More about Peter

On the Sea of Galilee, after Jesus’ resurrection, Peter and Jesus had a conversation that led to Peter’s reinstatement:

“When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?’
‘Yes, Lord,’ he said, ‘you know that I love you.’
Jesus said, ‘Feed my lambs.’
Again Jesus said, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’
He answered, ‘Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.’
Jesus said, ‘Take care of my sheep.’
The third time he said to him, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, ‘Do you love me?’
He said, ‘Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.’
Jesus said, ‘Feed my sheep.’”
— John 21:15–17 (NIV)

Since Peter had denied Jesus three times, Jesus asked him three times if he loved Him—almost as if to give Peter a chance to undo each denial with a declaration of love. Each time, Jesus followed with a command: “Feed my sheep.” I think Jesus repeated this not just as a reminder, but as a commissioning—to instill in Peter’s heart the responsibility to care for God’s people.

Later, we see Peter living out that calling. After his powerful, Spirit-filled sermon at Pentecost, he truly became the shepherd Jesus asked him to be—boldly leading, teaching, and nurturing the early church.

What’s remarkable to me is how God completely transformed Peter. Just weeks before, he was the man who caved to fear and denied knowing Jesus. But through grace and the power of the Holy Spirit, that same man became the fearless preacher who proclaimed the gospel to the crowds in Jerusalem. This was the beginning of Peter stepping fully into the purpose God had for him.

God gave Peter everything he needed to fulfill that calling—the courage, the conviction, and the wisdom to lead others in faith. As the Spirit moved through him, countless others were moved as well. The message of Jesus began to spread rapidly, and thousands were baptized. Peter’s ministry reached not just the Jews, but also the Gentiles and Samaritans.

This outreach fulfilled a prophecy from Isaiah 49:6:

“‘It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the preserved ones of Israel; I will also make You a light for the Gentiles, that You may bring My salvation to the ends of the earth.’”

This prophecy was about Jesus—the true Servant of God—whose salvation would extend to all people. Yet through Peter and the apostles, that mission came alive. The Holy Spirit moved powerfully at Pentecost, igniting hearts and launching a movement that continues today.

It’s incredible to think about how God used one transformed life to reach so many others. Peter’s story reminds me that when we let God work through us, our faith doesn’t stop with us—it multiplies. What began as one moment of redemption on the shore became a legacy that changed the world.

Peter’s Miracles

After Pentecost, Peter performed many miracles that revealed God’s power and drew people to faith.

One of these took place in the town of Lydda, outside Jerusalem, where Peter healed a man named Aeneas who had been paralyzed for eight years:

“Aeneas,” Peter said to him, “Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and roll up your mat.”
Immediately Aeneas got up. — Acts 9:34

This miracle inspired many to turn from their own ways and toward God.

Shortly after, in that same chapter, we read about a woman named Dorcas (also called Tabitha), who became sick and died. When the disciples in Lydda heard Peter was nearby, they sent for him.

“Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, ‘Tabitha, get up.’ She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called for the believers, especially the widows, and presented her to them alive.” — Acts 9:40–41 (NIV)

These stories remind us that God still works through those who are willing to listen and obey. Every believer has a purpose and an assignment—it’s just a matter of turning toward God for direction.

Through each of these miracles, Peter continued to grow into the leader Jesus knew he could be. His story proves that God doesn’t need perfect people to build His kingdom—He just needs willing hearts.

Another powerful example appears earlier in Acts 3, when Peter and John encounter a lame beggar at the temple gate:

“Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.”
Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk, then went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God.” — Acts 3:6–8

The people were amazed, recognizing the man who had once begged daily at the gate. Acts 3:10 says, “…and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.”

Peter’s obedience was contagious. His faith brought others to faith, and his courage inspired a movement that was “making heaven crowded.”

I also think this story is a reminder to be grateful for those God places in our path to help us. I know in my own life, there are many people I need to thank—those who have prayed for me, supported me, and helped me grow in faith. God often works through people, and when we pay attention, we can see Him moving behind the scenes.

Peter’s Persecution

In Acts 4, we read about Peter and John’s persecution and later, their imprisonment. The Sadducees—wealthy and powerful Jewish leaders who controlled the temple—were “greatly disturbed” because Peter and John were teaching about Jesus and proclaiming the resurrection. (Acts 4:2)

They arrested them but later released them after questioning their authority. When asked by what power the beggar had been healed, Peter boldly replied:

“If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed.” — Acts 4:8–10

The courage Peter and John displayed here is incredible. They stood before influential leaders—men of status and authority—and refused to back down. The Sadducees feared that followers of Jesus would disrupt their laws and political order, yet Peter and John stayed firm in faith, declaring truth over fear.

Acts 4:14 says, “But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say.” Even in the face of opposition, God’s power spoke louder than words.

When the Sadducees ordered them not to speak of Jesus again, Peter and John answered,

“Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to Him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” — Acts 4:19–20

That boldness is something our world still needs today. We live in a culture where many hesitate to share their faith, but Peter and John remind us that obedience to God matters more than the approval of people.

Acts 4:21–22 tells us that after more threats, they were released—because the people were praising God for the miracle. Over 5,000 came to believe because of their testimony.

Conclusion

Through all of this, Peter became exactly who Jesus called him to be—a bold leader, miracle worker, and faithful servant. His story reminds us that God doesn’t require perfection to fulfill His plan—He just requires a willing heart.

Peter’s journey after Pentecost proves that ordinary people can do extraordinary things through the power of God. Peter experienced a season in his life that once looked like weakness, but God turned it into strength. What once was fear became fire—lit within Peter’s spirit, as we see when he and John stood before the Sadducees.

Like Peter, we are called to feed God’s sheep by sharing the message of Jesus—to serve, to love deeply, and to walk faithfully wherever we may go. The same Spirit that empowered Peter still lives in us today, even thousands of years later. We can still stand firm in our faith, love wholeheartedly, and say “yes” to God’s calling for each and every one of us.

Just like Peter, we can change the lives of others and draw more people closer to God. When we allow the Spirit to move freely in our lives, miracles happen, hearts are healed, and heaven grows a little more crowded.