Chapter 51—A Faithful Under-Shepherd
This chapter is based on the
First Epistle of Peter
.
Little mention is made in the book of Acts of the later work of
the apostle Peter. During the busy years of ministry that followed the
outpouring of the Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, he was among those
who put forth untiring efforts to reach the Jews who came to Jerusalem
to worship at the time of the annual festivals.
As the number of believers multiplied in Jerusalem and in other
places visited by the messengers of the cross, the talents possessed
by Peter proved of untold value to the early Christian church. The
influence of his testimony concerning Jesus of Nazareth extended far
and wide. Upon him had been laid a double responsibility. He bore
positive witness concerning the Messiah before unbelievers, laboring
earnestly for their conversion; and at the same time he did a special
work for believers, strengthening them in the faith of Christ.
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It was after Peter had been led to self-renunciation and entire
reliance upon divine power, that he received his call to act as an
undershepherd. Christ had said to Peter, before his denial of Him,
“When thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.”
Luke 22:32
. These
words were significant of the wide and effectual work which this
apostle was to do in the future for those who should come to the
faith. For this work, Peter’s own experience of sin and suffering and
repentance had prepared him. Not until he had learned his weakness,
could he know the believer’s need of dependence on Christ. Amid
the storm of temptation he had come to understand that man can walk
safely only as in utter self-distrust he relies upon the Saviour.
At the last meeting of Christ with His disciples by the sea, Peter,
tested by the thrice-repeated question, “Lovest thou Me?” (
John 21:15-
17
), had been restored to his place among the Twelve. His work had
been appointed him; he was to feed the Lord’s flock. Now, converted
and accepted, he was not only to seek to save those without the fold,
but was to be a shepherd of the sheep.
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