The commission of peter

3 Phases to Peter’s Commission to Ministry 1. PETER'S SPIRITUAL IMMATURITY: LACK OF EXPERIENCE. Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, 9“Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!” But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.” (Mt 16:22–23, NKJV) “Peter said to Him, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!” And so said all the disciples.” (Matthew 26:35, NKJV)

2nd Phase of Peter’s Commission to Ministry 2. PETER'S FAILURE: THE LESSON OF OVERCONFIDENCE “And Peter remembered the word of Jesus who had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” So he went out and wept bitterly.” (Matthew 26:75, NKJV)

3 rd. Phase of Peter’s Commission to Ministry Peter's Restoration: The Lord's Grace John 21: 15-19

“So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love (ἀγαπᾷς) Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love (φιλῶ)You.” He said to him, “Feed My lambs.” He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love (ἀγαπᾷς) Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love ( φιλῶ ) You.” He said to him, “Tend My sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love ( φιλῶ ) Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love (φιλῶ) Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love ( φιλῶ)You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep. Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.” This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me.”” (John 21:15–19, NKJV) ἀγαπᾷς – Means Divine Love . Love your enemies . Luke 6:27 ff. φιλῶ - Means familial love. Love of Brothers and Sisters. Like Paul and Philemon.

“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.” (Acts 4:13, NKJV) The Holy Spirit renders them bold in ministry and He will continue to teach Peter throughout his life.

Peter at the End of His Ministry Writes in II Peter 1:5-7 “But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self- control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.” (2 Peter 1:5–7, NKJV) The use of φιλαδελφίᾳ (brotherly kindness)and ἀγάπην (Love) in II Peter (at the ending of his life) shows that he has learned his lessons and has gained wisdom.  

I Corinthians 13:1 ff 13 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. 1 Co 13:1–3 (NKJV)