Peter Leadership Analysis

Throughout the Bible, one can easily see the outstanding leadership qualities that are exhibited by members of the early church as they attempted to spread their beliefs to others. Many of these individuals were put in prison or persecuted by church officials, yet they persevered. One such example of this is Peter, who risked ridicule and death to spread the word of God. In doing this, Peter personifies many of the characteristics of exemplary leaders. Peter models the way to the shared vision of Jesus, challenging the existing process of belief, and enabling and encouraging others to follow the truth. Peter and the other apostle’s primary difficulty when spreading the gospel resulted from the claim by the Pharisees that they were false
The first example of this can be seen when Peter becomes filled with the holy spirit and begins to speak in many tongues. Several people attempted to insult him, saying that he and the other disciples were merely drunk, not channeling the Holy Spirit. “But others were mocking and saying, ‘They are full of sweet wine’” (Acts 2:13). Despite this, Peter continues to preach, refusing to submit to the belief of the majority. Another example of Peter’s willingness to resist popular opinion is shown when he is arrested for preaching. When asked to stop preaching in the name of Jesus, Peter responds with “Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge; for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” In this way,
The first example of this can be seen when Peter preaches his second sermon. “Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord; and that he may send Jesus, the Christ appointed for you…” (Acts 3:19). From this we can see how Peter appeals to the prophecies that have been spoken in Isaiah and other books that the people either would have known or been taught by the Pharisees, telling them that the Savior which they had been waiting for had arrived. “Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ - this Jesus whom you crucified” (Acts 2:36). Peter uses the underlying desire of each of the people in his audience and shapes it into the passion for Jesus. Finally, Peter inspires hope for the future by telling the story of Christ’s resurrection. “But God raised Him up again, putting an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power” (Acts 2:24). Peter reveals to all who are listening that the savior that was foretold by David and Isaiah has come, and has removed the sting of death, encouraging them to put their faith in him and spread his