Questions on Peter and Christ

[Dimmers]

Okay, so Peter denies Christ 3 times. Jesus said only 1 of them would betray him. That person was Judas. Jesus already knew and Peter already knew that Peter would deny Christ 3 times. So from what I see Christ Jesus didn’t consider that much of a betrayal.

In John 21 we know Christ forgives him during the fishing trip. But I’ve seen some apologetics use John 21 to back-up the Papacy.

Which one is it? Or is it both? Is there something I am missing?

But what is the significance of Peter’s denial? What comes out of it?

 

[SemperJase]

Dimmers:

But what is the significance of Peter’s denial? What comes out of it?

I’ll take a stab at this one. The significance really comes later. All the disciples fled. Peter then denies Christ. Peter had already told Jesus he believed Jesus was the Son of God. Jesus was deserted and the disciples were fleeing because they feared for their lives. This all looks pretty bleak for Jesus being the Messiah.

Something happens in the next three days that changes the history of the world. Jesus resurrects. But did he really?

Well look at Peter. He denies Christ but only a few days later he begins proclaiming Jesus had risen. He was prepared to die and eventually did die for someone he had denied. Something significant had to have happened to warrant that change. That points to the truth of the resurrection.

 

[jimmy]

Dimmers:

Okay, so Peter denies Christ 3 times. Jesus said only 1 of them would betray him. That person was Judas. Jesus already knew and Peter already knew that Peter would deny Christ 3 times. So from what I see Christ Jesus didn’t consider that much of a betrayal.

In John 21 we know Christ forgives him during the fishing trip. But I’ve seen some apologetics use John 21 to back-up the Papacy.

Which one is it? Or is it both? Is there something I am missing?

But what is the significance of Peter’s denial? What comes out of it?

What comes out of Peters denial is the forgiveness of the sin of Peter and the affirmation of his faith. Peter fell and rejected Christ, but he was lifted up to be a pillar of the faith. This is a great view of redemption.

It is also showing Peters primacy when Christ forgives him because Christ singles him out from the bunch and chooses Peter to feed His sheep. He chooses Peter for martyrdom. He chooses Peter to be the first.

So the answer is both.

I would also say that when Christ mentioning one betraying Him, He is speaking of the immediate future and of the handing Him over only. I have never really thought of it going beyond that night.

 

[NotWorthy]

I think Peter is also a great example for us to live by. All of us who are impulsive and quick to gain in Spirit only to fall during the first trial that comes upon us. Peter demonstrates this numerous times. Throughout the Gospels, Simon Peter is anything but a Rock.

But in Acts, Peter is transformed like no other person in the Bible to become the Rock that Jesus saw in him back in John chapter 1.

Yeah, not entirely on topic, but worth mentioning.

Notworthy

 

[AquinasXVI]

I once heard a priest say that Christ did the preemptive strike of all preemtive strikes when he says to Peter, I have prayed for you and when you return, strengthen your brothers. Christ knew the denials are coming and he also knew that Peter will repent and rise. Christ and the Devil are warring for his heart and Christ knows he will win and prophesies to Peter. He forgives him in advance of the sin Peter is about to make.

in XT.

 

[SPH1]

SemperJase:

I’ll take a stab at this one. The significance really comes later. All the disciples fled. Peter then denies Christ. Peter had already told Jesus he believed Jesus was the Son of God. Jesus was deserted and the disciples were fleeing because they feared for their lives. This all looks pretty bleak for Jesus being the Messiah.

Something happens in the next three days that changes the history of the world. Jesus resurrects. But did he really?

Well look at Peter. He denies Christ but only a few days later he begins proclaiming Jesus had risen. He was prepared to die and eventually did die for someone he had denied. Something significant had to have happened to warrant that change. That points to the truth of the resurrection.

Exactly! I used the same reasoning for myself many years ago. A way Peter strengthens us today. Peter and the Papacy are a special testimony to Christ’s resurrection, proof that Peter changed his mind and died for Christ.