Introduction
Methodology
The research methodology used for this biography on Peter is a scholarly evaluation. While there were many popular sources (pastors or specialist) available on this topic, they often adapted their findings to appeal to a general audience. Additionally, these popular sources mainly offer a quick and sometimes bias overview of the life of Peter rather than an objective and comprehensive academic account. Therefore, popular sources were not used for research in writing this paper. The selected scholarly sources in the bibliography below were evaluated for their objective academic perspective, which was either peer reviewed or considered to be the one of the leading commentaries in its field.
Opening Statement The Apostle Peter (Simon Peter) is known as the “Apostle to the Apostles” by the early Christian Church. Why was he considered with such distinction? Although impetuous in nature, he had learned to submit his …show more content…
Jesus indicates that Peter’s confession does not come from mere insight or worldly wisdom, but has been given directly from God. Consequently, Peter will be the “rock” that Christ will build his church, indicating “Peter’s strength of character and future role in the church.” While there are differences of opinion on what “rock” means, it is clear that Peter is singled out by Christ to be a leader from within the circle of disciples. Barber agrees, “Jesus’ bestowal of the “keys to the kingdom” on Peter in Matthew 16:19 appears to draw on Isaiah 22:22, where the “keys to the house of David” is given to Eliakim, a figure given the position of “chief steward.” Yet, Wilkins cautions, “ he [Peter] is still within the circle of disciples, so he is not being set apart from or above the rest.” While these verses create a vast amount of discussion among the church, one thing is for sure, Peter has gone from being a follower to a disciple with bestowed authority from
Methodology
The research methodology used for this biography on Peter is a scholarly evaluation. While there were many popular sources (pastors or specialist) available on this topic, they often adapted their findings to appeal to a general audience. Additionally, these popular sources mainly offer a quick and sometimes bias overview of the life of Peter rather than an objective and comprehensive academic account. Therefore, popular sources were not used for research in writing this paper. The selected scholarly sources in the bibliography below were evaluated for their objective academic perspective, which was either peer reviewed or considered to be the one of the leading commentaries in its field.
Opening Statement The Apostle Peter (Simon Peter) is known as the “Apostle to the Apostles” by the early Christian Church. Why was he considered with such distinction? Although impetuous in nature, he had learned to submit his …show more content…
Jesus indicates that Peter’s confession does not come from mere insight or worldly wisdom, but has been given directly from God. Consequently, Peter will be the “rock” that Christ will build his church, indicating “Peter’s strength of character and future role in the church.” While there are differences of opinion on what “rock” means, it is clear that Peter is singled out by Christ to be a leader from within the circle of disciples. Barber agrees, “Jesus’ bestowal of the “keys to the kingdom” on Peter in Matthew 16:19 appears to draw on Isaiah 22:22, where the “keys to the house of David” is given to Eliakim, a figure given the position of “chief steward.” Yet, Wilkins cautions, “ he [Peter] is still within the circle of disciples, so he is not being set apart from or above the rest.” While these verses create a vast amount of discussion among the church, one thing is for sure, Peter has gone from being a follower to a disciple with bestowed authority from