Peter's calling

The apostle Peter encouraged the early Christians in his second letter with the words "... make your calling and election sure" (2 Peter 1:10). He also told them how to do that and why they should be doing it. His own calling became more sure by a process, three years of which is recorded in the four gospels.

Peter was introduced to Jesus by his brother Andrew (John 1:35-42). He was in the right place namely listening to John the Baptist. My guess is that he, Andrew and the sons of Zebedee were baptised by John and spent a day with Jesus at the Jordan. The next day, joined by Philip and Nathaniel, they set out for Galilee where they attended a wedding.

It was probably a few months later in Capernaum when Jesus asked Peter for the use of his fishing boat. From the boat he addressed a crowd which had gathered at the sea. Then he asked Peter to drop his nets for a catch. The nets were filled to capacity and Peter responded by declaring himself unworthy of Jesus' friendship (Luke 5:8).

Some time after this Jesus called Simon (Peter), Andrew, James and John to follow him (Mark 1:16-18). They left their nets and accompanied him on his preaching tour in the synagogues throughout Galilee. A large crowd followed him because of all the signs he was doing. After he had fed over 5000 from 5 loaves and 2 fish Jesus told his followers that they had to eat his flesh and drink his blood (John 6:53). Many of his disciples withdrew but Peter spoke up for the twelve, saying they had no alternative if they wanted eternal life (John 6:68).

Later it was supernaturally revealed to Peter that Jesus was the Christ (Messiah). When Jesus told them that he was to die, Peter rebuked him for thinking such a thing. Jesus returned the compliment by accusing Peter of furthering the agenda of Satan (Mark 8:29-33).

During the last supper Peter disagreed when Jesus told him he was lacking in loyalty (Mark 14:30-31). He did deny knowing Jesus but repented (Mark 14:71-72) and was forgiven (Mark 16:7). After Jesus' resurrection he gained such confidence that he preached to thousands (Acts 2:14,41) and refused to be scared into silence by the Jewish religious leaders, even after a flogging (Acts 4:19-20; 5:40-42).

From the above summary of Peter's relationship to Jesus one can appreciate that he was qualified to write about making one's calling and election sure. His desire was that his readers would receive "a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 1:11).