Special Instruction to Peter

The Origin of the Church — The church was a mystery (not clearly revealed) in the Old Testament. Christ prophesied in these words spoken to Peter, “on this rock I will build My church.” There is a play here on the word rock, which also happens to be Peter’s name. Jesus said, “you are Peter” and “on this rock”, “I will build My church.” The Holy Spirit came upon the church on the Day of Pentecost in response to Peter’s sermon when “about 3,000 souls were added [to the body of believers]” (Ac 2:41). This group, along with the original disciples, became “the church.”

Peter offers us a divine perspective on living as strangers in a world that is increasingly hostile to Christ’s gospel. By pointing us to the living hope that is ours in Christ, this letter comforts us in times of adversity and affliction. Peter encourages believers to live blameless lives so that those who slander them will be ashamed.

Peter appears almost foolish and impetuous at times (jumping out of boats, correcting Jesus, talking aimlessly). And he ultimately denied any knowledge of Jesus after publicly boasting of his brave devotion. We find evidence that Peter had taken Jesus’ correction to heart. He examined. He thought. He evaluated. He addressed his problem seriously.

From his writings we know that Peter didn’t simply execute a quick fix of his behavior. He examined definitions and attitudes that permitted him to assume that his destructive behavior patterns were not acceptable. When he wrote, “with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope” (1 Peter 1:13), he was addressing attitudes that determine actions. When he wrote, “rid yourself of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander” (2:1), he was not suggesting only that the reader develop new behavioral patterns. He knew that, unless a person adjusts these internal constructs, problematic behavior will follow.

Many of us are exactly like Peter and feel we will never fulfill what God has called us to do, but just keep standing and the Holy Spirit will complete the work He has started in you. Its not yourself effort but God working in you.