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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Why did Peter deny Jesus? | Matt 26:34 | Hecameforu | 34790 | ||
Matthew 26:33 "But Peter said to Him, "Even though all may fall away because of You, I will never fall away." I'm sure that most of us on the forum know this passage and the one's in Mark and Luke. I have a few questions. 1. Did Peter deny Christ 3 times because Jesus knew that he would? 2. Did Peter deny Jesus because Jesus said that he would? 3. If Peter hadn't opened him mouth and say "I will never fall away", would Jesus have said that he would? 4. Did Peter deny Jesus becuase he chose to or because of question # 2. I'm sure no one can argue that this blatant denial of Jesus didn't stop Peter from going to heaven. After Jesus rose from the grave, he asked Peter 3 times if he loved him, maybe because Peter denied him 3 times? I think it shows the great Love of Jesus and how he is so willing to comfort and forgive us. Psalm 37:23-24 "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand." Any thoughts? Love in Christ, Barry |
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2 | Why did Peter deny Jesus? | Matt 26:34 | stjones | 34791 | ||
Greetings, Barry; I think Peter denied Jesus because he was Peter - flawed, bold, impetuous, the one who wanted to camp out on the Mount of Transfiguration, the one walked briefly on water. I'm sure he meant it when he told Jesus he would never fall away but when push came to shove, his boldness failed him. I think he tended to rely on his own strength until Pentecost. I think (but can't prove) that when he discovered the power of the Holy Spirit that day, he realized that his own was insufficient. I think Jesus predicted it because he wanted Peter to know that he knew. If Jesus had not told Peter ahead of time, then when he did deny Jesus, Peter would have thought that his failure was private. Jesus' prediction enabled Peter to feel the full weight of his sin, to experience all the remorse, and to finally see that he could not rely on his own strength to do God's work. I agree that there is a parallel (3 denials, 3 opportunities to express his love for Jesus). It is interesting that what is translated as "love" all three times is actually different the third time: The first two times, the Greek word is "agape", the third it's "phileo". I've read and heard various explanations for this difference; I'm not really sure what it means. ;-) I think all this was to prepare Peter for his ministry and martyrdom. Just my two one-hundredths of a dollar. Peace and grace, Steve aka Indiana Jones |
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3 | Why did Peter deny Jesus? | Matt 26:34 | claywchrist | 34797 | ||
Steve, An excellent observation. I would like to add a couple of items. First, a comparison between myself and Peter. When Peter was with Jesus at the timw that the Romans and others came to get him, he was ready to fight and die for Him. Yet when Jesus was seperated from him, Peter denied him. I am ashamed to say that I find myself doing the same. When I am in church on Sunday or in one of my bible studies, I am ready to draw my sword and fight to the death. Yet once I walk out that door... I find myself following the ways of the world again. Just as Peter did. At the time, Peter had not become the rock that Jesus knew he would be. He was human and human tendencies pull us away from God. It so much easier to say, Woman, I don't know Him. Luke 22:57 than it is to say to my friends, I think that ribald comment isn't very Christian. On the second part, concerning Jesus' conversation with Peter. If I remember correctly, when Jesus asked do you agape me? meaning do you love me uncondtionally. Peter responded with You know I phileo you. Meaning I love you but there are conditions. As it has been explained to me, in Greek there are three levels of love. The first and lowest is eros sort of like lust, physical and without true feelings. The second is phileo which is a love of the heart but I believe it lacks the conviction of the third. Which is agape meaning unconditional and never ending love. I would lay down my life for you!!! I agree with you 100 percent on these things preparing Peter for his ministry. I find it interesting also that later, Paul in Galatians reprimanded Peter for his behavior concerning eating with Gentiles. Anyway that is nother topic. May God bless and keep you all Clay |
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4 | Why did Peter deny Jesus? | Matt 26:34 | stjones | 34798 | ||
Greetings, Clay, my brother; Thanks for your comments. The first paragraph applies to me in its entirety. Thanks for your honesty; it's also an encouragement. Peace and grace, Steve aka Indiana Jones |
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