, couldn't even get into the state school, right?

even get into the state school, right? even get into the state school, right? Peter gets up and gives this Peter gets up and gives this Peter gets up and gives this unbelievable sermon. And I don't mean unbelievable sermon. And I don't mean unbelievable sermon. And I don't mean unbelievable because it was eloquent. unbelievable because it was eloquent. unbelievable because it was eloquent. It's not eloquent. It's not eloquent. It's not eloquent. But at the end of this sermon, he's just But at the end of this sermon, he's just But at the end of this sermon, he's just straight. He just said, "You killed this straight. He just said, "You killed this straight. He just said, "You killed this Jesus and he is the savior of the Jesus and he is the savior of the Jesus and he is the savior of the world." And they said, "What must we world." And they said, "What must we world." And they said, "What must we do?" And he said, "Repent and be do?" And he said, "Repent and be do?" And he said, "Repent and be baptized. You need to turn around and baptized. You need to turn around and baptized. You need to turn around and put your faith in Christ." And 3,000 put your faith in Christ." And 3,000 put your faith in Christ." And 3,000 people came to Christ that day. That's people came to Christ that day. That's people came to Christ that day. That's not because Peter's a good preacher. He not because Peter's a good preacher. He not because Peter's a good preacher. He didn't all of a sudden become a great didn't all of a sudden become a great didn't all of a sudden become a great orator. It's because the power of that orator. It's because the power of that orator. It's because the power of that message, the power of the word. And message, the power of the word. And message, the power of the word. And Peter never becomes Peter never becomes Peter never becomes an educated man. When you read the an educated man. When you read the an educated man. When you read the writings of Peter, they are not educated writings of Peter, they are not educated writings of Peter, they are not educated Greek. They're not educated. They're Greek. They're not educated. They're Greek. They're not educated. They're just true and powerful, simple statement just true and powerful, simple statement just true and powerful, simple statement of the word. Simple telling him, I'm the of the word. Simple telling him, I'm the of the word. Simple telling him, I'm the one that told Jesus he didn't know what one that told Jesus he didn't know what one that told Jesus he didn't know what he was talking about. I'm the one that he was talking about. I'm the one that he was talking about. I'm the one that denied Jesus and I saw him raised from denied Jesus and I saw him raised from denied Jesus and I saw him raised from the dead. I mean, it's just that the dead. I mean, it's just that the dead. I mean, it's just that powerful testimony. And so Jesus at this powerful testimony. And so Jesus at this powerful testimony. And so Jesus at this point or Peter at this point really point or Peter at this point really point or Peter at this point really begins his ministry and he begins to be begins his ministry and he begins to be begins his ministry and he begins to be a leader and he begins to be bold and a leader and he begins to be bold and a leader and he begins to be bold and he's powerful and impactful not because he's powerful and impactful not because he's powerful and impactful not because he's eloquent or educated but simply he's eloquent or educated but simply he's eloquent or educated but simply because he's completely surrendered to because he's completely surrendered to because he's completely surrendered to Christ. That's the story of Peter.

Christ. That's the story of Peter. Christ. That's the story of Peter. That's why I want to read first and That's why I want to read first and That's why I want to read first and second Peter. I want to read the story second Peter. I want to read the story second Peter. I want to read the story of somebody who finished the race well. of somebody who finished the race well. of somebody who finished the race well. I read too many books by people in the I read too many books by people in the I read too many books by people in the middle of the race and they don't all middle of the race and they don't all middle of the race and they don't all finish well, do they? First and second finish well, do they? First and second finish well, do they? First and second Peter are written right before he dies. Peter are written right before he dies. Peter are written right before he dies. I want to read the lessons from somebody I want to read the lessons from somebody I want to read the lessons from somebody who completely surrendered their life to who completely surrendered their life to who completely surrendered their life to Christ. And I want to know what does he Christ. And I want to know what does he Christ. And I want to know what does he have to say? Well, story goes on. He have to say? Well, story goes on. He have to say? Well, story goes on. He begins to preach on the day of begins to preach on the day of begins to preach on the day of Pentecost. And he continues Pentecost. And he continues Pentecost. And he continues in first Peter, which we'll study. We'll in first Peter, which we'll study. We'll in first Peter, which we'll study. We'll begin next week. He was uh he says he's begin next week. He was uh he says he's begin next week. He was uh he says he's writing to the people who are in Pontis, writing to the people who are in Pontis, writing to the people who are in Pontis, Galatia, Capidoshia, Asia, and Bethnia. Galatia, Capidoshia, Asia, and Bethnia. Galatia, Capidoshia, Asia, and Bethnia. This is modern-day Turkey, but these are This is modern-day Turkey, but these are This is modern-day Turkey, but these are the Roman provinces. And so Peter the Roman provinces. And so Peter the Roman provinces. And so Peter obviously left Judea, left Israel, went obviously left Judea, left Israel, went obviously left Judea, left Israel, went here and preached in all of these here and preached in all of these here and preached in all of these things. So he didn't stay in Jerusalem. things. So he didn't stay in Jerusalem. things. So he didn't stay in Jerusalem. He clearly went out doing the great He clearly went out doing the great He clearly went out doing the great commission, go travel and preach the commission, go travel and preach the commission, go travel and preach the word. And so Peter's ministry area was word. And so Peter's ministry area was word. And so Peter's ministry area was all through Turkey.

all through Turkey. all through Turkey. But he also, we know at some point must But he also, we know at some point must But he also, we know at some point must have crossed over from Turkey, this is have crossed over from Turkey, this is have crossed over from Turkey, this is modern day Turkey, to Greece, this is modern day Turkey, to Greece, this is modern day Turkey, to Greece, this is Corinth. And he obviously at some point Corinth. And he obviously at some point Corinth. And he obviously at some point went from Corinth to Rome. So we tend to went from Corinth to Rome. So we tend to went from Corinth to Rome. So we tend to think of the Apostle Paul as the one who think of the Apostle Paul as the one who think of the Apostle Paul as the one who traveled around preaching. So did Peter. traveled around preaching. So did Peter. traveled around preaching. So did Peter. In fact, so did all of them. But you get In fact, so did all of them. But you get In fact, so did all of them. But you get this idea. Peter. This is from an early this idea. Peter. This is from an early this idea. Peter. This is from an early church father. This is not in the Bible. church father. This is not in the Bible. church father. This is not in the Bible. This is a tradition. This is from This is a tradition. This is from This is a tradition. This is from Dianicius of Corinth. He was a pastor in Dianicius of Corinth. He was a pastor in Dianicius of Corinth. He was a pastor in Corinth. He lived and he wrote this Corinth. He lived and he wrote this Corinth. He lived and he wrote this actually in 170 AD. He said, "Therefore, actually in 170 AD. He said, "Therefore, actually in 170 AD. He said, "Therefore, you also have such admonition joined in you also have such admonition joined in you also have such admonition joined in close union the churches that were close union the churches that were close union the churches that were planted by Peter and by Paul, the church planted by Peter and by Paul, the church planted by Peter and by Paul, the church of the Romans and church of the of the Romans and church of the of the Romans and church of the Corinthians. For both of them went to Corinthians. For both of them went to Corinthians. For both of them went to Corenth and taught us the same way they Corenth and taught us the same way they Corenth and taught us the same way they taught you in Rome when they went to taught you in Rome when they went to taught you in Rome when they went to Italy." And having taught you, they both Italy." And having taught you, they both Italy." And having taught you, they both suffered martyrdom, meaning they were suffered martyrdom, meaning they were suffered martyrdom, meaning they were killed at the same time. And that is killed at the same time. And that is killed at the same time. And that is confirmed by other tradition is that uh confirmed by other tradition is that uh confirmed by other tradition is that uh spoiler alert, in 68 AD, Nero kills both spoiler alert, in 68 AD, Nero kills both spoiler alert, in 68 AD, Nero kills both of them. They're imprisoned and he kills of them. They're imprisoned and he kills of them. They're imprisoned and he kills him. The second Peter is written in 68 him. The second Peter is written in 68 him. The second Peter is written in 68 AD. I mean, it's written right before he AD. I mean, it's written right before he AD. I mean, it's written right before he dies. Second Timothy is written by Paul dies. Second Timothy is written by Paul dies. Second Timothy is written by Paul in 68 AD, right before he died, which we in 68 AD, right before he died, which we in 68 AD, right before he died, which we already did a series on that. So, it's already did a series on that. So, it's already did a series on that. So, it's all about Peter this time. We're just all about Peter this time. We're just all about Peter this time. We're just going to talk about Peter, but it's a going to talk about Peter, but it's a going to talk about Peter, but it's a great tradition that he did indeed great tradition that he did indeed great tradition that he did indeed travel and he ends up in Rome.

travel and he ends up in Rome. travel and he ends up in Rome. Rome's not a is a dangerous place to be. Rome's not a is a dangerous place to be. Rome's not a is a dangerous place to be. So, in 64, so Peter gets to Rome by 60 So, in 64, so Peter gets to Rome by 60 So, in 64, so Peter gets to Rome by 60 62 AD. Okay, so we're 30 years after the 62 AD. Okay, so we're 30 years after the 62 AD. Okay, so we're 30 years after the resurrection now. you know, he's resurrection now. you know, he's resurrection now. you know, he's preached on the day of Pentecost in 33 preached on the day of Pentecost in 33 preached on the day of Pentecost in 33 AD. He's traveled around preaching to AD. He's traveled around preaching to AD. He's traveled around preaching to the churches, etc., and he's made his the churches, etc., and he's made his the churches, etc., and he's made his way to Rome, maybe before, but certainly way to Rome, maybe before, but certainly way to Rome, maybe before, but certainly by 6062 AD. by 6062 AD. by 6062 AD. In 64 AD, the emperor Nero, so Nero, by In 64 AD, the emperor Nero, so Nero, by In 64 AD, the emperor Nero, so Nero, by the way, lived from or ruled, excuse me, the way, lived from or ruled, excuse me, the way, lived from or ruled, excuse me, 54 to 68 AD. He was Roman Emperor from 54 to 68 AD. He was Roman Emperor from 54 to 68 AD. He was Roman Emperor from that time. But in ' 64, that time. But in ' 64, that time. But in ' 64, everybody in Rome thought he started a everybody in Rome thought he started a everybody in Rome thought he started a fire. He had some guys start a fire fire. He had some guys start a fire fire. He had some guys start a fire because he wanted to urban renewal. He because he wanted to urban renewal. He because he wanted to urban renewal. He had a bunch of slums in Rome. And he had a bunch of slums in Rome. And he had a bunch of slums in Rome. And he wanted to build some nice buildings, you wanted to build some nice buildings, you wanted to build some nice buildings, you know, for his own ego. And Rome was the know, for his own ego. And Rome was the know, for his own ego. And Rome was the capital of the world. And so he has some capital of the world. And so he has some capital of the world. And so he has some guys start a fire. Bunch of Roman guys start a fire. Bunch of Roman guys start a fire. Bunch of Roman citizens get killed in this fire. Bunch citizens get killed in this fire. Bunch citizens get killed in this fire. Bunch of Rome gets burned. Nero's like, "Oh, of Rome gets burned. Nero's like, "Oh, of Rome gets burned. Nero's like, "Oh, that's unlucky. Let's start building."

that's unlucky. Let's start building." that's unlucky. Let's start building." But Tacitus, who is a Roman historian, But Tacitus, who is a Roman historian, But Tacitus, who is a Roman historian, and this is when he lived. So he's a and this is when he lived. So he's a and this is when he lived. So he's a contemporary of all this. This is what contemporary of all this. This is what contemporary of all this. This is what Tacitus said. He said, "But despite Nero Tacitus said. He said, "But despite Nero Tacitus said. He said, "But despite Nero going on social media saying, I had going on social media saying, I had going on social media saying, I had nothing to do with this. No one believed nothing to do with this. No one believed nothing to do with this. No one believed it." Uh the emperor put lavish gifts to it." Uh the emperor put lavish gifts to it." Uh the emperor put lavish gifts to propitiate the gods. They did not banish propitiate the gods. They did not banish propitiate the gods. They did not banish the belief of the people that the fire the belief of the people that the fire the belief of the people that the fire was on purpose. So the Roman people and was on purpose. So the Roman people and was on purpose. So the Roman people and this was bad news if he did this. So you this was bad news if he did this. So you this was bad news if he did this. So you could get overthrown for that. That's could get overthrown for that. That's could get overthrown for that. That's really bad. And so they thought he did really bad. And so they thought he did really bad. And so they thought he did it. And so consequently to get rid of it. And so consequently to get rid of it. And so consequently to get rid of this report, in other words, to change this report, in other words, to change this report, in other words, to change the subject, Nero fastened the guilt and the subject, Nero fastened the guilt and the subject, Nero fastened the guilt and inflicted the most exquisite tortures on inflicted the most exquisite tortures on inflicted the most exquisite tortures on a class of people who were hated by the a class of people who were hated by the a class of people who were hated by the way called the Christians. way called the Christians. way called the Christians. Christrist from whom their name had its Christrist from whom their name had its Christrist from whom their name had its origin. This is very interesting, isn't origin. This is very interesting, isn't origin. This is very interesting, isn't it? This is kind of corroboration to a it? This is kind of corroboration to a it? This is kind of corroboration to a lot of what the Bible says outside the lot of what the Bible says outside the lot of what the Bible says outside the Bible. That there is somebody named Bible. That there is somebody named Bible. That there is somebody named Christ, that there are all these Christ, that there are all these Christ, that there are all these Christians and they worship this guy Christians and they worship this guy Christians and they worship this guy named Christrist Christ, right? And that named Christrist Christ, right? And that named Christrist Christ, right? And that they're spreading like crazy throughout they're spreading like crazy throughout they're spreading like crazy throughout the whole Roman Empire. This isn't the the whole Roman Empire. This isn't the the whole Roman Empire. This isn't the only extra biblical reference to this, only extra biblical reference to this, only extra biblical reference to this, but the reason I wanted to tell you this but the reason I wanted to tell you this but the reason I wanted to tell you this is that Nero, because of the fire, needs is that Nero, because of the fire, needs is that Nero, because of the fire, needs a scapegoat. and he picks on the a scapegoat. and he picks on the a scapegoat. and he picks on the Christians and he said they're the ones Christians and he said they're the ones Christians and he said they're the ones that probably did this. In fact, I'm that probably did this. In fact, I'm that probably did this. In fact, I'm just going to go start punishing them.

just going to go start punishing them. just going to go start punishing them. Anyway, they said this Christ suffered Anyway, they said this Christ suffered Anyway, they said this Christ suffered the extreme penalty. He was crucified the extreme penalty. He was crucified the extreme penalty. He was crucified during the reign of Tiberius. That's during the reign of Tiberius. That's during the reign of Tiberius. That's true. He was the uh emperor under one of true. He was the uh emperor under one of true. He was the uh emperor under one of our procurators, the governor Pontius our procurators, the governor Pontius our procurators, the governor Pontius Pilate. So, this is external Pilate. So, this is external Pilate. So, this is external corroborating the gospels. You probably corroborating the gospels. You probably corroborating the gospels. You probably already knew that, but I just want to already knew that, but I just want to already knew that, but I just want to give you a little drive by that there's give you a little drive by that there's give you a little drive by that there's corroboration of a lot of what the corroboration of a lot of what the corroboration of a lot of what the gospels say outside the gospel. U so gospels say outside the gospel. U so gospels say outside the gospel. U so it's historical accuracy. it's historical accuracy. it's historical accuracy. Anyway, so they basically said Anyway, so they basically said Anyway, so they basically said accordingly he would arrest anybody uh accordingly he would arrest anybody uh accordingly he would arrest anybody uh who were Christians and then an immense who were Christians and then an immense who were Christians and then an immense multitude were convicted multitude were convicted multitude were convicted and mockery of every sort was added to and mockery of every sort was added to and mockery of every sort was added to their deaths. They were put to death for their deaths. They were put to death for their deaths. They were put to death for being Christians. covered with the skins being Christians. covered with the skins being Christians. covered with the skins of beasts. They were torn apart by dogs of beasts. They were torn apart by dogs of beasts. They were torn apart by dogs and perished. They were nailed to and perished. They were nailed to and perished. They were nailed to crosses. They were doomed to they were crosses. They were doomed to they were crosses. They were doomed to they were burnt to death or and this is a painting burnt to death or and this is a painting burnt to death or and this is a painting showing you this. They were tied at the showing you this. They were tied at the showing you this. They were tied at the top of stakes and they were set on fire top of stakes and they were set on fire top of stakes and they were set on fire to be torches. I mean this is brutal to be torches. I mean this is brutal to be torches. I mean this is brutal persecution of Christians in 64 to 68 AD persecution of Christians in 64 to 68 AD persecution of Christians in 64 to 68 AD in this time period. So we know that in this time period. So we know that in this time period. So we know that historically historically historically and that's according to the church and that's according to the church and that's according to the church fathers when both Paul and Peter were fathers when both Paul and Peter were fathers when both Paul and Peter were arrested as leaders of the Christians.

arrested as leaders of the Christians. arrested as leaders of the Christians. So here are some things again this is So here are some things again this is So here are some things again this is from Tertullian he's a Christian wrote from Tertullian he's a Christian wrote from Tertullian he's a Christian wrote in AD200 he said since moreover you are in AD200 he said since moreover you are in AD200 he said since moreover you are close upon Italy you have Rome from close upon Italy you have Rome from close upon Italy you have Rome from which there comes even into our own which there comes even into our own which there comes even into our own hands the very authority of the apostles hands the very authority of the apostles hands the very authority of the apostles themselves. How happy is the church in themselves. How happy is the church in themselves. How happy is the church in Rome on which the apostle poured forth Rome on which the apostle poured forth Rome on which the apostle poured forth all their doctrine. They taught there all their doctrine. They taught there all their doctrine. They taught there along with their blood where Peter along with their blood where Peter along with their blood where Peter endured a passion like his lords. endured a passion like his lords. endured a passion like his lords. Passion is means suffering means death. Passion is means suffering means death. Passion is means suffering means death. Okay. So the passion of the Christ is Okay. So the passion of the Christ is Okay. So the passion of the Christ is the death of the Christ. What is he the death of the Christ. What is he the death of the Christ. What is he saying? He said Peter was crucified in saying? He said Peter was crucified in saying? He said Peter was crucified in Rome just like Jesus was. And this is Rome just like Jesus was. And this is Rome just like Jesus was. And this is the church tradition. He was arrested by the church tradition. He was arrested by the church tradition. He was arrested by Nero. He was crucified. Paul was a Roman Nero. He was crucified. Paul was a Roman Nero. He was crucified. Paul was a Roman citizen. He was undoubtedly beheaded. citizen. He was undoubtedly beheaded. citizen. He was undoubtedly beheaded. You couldn't crucify a Roman citizen. It You couldn't crucify a Roman citizen. It You couldn't crucify a Roman citizen. It was just too horrific. was just too horrific. was just too horrific. Then Ucius again a little bit later Then Ucius again a little bit later Then Ucius again a little bit later said, "Peter appears to have preached in said, "Peter appears to have preached in said, "Peter appears to have preached in Pontis, Galatia, Bethnia in Turkey to Pontis, Galatia, Bethnia in Turkey to Pontis, Galatia, Bethnia in Turkey to the Jews of the dispersion." So Jews who the Jews of the dispersion." So Jews who the Jews of the dispersion." So Jews who became Christians and at last when he became Christians and at last when he became Christians and at last when he came to Rome, he was crucified head came to Rome, he was crucified head came to Rome, he was crucified head downwards. For he would requested that downwards. For he would requested that downwards. For he would requested that he might suffer in this way. What do we he might suffer in this way. What do we he might suffer in this way. What do we need to say concerning Paul who preached need to say concerning Paul who preached need to say concerning Paul who preached the gospel of Christ from Jerusalem to the gospel of Christ from Jerusalem to the gospel of Christ from Jerusalem to Ayum and afterwards also suffered Ayum and afterwards also suffered Ayum and afterwards also suffered martyrdom in Rome under Nero? These martyrdom in Rome under Nero? These martyrdom in Rome under Nero? These facts are related by origin in the third facts are related by origin in the third facts are related by origin in the third volume of his commentary. And so Origin volume of his commentary. And so Origin volume of his commentary. And so Origin lived around say 200. So in other words, lived around say 200. So in other words, lived around say 200. So in other words, these are pretty contemporary. So this these are pretty contemporary. So this these are pretty contemporary. So this is church tradition, but it's it's

is church tradition, but it's it's is church tradition, but it's it's pretty pretty good. I mean tradition in pretty pretty good. I mean tradition in pretty pretty good. I mean tradition in that they're close. So you get this that they're close. So you get this that they're close. So you get this sense as we follow the biography of sense as we follow the biography of sense as we follow the biography of Peter. You get Peter the the gung-ho Peter. You get Peter the the gung-ho Peter. You get Peter the the gung-ho disciple, Peter that denies Jesus and disciple, Peter that denies Jesus and disciple, Peter that denies Jesus and thinks God is done with him. Jesus comes thinks God is done with him. Jesus comes thinks God is done with him. Jesus comes to him and said, "No, on the contrary, to him and said, "No, on the contrary, to him and said, "No, on the contrary, now I can actually use you." And from now I can actually use you." And from now I can actually use you." And from that moment on, Peter is a faithful that moment on, Peter is a faithful that moment on, Peter is a faithful preacher of the gospel all the way to preacher of the gospel all the way to preacher of the gospel all the way to the point where he is crucified. He was, the point where he is crucified. He was, the point where he is crucified. He was, according to tradition, he's crucified according to tradition, he's crucified according to tradition, he's crucified upside down at his own request because upside down at his own request because upside down at his own request because he wasn't worthy to be crucified the way he wasn't worthy to be crucified the way he wasn't worthy to be crucified the way Christ was. And so you'll see the Christ was. And so you'll see the Christ was. And so you'll see the paintings, the medieval paintings that paintings, the medieval paintings that paintings, the medieval paintings that are uh do you know basically reflecting are uh do you know basically reflecting are uh do you know basically reflecting that. And so Peter comes to the end of that. And so Peter comes to the end of that. And so Peter comes to the end of his life. He comes to the end of a very his life. He comes to the end of a very his life. He comes to the end of a very very faithful life. And so what I've very faithful life. And so what I've very faithful life. And so what I've tried to do here is just to give you a tried to do here is just to give you a tried to do here is just to give you a short biography putting together what we short biography putting together what we short biography putting together what we know from the scripture, what we know know from the scripture, what we know know from the scripture, what we know from the church fathers, what we know from the church fathers, what we know from the church fathers, what we know from history that's happening. And so from history that's happening. And so from history that's happening. And so you see the life of Peter. It is a you see the life of Peter. It is a you see the life of Peter. It is a before and an after story, but you know before and an after story, but you know before and an after story, but you know the trajectory, it goes down before it the trajectory, it goes down before it the trajectory, it goes down before it goes up. Peter had to let go of a lot of goes up. Peter had to let go of a lot of goes up. Peter had to let go of a lot of things before he could really be a things before he could really be a things before he could really be a brave, faithful follower of Christ. And brave, faithful follower of Christ. And brave, faithful follower of Christ. And I I want you to be encouraged by this I I want you to be encouraged by this I I want you to be encouraged by this because maybe that's not your story. But because maybe that's not your story. But because maybe that's not your story. But for a lot of us, that is our story. And for a lot of us, that is our story. And for a lot of us, that is our story. And that is that we went down before we went that is that we went down before we went that is that we went down before we went up. And we had to be torn down, meaning up. And we had to be torn down, meaning up. And we had to be torn down, meaning pruned. You remember this idea in the pruned. You remember this idea in the pruned. You remember this idea in the Bible that Jesus says, "I'll prune the

Bible that Jesus says, "I'll prune the Bible that Jesus says, "I'll prune the vines, you know, and get rid of the vines, you know, and get rid of the vines, you know, and get rid of the weeds out of the garden." All these weeds out of the garden." All these weeds out of the garden." All these imagery is God saying, "I need to break imagery is God saying, "I need to break imagery is God saying, "I need to break down your self self-importance. Need to down your self self-importance. Need to down your self self-importance. Need to break down your expectations. break down your expectations. break down your expectations. You really do have to surrender to You really do have to surrender to You really do have to surrender to Christ." It took Peter until three years Christ." It took Peter until three years Christ." It took Peter until three years after following Jesus to really after following Jesus to really after following Jesus to really surrender. And God said, "Ah, now I can surrender. And God said, "Ah, now I can surrender. And God said, "Ah, now I can do anything with you." And that's true do anything with you." And that's true do anything with you." And that's true for you and me as well. When we are for you and me as well. When we are for you and me as well. When we are surrendered to God, that's when we're surrendered to God, that's when we're surrendered to God, that's when we're actually very strong. Peter thought he actually very strong. Peter thought he actually very strong. Peter thought he was strong before that. He said, "I'll was strong before that. He said, "I'll was strong before that. He said, "I'll die with you." And he was wrong. And die with you." And he was wrong. And die with you." And he was wrong. And when he was weak, that's when he became when he was weak, that's when he became when he was weak, that's when he became very strong. And I want to encourage you very strong. And I want to encourage you very strong. And I want to encourage you with that because when you feel the with that because when you feel the with that because when you feel the weakest is when you are slammed against weakest is when you are slammed against weakest is when you are slammed against God's grace. And that's the real power God's grace. And that's the real power God's grace. And that's the real power is it's the power of God. So Peter, this is it's the power of God. So Peter, this is it's the power of God. So Peter, this is a an excerpt from First Peter 1. is a an excerpt from First Peter 1. is a an excerpt from First Peter 1. Again, this is probably just two, three Again, this is probably just two, three Again, this is probably just two, three years before his death, probably being years before his death, probably being years before his death, probably being persecuted, maybe in prison in when persecuted, maybe in prison in when persecuted, maybe in prison in when first Peter's written. But listen to first Peter's written. But listen to first Peter's written. But listen to what he says now. Gone's all the what he says now. Gone's all the what he says now. Gone's all the bragging, but now you get this absolute bragging, but now you get this absolute bragging, but now you get this absolute firm conviction that I am with Jesus to firm conviction that I am with Jesus to firm conviction that I am with Jesus to the end. He said that on the Mount of the end. He said that on the Mount of the end. He said that on the Mount of Olives, but it wasn't true. Now, at the Olives, but it wasn't true. Now, at the Olives, but it wasn't true. Now, at the end of his life, he says it, and his end of his life, he says it, and his end of his life, he says it, and his life has proved that it is true. He life has proved that it is true. He life has proved that it is true. He said, 'Blessed be the God and Father of said, 'Blessed be the God and Father of said, 'Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. According to his our Lord Jesus Christ. According to his our Lord Jesus Christ. According to his great mercy, he's caused us to be born great mercy, he's caused us to be born great mercy, he's caused us to be born again to a living hope through the

again to a living hope through the again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. We have an inheritance that is dead. We have an inheritance that is dead. We have an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, unfading. It is imperishable, undefiled, unfading. It is imperishable, undefiled, unfading. It is kept in heaven for you. And you are kept in heaven for you. And you are kept in heaven for you. And you are under the power of God and being guarded under the power of God and being guarded under the power of God and being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to through faith for a salvation ready to through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed. In this you rejoice, though be revealed. In this you rejoice, though be revealed. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while you have been now for a little while you have been now for a little while you have been grieved by various trials. So that the grieved by various trials. So that the grieved by various trials. So that the tested genuiness of your faith, and this tested genuiness of your faith, and this tested genuiness of your faith, and this is a powerful phrase now that you know is a powerful phrase now that you know is a powerful phrase now that you know Peter's life, when you hear this idea, Peter's life, when you hear this idea, Peter's life, when you hear this idea, the tested genuiness of your faith. For the tested genuiness of your faith. For the tested genuiness of your faith. For all those three years he followed Jesus, all those three years he followed Jesus, all those three years he followed Jesus, he thought he had a very genuine faith. he thought he had a very genuine faith. he thought he had a very genuine faith. And now though as an old man looking And now though as an old man looking And now though as an old man looking back he said but once you go through the back he said but once you go through the back he said but once you go through the trials then you have a tested genuine trials then you have a tested genuine trials then you have a tested genuine faith that can endure anything more faith that can endure anything more faith that can endure anything more precious than gold that perishes even precious than gold that perishes even precious than gold that perishes even though it's tested by fire and you may though it's tested by fire and you may though it's tested by fire and you may be found to result in praise and glory be found to result in praise and glory be found to result in praise and glory the honor of the revelation of Jesus the honor of the revelation of Jesus the honor of the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Christ. Christ. So now I want to go back and I want to So now I want to go back and I want to So now I want to go back and I want to answer the original question. Jesus answer the original question. Jesus answer the original question. Jesus walking along the Sea of Galilee and he walking along the Sea of Galilee and he walking along the Sea of Galilee and he says to Peter, I want you to be my says to Peter, I want you to be my says to Peter, I want you to be my disciple. And I told you that that is so disciple. And I told you that that is so disciple. And I told you that that is so unusual. It's so out of character. Why, unusual. It's so out of character. Why, unusual. It's so out of character. Why, Peter? And the answer to this question Peter? And the answer to this question Peter? And the answer to this question is the same reason he chose you. is the same reason he chose you. is the same reason he chose you. Peter obviously was not chosen because Peter obviously was not chosen because Peter obviously was not chosen because of who he was. Jesus didn't come along of who he was. Jesus didn't come along of who he was. Jesus didn't come along and saying, "You know what? I really and saying, "You know what? I really and saying, "You know what? I really need a smelly fisherman who can bait a need a smelly fisherman who can bait a need a smelly fisherman who can bait a hook." That's what this ministry really hook." That's what this ministry really hook." That's what this ministry really needs. No. You know what I need? I need needs. No. You know what I need? I need needs. No. You know what I need? I need a guy who dropped out of school at 13 a guy who dropped out of school at 13 a guy who dropped out of school at 13 because he wasn't smart enough to study because he wasn't smart enough to study because he wasn't smart enough to study the scriptures anymore. No, that's not the scriptures anymore. No, that's not the scriptures anymore. No, that's not what he said either. He didn't pick what he said either. He didn't pick what he said either. He didn't pick Peter because of who he was. I want you Peter because of who he was. I want you Peter because of who he was. I want you to think back to some other people. You to think back to some other people. You to think back to some other people. You know, why did God choose Abraham? know, why did God choose Abraham? know, why did God choose Abraham? There was nothing about Abraham except There was nothing about Abraham except There was nothing about Abraham except Abraham believed God and that was Abraham believed God and that was Abraham believed God and that was counted to him as righteousness. He counted to him as righteousness. He counted to him as righteousness. He wasn't smarter. He wasn't better. David, wasn't smarter. He wasn't better. David, wasn't smarter. He wasn't better. David, he's a little boy. He's a shepherd when he's a little boy. He's a shepherd when he's a little boy. He's a shepherd when he's chosen. Why? Because he's really he's chosen. Why? Because he's really he's chosen. Why? Because he's really powerful. He's not really powerful.

powerful. He's not really powerful. powerful. He's not really powerful. Because he's affluent. He's not Because he's affluent. He's not Because he's affluent. He's not affluent. Cuz he's smart. He's not that affluent. Cuz he's smart. He's not that affluent. Cuz he's smart. He's not that smart. A little artistic, but not that smart. A little artistic, but not that smart. A little artistic, but not that smart. smart. smart. He didn't pick him because of who he He didn't pick him because of who he He didn't pick him because of who he was. He picked him because of who he was. He picked him because of who he was. He picked him because of who he would become. Do you see what I'm would become. Do you see what I'm would become. Do you see what I'm saying? God looks at this and he doesn't saying? God looks at this and he doesn't saying? God looks at this and he doesn't see the Peter who's a fisherman. The see the Peter who's a fisherman. The see the Peter who's a fisherman. The Peter who's going to deny him. The Peter Peter who's going to deny him. The Peter Peter who's going to deny him. The Peter who's going to rebuke Jesus. The Peter who's going to rebuke Jesus. The Peter who's going to rebuke Jesus. The Peter who's going to say tons of stupid stuff who's going to say tons of stupid stuff who's going to say tons of stupid stuff for the next three years. The Peter for the next three years. The Peter for the next three years. The Peter who's going to think more of himself who's going to think more of himself who's going to think more of himself than he should think of himself. The than he should think of himself. The than he should think of himself. The Peter that thinks he's a pillar of Peter that thinks he's a pillar of Peter that thinks he's a pillar of faith, but he's really not. He didn't faith, but he's really not. He didn't faith, but he's really not. He didn't pick him for that Peter. He picked him pick him for that Peter. He picked him pick him for that Peter. He picked him for the Peter who ends up surrendering for the Peter who ends up surrendering for the Peter who ends up surrendering himself and becomes what God makes him himself and becomes what God makes him himself and becomes what God makes him to be. That I just I cannot tell you how to be. That I just I cannot tell you how to be. That I just I cannot tell you how powerful that idea is. I really want you powerful that idea is. I really want you powerful that idea is. I really want you to internalize that because sometimes we to internalize that because sometimes we to internalize that because sometimes we think we need to live good enough for think we need to live good enough for think we need to live good enough for God. We need to live up to God. And we God. We need to live up to God. And we God. We need to live up to God. And we do need to live and walk in a manner do need to live and walk in a manner do need to live and walk in a manner worthy and obedient to God. I'm not worthy and obedient to God. I'm not worthy and obedient to God. I'm not saying we don't need to be obedient. I saying we don't need to be obedient. I saying we don't need to be obedient. I just want you to realize that we we were just want you to realize that we we were just want you to realize that we we were not chosen because of who we were or not chosen because of who we were or not chosen because of who we were or what we what we did, how smart we were, what we what we did, how smart we were, what we what we did, how smart we were, how good-looking we were, how much money how good-looking we were, how much money how good-looking we were, how much money we had, how nothing. We were not chosen we had, how nothing. We were not chosen we had, how nothing. We were not chosen for that. You were chosen because God for that. You were chosen because God for that. You were chosen because God saw what you would become.

saw what you would become. saw what you would become. The only thing that Peter brought to the The only thing that Peter brought to the The only thing that Peter brought to the table, if you just step back and look at table, if you just step back and look at table, if you just step back and look at that, what did Peter bring when Jesus that, what did Peter bring when Jesus that, what did Peter bring when Jesus said, "I'm going to make you fishers of said, "I'm going to make you fishers of said, "I'm going to make you fishers of men. Come follow me." The only thing men. Come follow me." The only thing men. Come follow me." The only thing Peter brought was a willingness to Peter brought was a willingness to Peter brought was a willingness to follow him. It says, and Mark says this, follow him. It says, and Mark says this, follow him. It says, and Mark says this, and I love this, they immediately and I love this, they immediately and I love this, they immediately dropped their nets and followed him. The dropped their nets and followed him. The dropped their nets and followed him. The only qualification Peter had was that he only qualification Peter had was that he only qualification Peter had was that he was willing to follow Jesus. The only was willing to follow Jesus. The only was willing to follow Jesus. The only qualification Abraham had was that he qualification Abraham had was that he qualification Abraham had was that he believed God and was willing to go to believed God and was willing to go to believed God and was willing to go to Canaan. The only qualification David had Canaan. The only qualification David had Canaan. The only qualification David had is he believed God and he thought, "I is he believed God and he thought, "I is he believed God and he thought, "I must be able to defeat Goliath. Who must be able to defeat Goliath. Who must be able to defeat Goliath. Who knew? I mean, that's irrational. He he knew? I mean, that's irrational. He he knew? I mean, that's irrational. He he trusted God." That's the only thing trusted God." That's the only thing trusted God." That's the only thing Peter had going for him. I don't know Peter had going for him. I don't know Peter had going for him. I don't know about you, but I find that very about you, but I find that very about you, but I find that very encouraging because that's true for you encouraging because that's true for you encouraging because that's true for you and for me. What God, what does God want and for me. What God, what does God want and for me. What God, what does God want from you? Is he picking you because from you? Is he picking you because from you? Is he picking you because you're so awesome? No. He's picking you you're so awesome? No. He's picking you you're so awesome? No. He's picking you because he sees who you will be. And the because he sees who you will be. And the because he sees who you will be. And the only thing you need to bring to the only thing you need to bring to the only thing you need to bring to the table is be willing to follow him. And table is be willing to follow him. And table is be willing to follow him. And your your story may go down and up. Your your your story may go down and up. Your your your story may go down and up. Your story may be a before and after like story may be a before and after like story may be a before and after like Peter's. Your story may be a up from the Peter's. Your story may be a up from the Peter's. Your story may be a up from the left to the right and it's always going left to the right and it's always going left to the right and it's always going to be great. Your life can take a lot of to be great. Your life can take a lot of to be great. Your life can take a lot of trajectories, trajectories, trajectories, but the fundamental fact is he chose you but the fundamental fact is he chose you but the fundamental fact is he chose you because he knows who you will become.

because he knows who you will become. because he knows who you will become. And he chooses you because you are And he chooses you because you are And he chooses you because you are willing to follow him. And uh that is willing to follow him. And uh that is willing to follow him. And uh that is good news for you and me. But I'll tell good news for you and me. But I'll tell good news for you and me. But I'll tell you who it's really good news for. It's you who it's really good news for. It's you who it's really good news for. It's good news for everybody you know who good news for everybody you know who good news for everybody you know who does not follow Jesus Christ and who you does not follow Jesus Christ and who you does not follow Jesus Christ and who you think will never come to Christ. It's think will never come to Christ. It's think will never come to Christ. It's not a high bar. It's not a you better not a high bar. It's not a you better not a high bar. It's not a you better clean up your act to come to Christ. clean up your act to come to Christ. clean up your act to come to Christ. It's like if you will just follow him, It's like if you will just follow him, It's like if you will just follow him, he will do everything else. He will take he will do everything else. He will take he will do everything else. He will take you where you are and he will he will you where you are and he will he will you where you are and he will he will shape you to become who he sees that you shape you to become who he sees that you shape you to become who he sees that you will be. You heard the old statement, will be. You heard the old statement, will be. You heard the old statement, God will take you where you are, but he God will take you where you are, but he God will take you where you are, but he won't leave you there. That's Peter, won't leave you there. That's Peter, won't leave you there. That's Peter, isn't it? He was willing to take an isn't it? He was willing to take an isn't it? He was willing to take an ignorant fisherman to be his disciple ignorant fisherman to be his disciple ignorant fisherman to be his disciple because he had the one thing he needed. because he had the one thing he needed. because he had the one thing he needed. You're willing to follow me. And Jesus You're willing to follow me. And Jesus You're willing to follow me. And Jesus said, "I will do everything else." I do. said, "I will do everything else." I do. said, "I will do everything else." I do. You believe that? Because that's true. You believe that? Because that's true. You believe that? Because that's true. The Holy Spirit in you is going to do The Holy Spirit in you is going to do The Holy Spirit in you is going to do everything else. You just need to everything else. You just need to everything else. You just need to cooperate. cooperate. cooperate. So lay down your burden. Remember when So lay down your burden. Remember when So lay down your burden. Remember when Jesus, this all ties together. I'm just Jesus, this all ties together. I'm just Jesus, this all ties together. I'm just quoting this scripture because I want quoting this scripture because I want quoting this scripture because I want you to see this is the message. Jesus you to see this is the message. Jesus you to see this is the message. Jesus said, "Come to me all you who are weary said, "Come to me all you who are weary said, "Come to me all you who are weary and heavy laden." Weary and heavy laden and heavy laden." Weary and heavy laden and heavy laden." Weary and heavy laden with what? Trying to measure up. Trying with what? Trying to measure up. Trying with what? Trying to measure up. Trying to measure up to the law of Moses. He to measure up to the law of Moses. He to measure up to the law of Moses. He said, ' And I will give you rest because said, ' And I will give you rest because said, ' And I will give you rest because my yoke is easy. Really, what is it you my yoke is easy. Really, what is it you my yoke is easy. Really, what is it you want of me? Follow me.

want of me? Follow me. want of me? Follow me. Surrender to me. I'll do all the rest of Surrender to me. I'll do all the rest of Surrender to me. I'll do all the rest of the work. The law said, you do all the the work. The law said, you do all the the work. The law said, you do all the work, maybe God will accept you. Jesus work, maybe God will accept you. Jesus work, maybe God will accept you. Jesus said, you surrender yourself to me. I'll said, you surrender yourself to me. I'll said, you surrender yourself to me. I'll do all the work. I can already see who do all the work. I can already see who do all the work. I can already see who you will become. you will become. you will become. That's true for you as much as it was That's true for you as much as it was That's true for you as much as it was for Peter. So, I hope that that's for Peter. So, I hope that that's for Peter. So, I hope that that's encouraging to you because it's encouraging to you because it's encouraging to you because it's incredibly encouraging to me and that's incredibly encouraging to me and that's incredibly encouraging to me and that's what makes me want to read the letters what makes me want to read the letters what makes me want to read the letters we call first Peter and second Peter we call first Peter and second Peter we call first Peter and second Peter that Peter after a life of having lived that Peter after a life of having lived that Peter after a life of having lived that and recognizing how true that was. that and recognizing how true that was. that and recognizing how true that was. I want to hear from the Peter that God I want to hear from the Peter that God I want to hear from the Peter that God saw that day on the Sea of Galilee when saw that day on the Sea of Galilee when saw that day on the Sea of Galilee when he told him to follow him. He saw the he told him to follow him. He saw the he told him to follow him. He saw the Peter of 68 AD and that Peter God said, Peter of 68 AD and that Peter God said, Peter of 68 AD and that Peter God said, "Write these things." And that's what "Write these things." And that's what "Write these things." And that's what we're going to study. Okay? So, next we're going to study. Okay? So, next we're going to study. Okay? So, next week, be prepared. Lessons from the end week, be prepared. Lessons from the end week, be prepared. Lessons from the end of a very faithful life. See you guys.