Character Study Of Peter (Simon Cephas) Series

CHARACTER STUDY OF PETER (SIMON CEPHAS) – LEADER OF THE APOSTLES

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Matthew 16:16-19

"And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." (Matthew 16:18)

Supporting Texts: John 1:42, Luke 5:4-11, Matthew 14:28-31, Acts 2:14-41, Acts 10:9-16

INTRODUCTION:

Peter, also known as Simon Cephas, was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus and played a crucial role in the early church. A fisherman by trade, he was called by Jesus to become a "fisher of men." Though he was impulsive and sometimes fearful, he became a bold and anointed leader of the apostles after the resurrection of Christ and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

His journey from an ordinary fisherman to a pillar of the church highlights God’s transformative power. Peter’s life teaches us lessons on faith, restoration, and divine purpose.

1. PETER WAS CALLED BY JESUS

a) He was a fisherman before meeting Jesus (Luke 5:1-3)

Peter was a hardworking man before his calling.

b) Jesus called him to be a fisher of men (Matthew 4:18-19)

Peter left everything to follow Jesus.

c) His name was changed to Cephas (John 1:42)

This signified his new identity and divine purpose.

d) He witnessed many miracles of Jesus (Mark 5:37-42)

He was one of the few apostles present when Jesus raised Jairus' daughter.

e) Biblical Example: Elisha was also called from an ordinary profession to serve God (1 Kings 19:19-21).

2. PETER WALKED IN FAITH BUT ALSO STRUGGLED WITH DOUBT

a) He walked on water but began to sink (Matthew 14:28-31)

His faith allowed him to walk on water, but doubt made him sink.

b) He was the first disciple to confess Jesus as the Christ (Matthew 16:16)

His revelation of Jesus’ identity was divinely inspired.

c) Jesus rebuked him for resisting God’s plan (Matthew 16:22-23)

His human emotions sometimes clouded his spiritual understanding.

d) His faith grew after the resurrection (John 20:6-8)

He became a fearless witness of Christ.

e) Biblical Example: Thomas also struggled with doubt but later believed (John 20:24-28).

3. PETER DENIED JESUS BUT WAS RESTORED

a) He confidently declared loyalty to Jesus (Matthew 26:33-35)

He believed he would never forsake Christ.

b) He denied Jesus three times out of fear (Luke 22:54-62)

His weakness was exposed under pressure.

c) He wept bitterly after his denial (Luke 22:62)

This showed his deep remorse and repentance.

d) Jesus restored him after the resurrection (John 21:15-17)

Christ reaffirmed his calling by asking him to "feed My sheep."

e) Biblical Example: Jonah also failed in his calling but was restored (Jonah 2:1-10).

4. PETER WAS FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT AND BECAME A BOLD PREACHER

a) He preached powerfully on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:14-41)

His sermon led to the salvation of 3,000 people.

b) He performed miracles in Jesus’ name (Acts 3:6-8)

He healed a lame man at the temple gate.

c) He boldly faced persecution (Acts 4:18-20)

He refused to stop preaching about Jesus.

d) He was miraculously delivered from prison (Acts 12:5-11)

God protected him as he carried out his mission.

e) Biblical Example: Paul also became a bold preacher after his transformation (Acts 9:20-22).

5. PETER PLAYED A KEY ROLE IN THE EARLY CHURCH

a) He was a leader among the apostles (Matthew 16:18-19)

Jesus entrusted him with great spiritual authority.

b) He helped bring the gospel to the Gentiles (Acts 10:9-16)

His vision in Joppa showed God’s plan for all nations.

c) He defended the Gentile believers before the church (Acts 15:7-11)

He stood for unity in the body of Christ.

d) His letters encouraged suffering believers (1 Peter 1:6-7)

He wrote to strengthen Christians facing persecution.

e) Biblical Example: Moses also led God’s people and gave them instructions (Exodus 3:10).

STRENGTHS OF PETER

a) He was passionate about Jesus (Matthew 16:16-18)

His deep love for Christ made him a great leader.

b) He was courageous in preaching the gospel (Acts 4:19-20)

He fearlessly proclaimed the message of Christ.

c) He was willing to learn from his mistakes (John 21:15-17)

His failures did not stop him from fulfilling his destiny.

d) He was filled with the Holy Spirit and walked in power (Acts 2:4, Acts 3:6)

He performed great miracles in Jesus’ name.

e) He was instrumental in uniting Jews and Gentiles in Christ (Acts 10:34-35)

He helped expand the church beyond the Jewish people.

WEAKNESSES OF PETER

a) He was impulsive and sometimes acted without thinking (John 18:10-11)

He cut off the ear of the high priest’s servant.

b) He struggled with fear and denied Jesus (Luke 22:57-60)

His faith wavered under pressure.

c) He was initially prejudiced against Gentiles (Galatians 2:11-14)

Paul had to rebuke him for hypocrisy.