Peter is one of the most important characters in the New Testament. After Jesus and Paul, his name is mentioned more than anyone else’s. Born Simon son of John, Jesus changed his name to Cephas, which means “rock” in Aramaic. In Greek Cephas is Petros or Peter in English (John 1:42).
In addition to being mentioned frequently, Peter is probably the most down-to-earth and relatable person in the New Testament. He was a fisherman who freely expressed himself even when he didn’t know what he was saying, talked like he was Jesus’ most loyal follower then denied knowing Jesus and wept over his failure, ran to the empty tomb, encountered the risen Christ, preached the good news of Jesus to thousands of people in Jerusalem, was beaten and imprisoned for his faith, declared the gospel in the home of a Gentile named Cornelius, then out of fear of Jewish believers stopped eating with Gentile Christians in Antioch. He was a regular guy who didn’t hide his feelings, loved Jesus, and was far from perfect.
In 1 Peter 5:1 he calls himself “a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings.” What exactly did Peter see? As Jesus was walking to his place of crucifixion called the Skull, Luke says, “A large number of people followed him, including women who mourned and wailed for him” (23:27). Since Peter was probably in that large crowd, he would have seen Jesus covered in blood after his scourging, walking wearily to his place of death. Similarly, after Jesus breathed his last breath on the cross, Luke comments, “But all those who knew him, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things” (23:49). “All those who knew him” includes Peter, who observed Jesus on the cross for hours. Peter was “a witness of Christ’s sufferings.” And these sufferings left a deep impression on him.
The letter of 1 Peter repeats the idea of suffering more than any other New Testament book. Consider these examples:
- though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials (1:6)
- trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of the Messiah (1:11)
- For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God. (2:19)
- To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. (2:21)
- For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. (3:18)
- Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. (4:1)
- But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ (4:13)
- However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. (4:16)
- So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good. (4:19)
- Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings (5:9)
- And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while (5:10)
This emphasis on suffering paints a bleak picture. But Jesus’ resurrection breaks through the darkness and gloom. Note how Peter pairs suffering with glory.
- the sufferings of the Messiah and the glories that would follow. (1:11)
- But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. (4:13)
- If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. (4:14)
- To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed (5:1)
- And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. (5:10)
Suffering by itself leaves us hopeless. But Peter could not think of suffering by itself. He had witnessed Christ’s sufferings followed by his glory. For the follower of Christ, suffering is a temporary prelude to eternal glory.
After graduating from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, I served as a high school Bible teacher in Asia. I enjoy traveling, writing, and playing the drums. For a deep dive into church history and the character of God, see my book Surprised by Hell.