Peter the Fragile Rock 5
Kevin Ireland
Peter the Fragile Rock
Sunday Morning Class
Week 5 - Lent 2024
Kevin Ireland
Peter in the Passion
How Peter is portrayed in the Passion narrative of each gospel reveals how each group saw Peter’s role and authority in the early Christian church.
The Denial of Saint Peter by Caravaggio
ArtistCaravaggioYear1610MediumOil on canvasSubjectThe three acts of denial of Jesus by the Apostle Peter as described in the four Gospels of the New Testament.Dimensions94 cm × 125.4 cm (37 in × 49.4 in)LocationMetropolitan Museum of Art, New York City
Gospel of Mark 70CE
• Peter's Role in the Last Supper
• (Mark 14:12-16):
• Disciples go to prepare place – not specifically Peter
• Peter's Denial Predicted
• (Mark 14:26-31)
• Jesus predicts Peter's denial, but Peter insists he will not deny Him.
• Peter's Denial (Mark 14:66-72)
• Peter denies Jesus three times, just as Jesus had predicted, after Jesus is arrested.
• Peter Witnesses the Resurrection? (Mark 16:1-8)
• women discover the empty tomb and angel appears to Mary.
Mark emphasizes Peter's impulsive nature and the stark contrast between his confession and denial.
References to the Apostle Peter in the Gospel of Mark:
1 Call of Peter (Mark 1:16-20) Jesus calls Peter and his brother Andrew to follow Him and become fishers of men.
2 Peter's Mother-in-Law Healed (Mark 1:29-31) Jesus heals Peter's mother-in-law of a fever.
3 Peter's Confession of Christ (Mark 8:27-30) Peter acknowledges Jesus as the Messiah, and Jesus charges them not to tell anyone about Him.
4 Jesus Foretells His Death and Resurrection (Mark 8:31-33) Peter rebukes Jesus for predicting His death, leading to Jesus rebuking Peter and calling him Satan.
5 Transfiguration of Jesus (Mark 9:2-13)Peter is one of the three disciples who witnesses the transfiguration of Jesus on the mountain.
6 Peter's Question About Forgiveness (Mark 11:21) Peter comments on the withered fig tree, prompting Jesus to teach about faith and forgiveness.
Peter in Passion
Denial Prediction – Mark 14:26-31
26 When they had sung the hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. 27 And Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away, for it is written,
‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’
28 “But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.” 29 Peter said to him, “Even though all fall away, I will not.” 30 Jesus said to him, “Truly I tell you, this day, this very night, before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times.” 31 But he said vehemently, “Even though I must die with you, I will not deny you.” And all of them said the same.
Peter Denies Jesus
66 While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the female servants of the high priest came by. 67 When she saw Peter warming himself, she stared at him and said, “You also were with Jesus, the man from Nazareth.” 68 But he denied it, saying, “I do not know or understand what you are talking about.” And he went out into the forecourt. Then the cock crowed. 69 And the female servant, on seeing him, began again to say to the bystanders, “This man is one of them.” 70 But again he denied it. Then after a little while the bystanders again said to Peter, “Certainly you are one of them, for you are a Galilean, and you talk like one.” 71 But he began to curse, and he swore an oath, “I do not know this man you are talking about.” 72 At that moment the cock crowed for the second time. Then Peter remembered that Jesus had said to him, “Before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times.” And he broke down and wept.
Resurrection Appearances
• Appearance to Mary Magdalene: Mark records Jesus' appearance to Mary Magdalene after His resurrection (Mark 16:9-11), but there is no mention of Peter's encounter with Jesus in this narrative.
16 When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. 2 And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. 3 They had been saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?” 4 When they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled back. 5 As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. 6 But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him. 7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you.” 8 So they went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them, and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.
The Intermediate Ending of Mark
[[And all that had been commanded them they told briefly to those around Peter. And afterward Jesus himself sent out through them, from east to west, the sacred and imperishable proclamation of eternal salvation. Amen. ]]
• The Great Commission: Similar to Matthew, Mark describes Jesus meeting with the disciples and commissioning them to preach the gospel to all creation (Mark 16:14-18). Again, while Peter is likely present, Mark does not provide specific details about his interaction with Jesus.
μᾶλλον (mallon) 'more’ - 31 But he said vehemently, “Even though I must die with you, I will not deny you.” And all of them said the same (Mk 14:31)
What theological message does Mark convey through Peter's denial?
How does the voracity of Peter's denial impact our perception of his authority as a leader?
Why might Mark want us to recognize Peter's fallibility despite his prominent role among the disciples?
Why might they have added the ending to Mark?
Gospel of Matthew. 85CE
• Peter's Denial Predicted
• (Matthew 26:31-35)
• Jesus predicts Peter's denial, but Peter insists he will never deny Him.
• Peter Draws his Sword
• (Matthew 26:51)
• During Jesus’ arrest, a disciple draws his sword and cuts off the ear of the high priest’s servant - rebuked by Jesus.
• Peter's Denial
• (Matthew 26:69-75)
• Peter denies Jesus three times, just as Jesus had predicted, after Jesus is arrested.
• Peter Witnesses the Resurrection
• (Matthew 28:1-10)
• Women are first witnesses to resurection.
• The Great Commission
• (Matthew 28:16-20)
• Peter is among the disciples to whom Jesus gives the Great Commission to go and make disciples of all nations.
The Capture of Christ
Picture by Pietro Lorenzetti
References to the Apostle Peter in the Gospel of Matthew
● Call of Peter (Matthew 4:18-20)
○ Jesus calls Peter and his brother Andrew to become fishers of men.
● Peter's Confession of Christ (Matthew 16:13-20)
○ Peter acknowledges Jesus as the Messiah, and Jesus declares Peter as the rock upon which He will build His church.
● Jesus Foretells His Death and Resurrection (Matthew 16:21-23)
○ Peter rebukes Jesus for predicting His death, leading to Jesus rebuking Peter with "Get behind me, Satan!"
● Transfiguration of Jesus (Matthew 17:1-13)
○ Peter is one of the three disciples who witnesses the transfiguration of Jesus on the mountain.
● Peter's Question About Forgiveness (Matthew 18:21-22)
○ Peter asks Jesus how many times he should forgive someone, to which Jesus responds with the famous teaching on forgiveness.
● Peter Walks on Water (Matthew 14:22-33)
○ Peter attempts to walk on water to Jesus but begins to sink due to his lack of faith. Jesus saves him.
Peter’s Passion
Denial Predicted
30 When they had sung the hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
31 Then Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away[f] because of me this night, for it is written,
‘I will strike the shepherd,
and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’
32 “But after I am raised up, I will go ahead of you to Galilee.” 33 Peter said to him, “Even if all fall away[g] because of you, I will never fall away.”[h] 34 Jesus said to him, “Truly I tell you, this very night, before the cock crows, you will deny me three times.” 35 Peter said to him, “Even though I must die with you, I will not deny you.” And so said all the disciples.
Peter Draws his sword – not Peter?
51 Suddenly one of those with Jesus put his hand on his sword, drew it, and struck the slave of the high priest, cutting off his ear. 52 Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place, for all who take the sword will die by the sword. 53 Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? 54 But how then would the scriptures be fulfilled, which say it must happen in this way?”
Peter’s Denial
69 Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. A female servant came to him and said, “You also were with Jesus the Galilean.” 70 But he denied it before all of them, saying, “I do not know what you are talking about.” 71 When he went out to the porch, another female servant saw him, and she said to the bystanders, “This man was with Jesus the Nazarene.”[m] 72 Again he denied it with an oath, “I do not know the man.” 73 After a little while the bystanders came up and said to Peter, “Certainly you are also one of them, for your accent betrays you.” 74 Then he began to curse, and he swore an oath, “I do not know the man!” At that moment the cock crowed. 75 Then Peter remembered what Jesus had said: “Before the cock crows, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly.
Resurrection Appearances
• Appearance to the Women: In Matthew's Gospel, Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene and the other Mary near the tomb (Matthew 28:1-10), but there is no specific mention of Peter's encounter with Jesus in this narrative.
28 After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. 2 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning and his clothing white as snow. 4 For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. 5 But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here, for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he[a] lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead,[b] and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ This is my message for you.” 8 So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers and sisters to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”
• The Great Commission: Jesus meets the disciples on a mountain in Galilee and commissions them to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:16-20). While Peter is likely present among the disciples, Matthew does not provide specific details about his interaction with Jesus.
16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him, but they doubted. 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit 20 and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
○ In Matthew's Gospel, Peter is portrayed as impulsive and passionate. He is the one who boldly declares Jesus as the Messiah (Matthew 16:16).
○ During Jesus' arrest, Peter draws his sword and cuts off the ear of the high priest's servant (Matthew 26:51). However, Jesus rebukes him and heals the servant.
○ At the trial, Peter follows Jesus from a distance but denies knowing Him three times (Matthew 26:69-75).
○ Matthew highlights Peter's fear and weakness during this crucial moment.
• How does Matthew's portrayal of Peter's denial align with his overall theme of discipleship and faithfulness?
• Why might Matthew choose to highlight Peter's weakness despite his earlier confession of Jesus as the Messiah?
• How does this portrayal affect our understanding of Peter's authority within the early Christian community?
Gospel of Luke. 80-90 CE
• Peter's Role in the Last Supper
• (Luke 22:7-13)
• Peter and John are sent by Jesus to prepare the Passover meal, demonstrating Peter's involvement in the events leading up to Jesus' crucifixion.
• Peter's Denial Predicted
• (Luke 22:31-34)
• Jesus predicts Peter's denial but assures him that He has prayed for him.
• Peter's Denial
• (Luke 22:54-62)
• Peter denies Jesus three times, just as Jesus had predicted, after Jesus is arrested.
• Peter Witnesses the Resurrection
• (Luke 24:1-12)
• Peter and the other disciples discover the empty tomb and receive the message of the resurrection from the women.
• Peter's Encounter with the Risen Jesus
• (Luke 24:34)
• Peter runs into tomb. This appearance is briefly mentioned in Luke 24:34, where the disciples in Emmaus report that Jesus has appeared to Simon (Peter).
Peter in Luke
Healing of Peter's Mother-in-Law (Luke 4:38-39): Jesus heals Peter's mother-in-law of a fever.
Call of Peter (Luke 5:1-11): Jesus calls Peter and his companions to follow Him, promising to make them fishers of men.
Miraculous Catch of Fish (Luke 5:1-11): Peter witnesses Jesus perform a miracle by instructing him to let down his nets, resulting in a large catch of fish.
Peter's Confession of Christ (Luke 9:18-20): - no rebuke
18 Once when Jesus[c] was praying alone, with only the disciples near him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” 19 They answered, “John the Baptist; but others, Elijah; and still others, that one of the ancient prophets has arisen.” 20 Then he said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered, “The Messiah of God.”
21 He sternly ordered and commanded them not to tell anyone, 22 saying, “The Son of Man must undergo great suffering and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes and be killed and on the third day be raised.”
Transfiguration of Jesus (Luke 9:28-36):
Peter is one of the three disciples who witnesses the transfiguration of Jesus on the mountain
Peter’s Role in Last Supper
7 Then came the day of Unleavened Bread, on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. 8 So Jesus[b] sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and prepare the Passover meal for us that we may eat it.” 9 They asked him, “Where do you want us to make preparations for it?” 10 “Listen,” he said to them, “when you have entered the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you; follow him into the house he enters 11 and say to the owner of the house, ‘The teacher asks you, “Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?” ’ 12 He will show you a large room upstairs, already furnished. Make preparations for us there.” 13 So they went and found everything as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover meal.
Peter’s Denial
31 “Simon, Simon, listen! Satan has demanded[e] to sift all of you like wheat, 32 but I have prayed for you that your own faith may not fail, and you, when once you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” 33 And he said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death!” 34 Jesus[f] said, “I tell you, Peter, the cock will not crow this day until you have denied three times that you know me.
Resurrection Appearances
• Appearance to the Women: Luke narrates Jesus' appearance to the women at the tomb, where they encounter angels who inform them of Jesus' resurrection (Luke 24:1-12). While Peter runs to the tomb after hearing the women's report (Luke 24:12), Luke does not describe an encounter between Peter and Jesus at this point
24 But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices that they had prepared. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they went in they did not find the body.[a] 4 While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men in dazzling clothes stood beside them. 5 The women[b] were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, but the men[c] said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here but has risen.[d] 6 Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, 7 that the Son of Man must be handed over to the hands of sinners and be crucified and on the third day rise again.” 8 Then they remembered his words, 9 and returning from the tomb they told all this to the eleven and to all the rest. 10 Now it was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them who told this to the apostles. 11 But these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. 12 But Peter got up and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; then he went home, amazed at what had happened.
• The Road to Emmaus: Jesus appears to two disciples on the road to Emmaus, but Peter is not mentioned in this narrative (Luke 24:13-35).
• Appearance to the Disciples in Jerusalem: Jesus appears to the disciples in Jerusalem, where He eats with them and explains the Scriptures (Luke 24:36-49). While Peter is among the disciples present (Luke 24:33), Luke does not provide specific details about his interaction with Jesus.
• Commissioning and Ascension: Jesus commissions the disciples to be witnesses of His resurrection and ascends into heaven (Luke 24:50-53). Peter is likely present among the disciples, but there are no specific details about his interaction with Jesus in this scene.
- Why does Luke specifically mention Jesus' intercession for Peter?
- How does Peter's encounter with the risen Jesus contribute to his authority as a leader in the early Church?
- What does Luke's portrayal of Peter's restoration teach us about forgiveness and leadership?
Gospel of John. 90-100 CE
• Peter's foot washing
• (John 13:6-10)
• Peter protests foot washing
• Peter's Denial Predicted
• (John 13:36-38)
• Jesus predicts Peter's denial, but Peter insists that he will follow Jesus even to death.
• Peter's Denial
• (John 18:15-18, 25-27)
• Peter denies Jesus three times, just as Jesus had predicted, during Jesus' trial and before His crucifixion.
• Peter's Role in the Empty Tomb
• (John 20:2-10)
• Peter is one of the disciples mentioned who runs to the tomb after Mary Magdalene informs them that it is empty. While John outruns Peter to the tomb, Peter is the first to enter it.
• Peter's Restoration by Jesus
• (John 21:15-19)
• Jesus restores Peter by asking him three times, "Do you love me?", paralleling Peter's three denials. After each affirmation, Jesus commissions Peter to feed His sheep.
• Peter's Question About John
• (John 21:20-23)
• Peter asks Jesus about the fate of the disciple John, to which Jesus responds with a gentle rebuke.
Foot washing
6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” 7 Jesus answered, “You do not know now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” 8 Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no share with me.” 9 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” 10 Jesus said to him, “One who has bathed does not need to wash, except for the feet,[b] but is entirely clean. And you[c] are clean, though not all of you.”
Denial Predicted
36 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus answered, “Where I am going, you cannot follow me now, but you will follow afterward.” 37 Peter said to him, “Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” 38 Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me? Very truly, I tell you, before the cock crows, you will have denied me three times.
Peter’s Betrayal
15 Simon Peter and another disciple followed Jesus. Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest, 16 but Peter was standing outside at the gate. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out, spoke to the woman who guarded the gate, and brought Peter in. 17 The woman said to Peter, “You are not also one of this man’s disciples, are you?” He said, “I am not.” 18 Now the slaves and the police had made a charcoal fire because it was cold, and they were standing around it and warming themselves. Peter also was standing with them and warming himself.
25 Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. They asked him, “You are not also one of his disciples, are you?” He denied it and said, “I am not.” 26 One of the slaves of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, “Did I not see you in the garden with him?” 27 Again Peter denied it, and at that moment the cock crowed.
Resurrection appearances
20 Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. 2 So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” 3 Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went toward the tomb. 4 The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, 7 and the cloth that had been on Jesus’s head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. 8 Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed, 9 for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. 10 Then the disciples returned to their homes.
Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene
11 But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look[a] into the tomb, 12 and she saw two angels in white sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. 13 They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” 14 When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir,[b] if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew,[c] “Rabbouni!” (which means Teacher). 17 Jesus said to her, “Do not touch me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’ ” 18 Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord,” and she told them that he had said these things to her.
Jesus Appears to the Disciples
19 When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors were locked where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” 22 When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”
• Appearance to Mary Magdalene: Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene at the tomb, where He instructs her to go and tell the disciples about His resurrection (John 20:11-18). Peter is not mentioned in this encounter.
• Appearance to the Disciples (First Appearance): Jesus appears to the disciples in a locked room, where He shows them His hands and side and breathes the Holy Spirit upon them (John 20:19-23). Peter is present among the disciples, but there are no specific details about his interaction with Jesus in this narrative.
• Appearance to the Disciples (Second Appearance): Jesus appears to the disciples a second time, specifically addressing Thomas and inviting him to touch His wounds (John 20:26-29). While Peter is likely present among the disciples, there are no specific details about his interaction with Jesus in this narrative.
• Appearance by the Sea of Galilee: Jesus appears to seven disciples by the Sea of Galilee, where He performs a miraculous catch of fish and shares breakfast with them (John 21:1-14). In this narrative, Jesus engages specifically with Peter, asking him three times if he loves Him and commissioning him to feed His sheep (John 21:15-19).
In summary, while Peter is present during several of Jesus' resurrection appearances, specific interactions between Peter and Jesus are more prominent in certain Gospel accounts, particularly in John's account of Jesus' appearance by the Sea of Galilee. Overall, the Gospel writers highlight different aspects of Jesus' resurrection appearances and the involvement of various disciples, including Peter, in these encounters.
Jesus washing Peter’s feet, by Sister Marie Boniface
• Why does John focus less on Peter's denial during the crucifixion?
• How does Jesus' reinstatement of Peter through the three-fold questioning impact our view of Peter's authority?
• What theological implications arise from Peter's restoration in John's Gospel?
Differences
• Emphasis on Events and Details
• Narrative Style and Language
• Theological themes
Similarities
• Prominence Among the Disciples
• Moments of Faith and Doubt
• Relationship to Jesus
• Denial & restoration
Differences
- Emphasis on Events and Details: Matthew emphasizes Peter's confession of Jesus as the Messiah (adding elements of receiving the keys to the kingdom and what is bound on earth.) Along with his leadership role, while Mark focuses on Peter's impulsive actions and failures.
- Narrative Style and Language: The Gospels vary in their narrative style and language, which influences how Peter is portrayed. Mark's Gospel, known for its fast-paced and vivid storytelling, portrays Peter's impulsive nature with striking clarity. In contrast, John's Gospel, with its theological depth and reflective tone, emphasizes Peter's intimate relationship with Jesus.
- Theological Themes: Each Gospel writer emphasizes different theological themes, which shape their portrayal of Peter. For instance, Luke emphasizes themes of forgiveness, reconciliation, and the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering Peter for ministry, especially in the book of Acts.
Similarities
- Peter's Prominence Among the Disciples: Despite differences in emphasis, all four Gospels consistently portray Peter as a prominent disciple and a leader among Jesus' followers. His name often appears first in lists of the disciples, indicating his importance.
- Peter's Moments of Faith and Doubt: Across all four Gospels, Peter is depicted as a complex character who experiences moments of great faith as well as moments of doubt and failure. His confession of Jesus as the Messiah and his subsequent denial are recounted in each Gospel.
- Peter's Relationship with Jesus: The Gospels uniformly portray Peter's close relationship with Jesus. Regardless of their unique emphases, all four writers depict moments of intimacy, vulnerability, and growth between Peter and Jesus.
- Peter's Denial and Restoration: The denial and restoration of Peter are central themes in all four Gospels. While the specific details may vary slightly, each Gospel highlights Peter's denial of Jesus and his subsequent restoration by Jesus after His resurrection, emphasizing themes of forgiveness, reconciliation, and divine grace.
In summary, while there are differences in how Peter is portrayed across the four Gospels due to varying emphases, narrative styles, and theological perspectives, there are also significant similarities in his prominence among the disciples, his moments of faith and doubt, his relationship with Jesus, and the themes of his denial and restoration.