This is part of a series studying Peter’s life and ministry.  Click here for the entire series.

What is so remarkable about Peter that we should devote our time to studying his life and writings?  I can think of a number of reasons:

•   Peter was one of first disciples Jesus selected. John 1:40

•   He often served as spokesman for disciples, or at least spoke first, hence is recognized as a leader among Jesus’ disciples.

•   In some cases Peter is mentioned alone, though other disciples were most likely present. Luke 8:45

•   While Jesus may we have visited the homes of various followers, the only recorded visit was to Peter’s house. Matthew 8:14

•   Though clearly Peter’s fishing business partners John and James were present, Jesus chose to use Peter’s fishing as a pulpit for preaching to crowds who stood on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. Luke 5:3

•   In a style that he all too often was known for, Peter rebuked Jesus for foretelling His death (Mark 8:33), which Peter thought would never happen.

•   Three times denied he knew Jesus when He was on trial, but at least he stayed close to Jesus when apparently the other disciples didn’t.

•  It doesn’t take long reading the history of the early church in the Book of Acts to draw the conclusion that Peter was clearly the main leader before—and even after—the Apostle Paul burst on the scene. Acts 1-12

The story of Peter’s life is remarkable.  He started as a fisherman with lots of rough edges—without formal religious education, a tendency to talk first and think later.  But Jesus sanded off those edges and polished him up to be one of the key leaders in the early church.

Are you willing to let God show you Who He is and experience what it means to walk with Him daily?

Are you ready to ask God to make you more like Christ, changing you like He changed Peter?