1 Peter Introduction
- The Apostle Peter wrote this letter with Silvanus (aka Silas).
- Peter most likely wrote this letter around 62-63 AD.
- After Jesus himself, the most frequently named person in the gospels is Peter.
- Peter was originally named Simon, his father was named John and we know he was married.
- The apostles were: 1) eye witnesses to the life and ministry of Jesus Christ; given authority by Jesus to speak for and about him; 3) given a clear, accurate understanding of the gospel by the Holy Spirit; and 4) given the ability to confirm their authority with signs.
Peter’s Calling
5:1On one occasion, while the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he was standing by the lake of Gennesaret, 2and he saw two boats by the lake, but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. 3Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, he asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the people from the boat. 4And when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” 5And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.” 6And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking. 7They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. 8But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” 9For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish that they had taken, 10and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” 11And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him. – Luke 5:1-11 ESV
- Jesus meets Peter in the midst of his daily life with a request to use his common job skills: rowing and fishing.
- The Sea of Galilee (Lake Genessaret) drops off into deep water close to the shore. You can fish two ways: 1) you can cast from a boat because it’s too deep to stand on the shore; 2) or you can drag a net through the deep waters with two boats.
- All good fisherman would know that the best fishing takes place at night when it’s harder for the fish to see and avoid the net.
- In Luke 5:5 Peter addresses Jesus as “teacher” (i.e. boss or master).
- The great catch of fish in this climax of the story. Essentially, Peter has hit the financial jackpot.
- Why is Jesus still a penniless rabbi wandering around the region teaching people for free? Because he knows there’s something more valuable than all the riches of the world.
- In Luke 5:8 Peter addresses Jesus as “lord.”
- Jesus offers Peter the chance to be part of something bigger than chasing financial freedom. He offers Peter not words of financial security, but words of eternal security.
- His offer is so compelling that Peter is willing to leave everything, to walk away from his business and his livelihood to follow this traveling teacher.
Please listen to the podcast for more detail and explanation.
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Series: 1Peter: Living as aliens and strangers
Study: 1Peter Resources
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