Preface

by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson
Audio (3:18)

Free E-mail Bible Study Apostle Peter: Disciple Lessons from the Rock

Gilbert Pownall, detail of 'St. Peter' (1932-33), mosaic of apostles, arch over the high altar, Westminster (Catholic) Cathedral, London. Altered by Photoshop to remove distortion, etc.

Peter is one of the best-known characters in the Bible. Everyone knows about his fishing, walking on water, and denying Christ. Is there anything new to learn? Yes. It's one thing to learn stories as a child. It is quite another to process them deeply as adult disciples. We see so much more!

In this study we consider each appearance of Peter in the New Testament. But we go deeper, seeking to understand Peter's heart and zeal, his weaknesses and strengths. We seek to grasp how God is molding him.

Peter is mentioned in the Gospels far more times than all the other eleven apostles put together. In 8 or 9 instances, he serves mainly as the spokesman for the other disciples and isn't integrally involved in the narrative. But where Peter is part of the action or teaching, we'll spend the time to examine the context, the action, the related teachings, and see what we can apply to our lives. Here and there we'll draw wisdom from the mature apostle's letters, 1 and 2 Peter.¹

This study goes beyond being a biography. Rather it is a study designed to grow disciples today, using the life of Peter as a means to that end. We walk in Peter's steps and learn as he learned. We observe the younger, brash Peter and compare him to the apostle whose shadow heals people, who witnesses with bravery, preaches with power, and ministers with grace.

These materials can be used for individual study, as well as with a partner, small group, or class. Probing discussion questions help get at the main issues the text presents to us.

While the study is designed for the thoughtful lay reader, preachers and teachers will appreciate that the study is heavily footnoted with word definitions, Scripture cross-references, and sources used, drastically cutting down the time of sermon preparation. Indeed, many incidents from Peter's life can be easily formed into sermons drawing from the background materials presented here.

St. Peter: Disciple Lessons from the Rock, by Ralph F. Wilson

Available in book versions: paperback, PDF, and Kindle

More than anything else, my prayer is that by studying the life of Peter, named "Rock" by his Master, you may grow as a disciple and enter further into your own ministry.

Yours in Christ's service,
Pastor Ralph
April 1, 2025
Loomis, California

End Notes

References and Abbreviations

[1] Despite problems raised with Peter's authorship by some, I believe that accepting the letters as genuine is the best approach. To deny his authorship of 2 Peter, for example, raises more problems than it solves. For more see the introductions to my studies of 1 Peter and 2 Peter.

Apostle Peter: Disciple Lessons from the Rock

Jesus' Parables for Disciples, by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson

Discipleship for New Believers

In-depth Bible study books

You can purchase one of Dr. Wilson's complete Bible studies in PDF, Kindle, or paperback format -- currently 48 books in the JesusWalk Bible Study Series.

Old Testament

Gospels

Acts

Pauline Epistles

General Epistles

Revelation

Topical

Glorious Kingdom, The

Grace: Favor for the Undeserving

My books are available in paperback and Kindle from Amazon.