721. JOH 1:41, JOH 1:42. HISTORY OF PETER. [NO. I.]
Joh_1:41, Joh_1:42. History of Peter. [No. I.]
"He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone."’97Joh_1:41, Joh_1:42.
Peter’s life and character occupy a large portion of the narrative and historical parts of the New Testament. His character stands forth very prominently, both as a devoted Christian, and a distinguished laborer in the kingdom of Jesus. In taking a brief sketch of his life, we may notice,
I. His introduction to Jesus.
It is supposed that he had been one of John’s disciples, and was therefore waiting, in ardent hope, for the coming of the Messiah. It is evident this was the case with his brother Andrew; see Joh_1:35. Andrew having received Christ, as the expected Saviour, immediately findeth his brother, and communicates the glad tidings to him; Joh_1:14. How much is comprehended in those words! Here was indeed the pearl of peerless price. God’s unspeakable gift. He not only relates the joyous tidings, but takes Peter to Christ. Joh_1:42. "Brought him to Jesus." From love to both. How excellent the conduct of Andrew! how worthy of imitation! Should not all brethren, parents, friends, do the same?
Observe,
II. Christ’s recognition of Peter.
Thou art Simon, or Symeon. A very common Jewish name. And he mentions his parentage’97the son of Jona. Here Jesus showed his knowledge of Peter. He then adds, thou shalt be called Cephas; the Syriac name for Peter; and both signifying "Rock;" doubtless by this intending to show the energy, firmness, and perseverance he should display, as one of his most illustrious disciples.
It is scarcely necessary that I should remind you of Peter’s original condition and calling. He was a fisherman, and probably a native of Bethsaida. No illustrious origin’97no worldly glory or influence’97no learning or intellectual distinction! A plain, humble, laborious fisherman. It has been supposed that he was one of the oldest of the disciples; and that he was born, at least, seventeen years before our blessed Lord. Observe, when called to the discipleship, he was engaged in his worldly pursuit: Mat_4:18. He and his brother are called by Christ, and they at once left all, and followed him. The terms of the call were striking’97"Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." The same calling spiritualized. The world, the sea. The gospel, the net. Souls, the fish. Their salvation, the end. Both labors of toil, and self-denial, and peril. Consider Peter,
III. As elevated to the apostolic office.
Mat_10:1, Mat_10:2. Here we find the precedence given to Peter. He is not only one of the highest officers in the church of Christ, but the very first of them; and this supremacy is exhibited in several striking events in his life. Not as having power over the other apostles, but being distinguished above them. As an apostle, he was to bear witness for Christ. He was to learn of the Saviour, concerning the laws, &c., of his kingdom. He was to preach the gospel of the kingdom. He was endowed with extraordinary gifts and miraculous powers. Moreover, as the first apostle, he was to be the rock and basis of the Christian kingdom.
This leads us,
IV. To his good confession, and the distinction conferred upon him by Christ.
See the account of this, Mat_16:13. A more clear and full confession of Christ could not be made. How striking the terms employed: "Christ"’97the anointed of Heaven’97"Son of the living God," &c. Christ eulogizes the confession, and immediately distinguishes Peter; Mat_16:18. Now, we all know the perversion of this passage by Romanists. But have not Protestants gone to the other extreme? They have made the confession, the rock. Christ says it of Peter’97not of his confession. The meaning is obvious. The Divine kingdom must have a beginning. Peter was the first stone, laid at the base. The first preacher of it. Had the keys to open the door and admit the
Jews, and afterwards opened the door to the Gentiles,’97in the case of Cornelius.
Thus Peter was the rock’97not meritoriously or efficiently’97but in being the first agent in the new kingdom. Here is nothing to support Romish superstition; and nothing to produce Protestant anxiety for the truth. How distinguished does this servant of Jesus now appear’97how excellent his character’97how glorious his office’97how high his commendation! But as the highest hills are often surrounded by the deepest valleys, we are now called to see Peter,
V. As exhibiting very imperfect views of Christ and his kingdom.
How good was his confession, &c.; yet doubtless, with the rest of his countrymen, he anticipated a kingdom visible, powerful; and arrayed in earthly magnificence and splendor. He did not see the traits by which it should be distinguished. Hence, when Jesus began to unfold his humiliation and sufferings, and to predict his death, &c., we see the ignorance and infirmities of Peter elicited. Mat_16:21.
Now, observe the personal peculiarities of Peter’s mind and temper:’97ardent, earnest, impetuous, hasty. No doubt love and zeal had much to do with it. But it was irreverent in Peter to rebuke Christ. It was daring to say that Christ’s own declaration should not be fulfilled. It drew upon Peter the severe reproof of the Saviour. Christ styles him "Satan," or adversary. Thou now speakest as an adversary. "Get thee behind me;" desist from thy remarks; thou art an offence, &c. "Thou savorest not"’97hast not drank into the true spirit of my religion; yet ignorant and earthly.
Here, for the present, we will leave this distinguished servant of Jesus, having witnessed both his exaltation and depression. Having seen his noble spirit, and heard his good confession, and observed also his infirmity as a man. We have seen already in Peter,
1. Much to admire and imitate.
2. And something to blame and pity. Let us copy the one, and avoid the other.
Autor: JABEZ BURNS