Apostle Peter: Disciple Lessons from the Rock

Peter is given the keys to the kingdom and the power to bind and loose, that is, to forgive and not forgive sins. Explores the power of absolution from sin and the need for repentance or penitence. Concludes that human minister forgiving sin consists of announcing God’s forgiveness based on Christ's promises to the penitent, but that only God actually forgives sin.

Explores accounts of Peter being crucified upside down. Concludes that while Peter was clearly crucified, only later sources claim him his head-down crucifixion, so the story is probably apocryphal.

Traces leadership from elders in the early church to a monarchial episcopacy. Examines the terms “father,” “pope,” and “pontiff.” Differentiates between the primacy of Peter which is clear in Matthew 16, and the primacy of the Roman bishop or Pope which evolved gradually over time.

Reviews the Synoptic Problem of common sources for Matthew, Mark, and Luke, and the interrelationships between these three Gospels.

Explores approximate dates for the main events in Peter’s life and in the early church.

Details what we know of Peter’s extended ministry in Antioch, Asia Minor, and Corinth. Explores various early Christian references to Peter’s ministry in Rome, his relationship to Mark as his interpreter, as well as his ministry of miracles and evangelism there and opposition to false teacher. Examines several of his teachings on practical Christian living – priesthood, holiness, and submission, and following in Jesus’ steps. Considers Peter’s death by crucifixion, and three passages of Peter’s view of Jesus as Lamb of God, sin-bearer, and atoning sacrifice from 1 Peter.

Considers Peter’s arrest by Herod Agrippa and the angel releasing him from prison. Explores a passage on rejoicing in suffering from 1 Peter 1. Examines Peter’s hypocrisy and confrontation with Paul in Antioch and Peter’s testimony at the Council of Jerusalem that sways the meeting to accept Gentiles as full Christians.

Explores Peter’s outreach to the Gentiles in Lydda and Joppa with the healing of Aeneas and the raising of Dorcas. Studies Pete staying at the smelly house of Simon the Tanner. Examines Peter leading the Christian movement to break into the Gentile population with the Spirit falling on Gentiles at the house of Cornelius in Caesarea, with its implications for further outreach.

Explores Peter’s powerful handling of the case of Ananias and Sapphira lying about property given to the church. Examines how Peter's shadow heals people and the power of holy people and objects. Recounts the apostles’ arrest, Peter’s clear testimony and Gamaliel’s counsel to the Sanhedrin. Examines Peter’s and John’s ministry in Samaria to see the Holy Spirit fall on believers there and Peter’s rebuke of Simon Magus the sorcerer who seeks to buy spiritual power.

Explores Peter leading the group of 120 disciples after Jesus’ ascension to select Matthias as the twelfth disciple to take Judas’s place. Examines Peter’s sermon on Pentecost that wins 3,000 converts, his ministry preparation, and his healing the lame beggar at the temple. Explores Peter’s sermon after the healing and his witness to Christ before the Sanhedrin. Considers a passage from 1 Peter 3 on giving testimony.