The Apostle Peter. Did Peter Betray Jesus? Peter Is The Most Slandered Person In the Bible.
Let me answer the question did Peter Betray Jesus? No Peter did not Betray Jesus. Peter Denied Jesus three times. To deny knowing Jesus is not the same thing as Betraying Jesus.
Christians deny being a Christian when they are out and about doing things they should not be doing. They might be wearing a Christian T-shirt while they are buying a pornographic magazine. “I did not know that Jesus was OK with Pornography,” said the cashier to Joe. Joe replies, “Oh, I have to wear these type of T-shirts because my wife is a Christian. She buys them for me.”
Peter’s Denial was not a Rejection of Jesus and Christianity. If someone asks you, Did Peter Betray Jesus? Tell them no. Peter was caught with the wrong crowd. He denied knowing Jesus which is far different than Betrayal.
Peter and his brother Andrew were the first two Disciples called by Jesus.
Matthew 4:18 And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. 19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. 20 And they straightway left their nets, and followed him. 21 And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them. 22 And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him.
Peter and Andrew were fishermen by trade. They were educated in the Hebrew Scriptures. They were looking for the promised Messiah. So when Jesus called them to follow him they immediately followed him without question.
Although Peter did not write any of the four Gospels. Historical accounts say that the Gospel of Mark records Peter’s account of Jesus’ ministry through his companion, John Mark.
Jesus said Follow Me.
What an honor it was to be chosen as one of the 12 disciples. When Jesus called the 12 it was a Supernatural event. Jesus knows the minds of men. He knew each of the 12 and what they would bring to his ministry.
Peter had a wife.
Matthew 8:14 And when Jesus was come into Peter’s house, he saw his wife’s mother laid, and sick of a fever. 15 And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them.
Peter was the 1st Pope?
Peter was not the 1st Pope. That is a False teaching from the Catholic Church. Peter was married not a celibate Pope. Peter means pebble not a Rock.
Jesus did not Start any Denominations. He did not start any of the Churches that claim him as the founder. Neither did Peter or any other follower of Jesus.
Jesus is the Church.
Everyone who is Saved becomes a member of this Church. The Christian Church is the body of Christ.
The Disciples of Jesus did plant Churches. But they were called the Church in Ephesus, the Church in Corinth etc… They did not separate away from Jesus Christ and form Independent Denominations. All the Churches founded by the Disciples were Churches of Jesus Christ. They were Christian Churches.
The Baptist Church
Has no link to Jesus, John the Baptist, or any of Jesus’ Disciples no matter what you have read or heard. The Baptist Church was founded by John Smyth in 1608. Since 1608 there have been hundreds of different Baptist Church Denominations.
The Catholic Church
Claims Peter as its founder but that is a Lie. Constantine created the Roman Church and Called it Christianity. It was not Christianity it was a counterfeit Religion.
Constantine took the Roman gods and melded them into his Religion which eventually became the Roman Catholic Church. In 313 AD, Constantine the Emperor issued the Edict of Milan, which granted Christianity, as well as most other religions, legal status. Some historians and religious leaders say Constantine was the 1st Pope. Although it would be over a hundred years in the future before the title Pope was given.
There was no Catholic Church that resembles Catholicism as we know it until 440 AD. It was not until the fifth century before there was anything remotely like a pope in Rome. Some say that Leo was the First True Pope. His reign was from AD 440-461.
Other “Christian” Churches
The Lutheran Church: Was founded by Martin Luther in 1520. The Methodist Church: Was founded by Charles and John Wesley in 1938.
I could write hundreds of pages on every different type of Church and Chruch Denominations. Each of these would have its origin in a man or a woman hundreds of years removed from Jesus.
Peter and Jesus
Matthew 16:13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?
14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.
15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
18 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.
If you understand basic English you will easily see that Peter is not the Rock that Jesus will build his Church on.
The way people want you to read this passage makes no sense. If Peter was the Rock Jesus was going to build his Church on he would have said, “That thou art Peter, you are the Rock I will build my Church on.” Peter also would have been shocked, honored and surprised by this and would have said so.
What the passage actually says is straight forward. Jesus question is who do men say that I am. Simon Peter said “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the of the living God.”
Jesus said to Peter’s answer: “upon this Rock I will build my Church.” Jesus clearly explained that he was the Rock. He was replying to Peter calling him the Christ the Son of God. Which was calling Jesus the promised Messiah.
Peter was the most aggressive and outspoken disciple.
He was portrayed as being, impetuous, always speaking his mind and acting on impulse. He was always ready to do anything that Jesus asked him.
Peter was part of Jesus inner circle. He was a great man.
Peter walked on the Water. That was how much Faith he had. It doesn’t matter that he eventually sank into the water. He believed Jesus and walked on the Water.
When he sank Jesus was there to reach down and pull him up. Guess what happened next? Peter walked on the water with Jesus back to the boat. Jesus did not carry Peter back to the boat Peter walked with Jesus on the water back to the boat.
If we exercise our Faith Like Peter did we can be very successful in our Christian walk.
When you step out on Faith and start to succeed do not panic if things start to fall apart. Jesus is there to pull you up out of the water and walk with you on the water. Jesus is always there to help you.
Matthew 16:21 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.
22 Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.
23 But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.
Wow! “Get thee behind me Satan…” This is the harshest statement Jesus said to any of the disciples, including Judas. It shows that Satan sought to use Peter to obstruct Jesus Passion. Yes Satan can use us too…
Every time we fall into Sin we shame Jesus and Satan uses this to hurt Christianity. Our Sins sets us back in the service of Jesus.
Peter was a regular man, just like most of us. He had ups and downs.
Peter had amazing Highs. And the Lowest Lows. Peter’s Zeal and desire to serve Jesus was real. He was very reactive and outspoken, which got him into trouble.
John 18:7 Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth. 8 Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way: 9 That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none. 10 Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus. 11 Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it? 12 Then the band and the captain and officers of the Jews took Jesus, and bound him, 13 And led him away to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, which was the high priest that same year.
Other than Jesus, Simon Peter is my favorite person in the New Testament. Everyone else I know chooses Paul, not a bad Choice.
I LOVE Peter because he doesn’t just say something.
He backs up his words with action. Think about the situation. There are a bunch of heavily armed Roman soldiers. This does not stop Peter from pulling his sword and using it. Peter was ready to die for Jesus.
Peter is a real man. I can identify with Peter because I have plenty of my own faults and a strong Heart for the ministry like Peter.
Matthew 26:31 Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad. 32 But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee. 33 Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended. 34 Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. 35 Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples. 36 Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder. 37 And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy.
Peter was not just running his mouth. He was not being cocky. He was not full of himself. He meant and believed every word he said.
Matthew 26:69 Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee. 70 But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest. 71 And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth. 72 And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man. 73 And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee. 74 Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew. 75 And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.
Already that night Peter had cut off Malchus ear in front of Roman Soldiers. He was ready to die. Facing off against Roman Soldiers is suicidal especially being vastly outnumbered.
The age old question is why did Peter Deny Jesus? He obviously was no Coward.
I look at it this way: Have you ever been with a dying person in real pain? It is devastating and extremely stressful. You are totally helpless, powerless to help.
Peter was totally helpless. He was as close to Jesus as possible during his journey to the Cross. Peter wanted to be near Jesus and did not want to get caught. So, he denied Jesus 3 times.
Peter did not feared death. He did not want to die a useless death by being caught standing by the fire. He already showed his willingness to die trying to protect Jesus.
When Peter realized he had done exactly what Jesus said he would do, to deny Jesus 3 times. He broke down and he wept bitterly. The situation was too much for him to handle.
John 21:3 Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing.
4 But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus.
5 Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No.
6 And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.
7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher’s coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea.
8 And the other disciples came in a little ship; (for they were not far from land, but as it were two hundred cubits,) dragging the net with fishes.
9 As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread.
10 Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught.
11 Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken.
12 Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord.
13 Jesus then cometh, and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish likewise.
14 This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead.
15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
18 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.
19 This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.
This passage shows Peter quitting the ministry.
He went back to being a Fisherman. He was Fishing when Jesus 1st called him and said Follow me. The passage ends with Jesus again telling Peter to “Follow me.”
Peter denied Jesus 3 times and Jesus here asks Peter 3 times if he Loved him. And 3 times he tells Peter to feed his sheep.
Jesus Forgave Peter and restored him to the ministry he had called him to.
It is essential to understand that Peter did not Betray Jesus like Judas did.
I get angry when people compare Peter to Judas. Judas was a Devil. Yes Jesus said Judas was a Devil. Judas took 30 pieces of silver to betray Jesus.
Peter was nothing like Judas. Peter and John are the only two disciples that stayed with Jesus after he was taken prisoner by the Romans. The other 9 (Judas had already hung himself.) ran away frightened. Also Peter was not the only disciple that went back to their original career.
All of the disciples were in a fog they should have been waiting for Jesus Resurrection.
Jesus told them he would be Resurrected. Every disciple other than John lacked Faith. They could not fathom the reality of Jesus being crucified.
Peter did not reject Jesus. He denied Jesus by saying he was not one of his disciples. The Bible makes it clear he did it out of Fear. Does the Bible show Peter rejecting the Gospel and denying what Jesus taught? No it clearly does not.
Peter he followed Jesus from every place he was taken.
He did not abandon Jesus. John was with Jesus until he died. And was taken down from the cross.
Peter and John were together after Jesus resurrection. They went to Jesus tomb together. That is not the action of someone who had rejected the Christian Faith. Someone who had rejected Jesus like countless Pastor’s teach.
John 20:1 The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre. 2 Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him. 3 Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre. 4 So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre. 5 And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in. 6 Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie, 7 And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself. 8 Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed.
Peter never lost his Faith in Jesus.
I love Peter he had the Faith to walk on water. Only Jesus and Peter have ever walked on water. Peter took up his sword to fight to keep the Romans from taking Jesus away.
You have to know that Satan caused the Fear Peter had when he denied Jesus 3 times. Peter is the disciple Jesus went to and told: “Feed my Sheep.” Jesus did not have any doubt in Peter’s Faith in him.
Jesus wants us all to serve in the Christian Ministry. Just because you may fall and fail Jesus doesn’t mean Jesus wants you to quit serving him. Jesus will restore you like he restored Peter.
If you have not, please ask Jesus to Save you.
Romans 10:8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
