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| A MAN NAMED "THE ROCK" |
| Peter slowly learned how to live up to his nickname. |
| Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 5:6 |
| You can't miss Peter in the four Gospels. He stands out like a bumpkin, pushing to the head of the line and coming out with loud, outrageous assertions. Every list of the disciples names him first, and Peter is often seen elbowing his way to center stage. He was likable enough, with a big heart and unlimited enthusiasm. He just had too many rough edges. He swung like a pendulum, bold and courageous at one moment, yet cowardly when it really counted. Signs of Mellowing But by the time Peter sat down to write this letter, late in his life, a lot had changed. You can sense the change in the very words he chooses: words like humble and submit. This book contains nothing of the brash, aggressive style evident in the Gospels. He is heeding Jesus' last command to him: "Feed my sheep" (John 21:17). Gruff Peter has become a tender shepherd. To get the full impact of Peter's transformation, you must read about him in the Gospels (especially in Mark), and then turn directly to this letter. Blustery, loudmouthed Peter now counsels wives with consideration and respect (3:7). The man who sliced off an ear in Jesus' defense (John 18:10) now advises submission to every government authority (2:13). Peter once vigorously protested Jesus' prediction of death (Mark 8:32); now he solemnly commends Christ's suffering as an ideal (2:21-24). It's easy to believe Peter is describing himself when he writes such statements as "Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God" (2:10) and "You were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls" (2:25). Over time the shifting sand of |