Peter's Firsts

The Apostle Peter has often been a favorite of Bible scholars. I think many can identify with the outspoken man whose heart was in the right place but still made his blunders. Being bold and impulsive, Peter has a long list of firsts.  He was - - -

• the first follower of Jesus
• the  first to name Jesus as the Messiah
• the first to receive a new name from Jesus
• the first (other than Jesus) to walk on water
• the first to violently defend Jesus when he pulls out his sword in the Garden of Gethsemane
• the first disciple to walk into Jesus' empty tomb
• the first to get to Jesus in the shores of the Sea of Tiberias after the resurrection
• the first to preach about Jesus in the public square
• the first to lead the new Church of believers in Christ

Peter was brought low by his denial of Jesus at His trial. It humbled the disciple and made him a better servant of the Lord. Jesus forgave him, and he had to forgive himself. He'd been bold when he was with Jesus but faltered when away from Him. However, he would be bold for Christ again as he led the Church and spread the gospel message. We should do likewise.

(Firsts are taken from Sifted by Rick Lawrence)

________________________________