What does Ellen White write about...
Adventistische Schriften über: "Please use the works of Mr. Hua (懷氏) and the SDA‑Bible commentaries to explain Peter’s character and disposition before the crowing of the rooster, in comparison to his turning after the resurrection of Jesus, the key moments of his conversion, his changed personality and disposition up to his martyrdom, and what words he said there to express his submission and dedication to the Lord Jesus. Provide the source citations and the relevant biblical passages."
Answer
Before his denial, Peter was impulsive, presumptuous, and full of self‑confidence, which ultimately led him to deny Jesus with curses out of fear for his own safety. However, the sorrowful, reproachful look of Jesus marked the turning point of his conversion, shattering his heart and leading him to bitter repentance and total dependence on divine power. After the resurrection and being filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter appeared calm, instructed, and fearless, and at his martyrdom, out of humility and an ongoing awareness of his former denial, he asked to be crucified with his head down, considering a death like his Master's unworthy for himself.
Peter’s character before and after his conversion
»Before his great fall, he was constantly outspoken and domineering, speaking thoughtlessly on impulse. He was always ready to correct others and voice his opinion before he had a clear understanding of himself or of what he was saying. Yet Peter was converted, and the converted Peter differed greatly from the hasty, impetuous Peter. While he retained his earlier zeal, Christ’s grace now directed that zeal. Instead of being rash, self‑assured, and arrogant, he became calm, self‑controlled, and teachable. He could now tend both the lambs and the sheep of Christ’s flock.«
The denial and Jesus’ look as a key moment
»When he was accused of being one of His disciples, fear for his own safety prompted him to claim that he did not know the man. The disciples were known for the purity of their speech, and Peter denied the accusation a third time with curses and oaths to convince his accusers that he was not a disciple of Christ. Jesus, who was some distance away from Peter, cast a sorrowful, reproachful look upon him. Then the disciple recalled the words Jesus had spoken to him in the upper room, as well as his own eager affirmation: “Even if they all take offense at you, I will never take offense.” He had denied his Lord, even with curses and oaths; but that look of Jesus melted Peter’s heart and saved him. He wept bitterly, repented of his great sin, was converted, and thereafter was ready to strengthen his brothers.«
Steadfastness and fearlessness before the High Council
»Yet the Peter who had denied Christ in the hour of His greatest need had been the impulsive, self‑confident disciple and differed greatly from the Peter who stood before the Sanhedrin that day for interrogation. He had been converted; he no longer trusted himself and was no longer a proud boaster. Filled with the Holy Spirit, he became rock‑solid, courageous, yet humble through its power, exalting Christ. He was ready to erase the blemish of his fall by honoring the name he had once denied.«
Forgiveness after the resurrection and service for the flock
»Peter denied his Lord, but thereafter he repented and was deeply humbled because of his great sin; and Christ showed that He forgave His wayward disciple by descending to call him by name after His resurrection. Judas gave in to Satan’s temptations and betrayed his best friend. Peter learned from and benefited from Christ’s lessons and continued the reform work left to the disciples when their Lord ascended.«
Self‑denial and calling to strengthen the brothers
»Only after Peter had been led to self‑denial and total reliance on divine power did he receive his calling to serve as a shepherd. Christ had said to Peter before his denial: “When you are converted, strengthen your brothers.” Those words pointed to the far‑reaching and effective work this apostle was to do in the future for those who would come to faith. Peter’s own experience of sin, suffering, and repentance prepared him for this work. Only after he had come to know his own weakness could he understand the believer’s need for dependence on Christ.«
Submission and disposition at martyrdom
»Peter, as a Jew and foreigner, was condemned to be scourged and crucified. In the face of this terrible death, the apostle recalled his great sin of denying Jesus at the hour of trial, and his only thought was that he was unworthy of such a great honor to die in the same manner as his Master. Peter had sincerely repented of this sin and had been pardoned by Christ, as the high commission given to him shows—to tend the sheep and lambs of the flock. Yet he could never forgive himself. [...] As a final favor, he earnestly begged his executioners to have him struck to the cross with his head down. The request was granted, and in this way the great apostle Peter died.«
Original Sources (English)
Stephan Krol
Founder of EGW Vision
Why I built EGW Vision
Hello, I am Stephan Krol. I started this Ellen White website to make the writings of Ellen G. White and the Adventist pioneers easier to access for everyone.
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