Simon Peter: A Study of Discipleship

Of such works on St Peter as have appeared most have concentrated primarily, if not exclusively, and all too often in the supposed interests of inter-confessional controversy, on the great promises at Caesarea Philippi. Was Jesus, or was He not, conferring precedence and powers, not only on Peter but on Peter's successors as Bishop of Rome? Studies of Peter himself, the man and disciple, there have been few. Yet the gospels, and particularly it as well Mark's, are a rich source of information, implicit as as explicit, as to the chief of the disciples. For although primarily they are a record of the sayings and doings of Jesus, it is easy to overlook the extent to which they are also a record of the sayings and doings of the disciples, as they moved stumblingly forward with Him, intent on discovering what more He might prove to be than they could yet understand. Whether or not it was consciously intended by the evangelists themselves, their picture of ignorant, slow-witted and self-centred men being led on, through many lapses and misunderstandings, towards their tremendous discovery must be a second great purpose of the gospels. And not only because any attempt to see the events which they record through the eyes of the disciples will be found to throw additional light upon their Master. For the gradual and intermittent enlightenment of the disciples which is the half-conscious secondary theme of the gospels is in itself of profound significance.