What happened to Peter?

Well, the Lord has provided the strength to overcome my desire to sleep until the very latest possible moment before I have to get ready for work for 4 days in a row. I read Acts 2 - 4 this morning. I wonder what happened to Peter? How did this guy that denied Jesus 3 times, fell asleep while Jesus prayed, sank in the water after having walked on it, asked people to take away their children from the Master, asked all those (seemingly) obvious questions, did not understand prophecy as it related to Jesus death and resurrection suddenly start quoting prophecy and lead thousands to the Lord? There are 2 distinct actions that I notice.

1 He saw Jesus defeat death. - I guess that could give someone a boldness and assuredness that would throw Peter into persecution for his beliefs instead of running... but, I wonder if I would have behaved the same? I have had many very personal convictions that I know are from the Lord...but, does that mean that in 2 weeks I am still strong? I often forget the driving force of my convictions. It often turns into my own strength. Would actually seeing Jesus perform a miracle give me that strength? What about all the miracles he performed. He was still alone on the cross....where were all those people that he cured when he died?

2. Had received the Holy Spirit - Does this give us instant recall to old testament prophecy? I don't think so. I can't even remember children's verses.

So, I wonder what really happened to him. How did he suddenly acquire all this knowledge and boldness? I guess it can really only be a gift from the Lord. Should that help us see what our own calling and gifts are? I wonder because it seemed pretty painful for Peter to learn those things. Even when Jesus renamed him from Simon to Peter...do you think that gave him some indication of things to come?

I guess it'll be fun to learn this in heaven...what do you think?



I'll finish this in a little while