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Jesus’ ministry to Peter after His resurrection transformed his life. Two lasting changes that He brought about in this disciple teach us the role of God’s written Word in the Christian life today.
The first change relates to Peter’s use of Scripture. Before the resurrection, Peter’s interactions with others are often guided by his instinct and opinion. Christ met with the disciples after His resurrection and “opened their minds to understand the Scriptures” (Luke 24:45). He called on Peter to “feed my sheep” (John 21:17). These teachings surely served to focus Peter’s mind toward his need for the Scriptures.
Shortly afterward, the influence of God’s written Word in his life is readily seen. His application of the Psalms led to the appointment of an Apostle in place of Judas Iscariot (Acts 1:15–26). His sermon at Pentecost draws from several Old Testament passages to explain the divine events of that day (2:14–41). His letters 1 and 2 Peter include Scripture quotations, allusions, and applications. These letters written later in life offer evidence of the permanent effect that Christ’s ministry had on his teaching.
A second and related change in Peter’s life concerns his character. The Word became a compass for him in his actions and words. Although he required further correction, rebukes were not as sharp as before, such as when he objected to Christ’s mission to go to the cross (Matt. 16:22–23). When God revealed a vision to him concerning the gospel for the gentiles, Peter resisted at first, but a gentle course correction was in keeping with increased maturity in his Christian faith.
Although Paul had to speak boldly “to his face” (Gal. 2:11), Peter humbly accepted Paul’s correction and turned from his error. He did not hold this confrontation against Paul, describing him later as “our beloved brother” (2 Peter 3:15). God’s Word made him wise and a living example of the proverb, “Reprove a wise man, and he will love you” (Prov. 9:8).
Peter was already a disciple of the Lord Jesus, so these changes were aspects not of his conversion but of his sanctification. The “living and abiding word of God” by which he had been “born again” (1 Peter 1:23) now readily directed his thinking and character.
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Heb. 13:8). He does not lead us to loosen ties to the Scriptures but rather the opposite. His written Word is the guiding and indispensable light for the believer’s life. It is not a stumbling block to the Holy Spirit’s work but is consonant with it, as shown by Peter at Pentecost.
Through the written Word, Christ also brings about a change for the better in character. As each has his own character, there will be differences in how He works that out, but there will also be a similarity to Peter as God’s Word is at work to bring about, as it did for him, “obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love” (1 Peter 1:22).