In the early church, his influence was enormous and acknowledged by all. By virtue of his position, he was easily the most powerful figure in the Christian community. And his energetic preaching, ardent prayer, bold healing, and wise direction confirmed the trust placed in him.

The way Peter handled himself in that position of power is even more impressive than the power itself. He stayed out of the center, didn’t “wield” power, maintained a scrupulous subordination to Jesus. Given his charismatic personality and well-deserved position at the head, he could easily have taken over, using the prominence of his association with Jesus to promote himself. That he didn’t do it, given the frequency with which spiritual leaders do exactly that, is impressive. Peter is a breath of fresh air.

The two letters Peter wrote exhibit the qualities of Jesus that the Holy Spirit shaped in him: a readiness to embrace suffering rather than prestige, a wisdom developed from experience and not imposed from a book, a humility that lacked nothing in vigor or imagination.

From what we know of the early stories of Peter, he had in him all the makings of a bully. That he didn’t become a bully (and religious bullies are the worst kind) but rather the boldly confident and humbly self-effacing servant of Jesus Christ that we discern in these letters, is a compelling witness to what he himself describes as “a brand new life, with everything to live for.”

Dear Heavenly Father, We remember Peter, growing up by Jesus side, reckless and impetuous, behaving with spontaneity without thinking things through and now read about him as a maturing faithful, humble servant of Jesus as he relentlessly becomes the rock upon which the church of Jesus Christ is built. May our eyes read and understand these letters and see God’s Truth for our own lives. Yes, we agree, YOU are Messiah, the Christ!. YOU are God and we are not.
In Jesus Name we pray, Amen. I believe.