Podcasts about apostle peter

Presented by Julie Busteed Do you tend to worry about things in the future that have not even happened yet? I know it's easy for me to fall into that mindset. But Jesus clearly tells us not to go there! Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own (Matthew 6:34). This is the final verse in a section where Jesus tells us not to be anxious about our lives—not about what we will eat or what we will wear. And what does worrying accomplish? It doesn't add anything to our lives. In fact, anxiety is harmful. Left unchecked, it creates stress that affects us physically, mentally and emotionally. Now, I'm not talking about the nervousness you might feel before a job interview or a presentation—though we certainly can pray for peace in those moments. I'm talking about chronic anxiety, the kind that takes a toll on your body and mind. Jesus points us to the lilies of the field: And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? (Matthew 6:28-30 NLT) Why do you and I have so little faith! We serve a great and awesome God, and we can bring any and everything to him in prayer. The Apostle Peter encourages us to cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you (I Peter 5:7). Worrying is not only useless but is also evidence of a lack of faith in God. When you feel that anxious thought creep into your thinking, replace it right away with truth from Scripture or with a worship song. Replace it with God's truth. Know that he cares for you and knows your needs; you are worth more to him than anything else.

Send a textTo receive my weekly newsletter and keep up to date with all five of my podcasts, subscribe at:Jeremy McCandless | In the latter part of Galatians chapter 2, beginning at verse 11 and continuing through the end of the chapter, Paul recounts a significant second encounter with the Apostle Peter in Antioch. During Peter's visit, he initially ate with Gentile Christians, recognizing that Old Testament dietary laws were no longer binding upon him. However, under pressure from certain individuals, Peter withdrew and began to only associate with these Jewish Christians and reverted to keeping the dietary laws.Recognizing the implications of this behavior, Paul confronted Peter directly, challenging the notion that adherence to the laws of Moses was necessary for salvation. This rebuke underscored the importance of maintaining doctrinal clarity regarding justification by faith alone. And the details of Paul's response to Peter are documented in Galatians chapter 2, providing valuable insight into this pivotal moment in early Christian history….Meet Me in the Word: A Daily DevotionalThoughtful reflections for Jesus-Followers Monday through Friday.Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showFollow and support me on Patreon. Jeremy McCandless | Creating Podcasts and Bible Study Resources | Patreon To receive my weekly newsletter and keep up to date with all five of my podcasts, subscribe at: Jeremy McCandless | Substack Check out my other Podcasts. The Bible Project: https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com History of the Christian Church: https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com The L.I.F.E. Podcast: (Philosophy and current trends in the Arts and Entertainment Podcast). https://the-living-in-faith-everyday-podcast.buzzsprout.com The Renewed Mind Podcast. My Psychology and Mental Health Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568891 The Classic Literature Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568906 To visit my Author page on Amazon and view my entire back catalogue of books on both Amazon and Kindle and now also on Audible, Visit: Amazon.com: Jeremy R Mccandless: books, biography, latest update

The blueprint for Christian character development the Apostle Peter gives us in 2 Peter 1 focuses us on a profound series of steps we need to take in order to be more Christlike. With this blueprint, Peter lays out for us a ladder of Christian character development. As we examine it, we find that each rung of this ladder is vital to our success in climbing up onto the next rung. In the last five parts of this series, we have focused on one rung of this ladder at a time and worked on making the connections between what our foundation is and how each step makes us more like Jesus. Now comes the sixth step, and this one really begins to shape what our outward Christian character should look like! In this episode, we continue our Christian Character Series by examining the sixth rung of Peter's “virtue ladder” in 2 Peter 1:5‑7: godliness. Godliness is not “looking religious,” but a whole‑life orientation toward God, expressed through reverence, devotion, humility and a character that consistently seeks God's will. It is the “allegiance of our character,” the natural outgrowth of perseverance and self‑control working together. Fake godliness Godliness is not something humans possess naturally; it must be developed intentionally through discipline, sound doctrine and a continual turning away from worldly distractions (1 Timothy 4:6‑8). True godliness grows from the inside out and can’t be faked, even though many in the “last days” may display only an appearance of it (2 Timothy 3:1‑5). Real godliness is rooted in Christ's teachings, not tradition, and must never be used as a means of earthly gain (1 Timothy 6:3‑10). Instead, godliness produces contentment, freeing believers from the traps of wealth, status and self‑promotion. Misplaced priorities We also highlight the dangers of misplaced priorities through Jesus' Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:22) and the encounter with the rich young ruler (Matthew 19:16‑22). Can we truly be called “men or women of God” (1 Timothy 6:11)? Are we pursuing transformation through the renewing of the mind (Romans 12:2‑3)? Ultimately, godliness must be visible, shining as a testimony that glorifies God (Matthew 5:16). It is the payoff of perseverance and a foundational step toward authentic discipleship. Key Takeaways Godliness is the allegiance of our character, formed by the previous five virtues. True godliness is internal, genuine and rooted in Scripture, not outward performance. It can’t be used for earthly gain; its true gain is contentment. Godliness requires discipline, perseverance and continual renewal of the mind. It must be visible, shining in a way that glorifies God, not us.

Pastor Eddie Robinson III, February 18, 2026 - Noon Day Bible Study

The blueprint for Christian Character development that the Apostle Peter gives us in 2 Peter chapter 1 focuses us on a profound series of steps we need to take in order to be more Christlike. Based upon God's power and promises, Peter lays out for us the blueprint for a ladder of Christian character development. Peter has taught us that each rung of this ladder is very important to our success in climbing onto the next rung up. In the last four parts of this series, we have focused on one rung of this ladder at a time. We worked on making the connections between what our foundation is and how each step makes us more like Jesus. Step 5 on the ladder Christian perseverance is the fifth step following faith, moral excellence, knowledge and self‑control. Perseverance means “cheerful, hopeful endurance”—an active, conscious decision to “stay under” the weight of trials with constancy. It is not drudgery. It is a spiritually energized commitment to keep moving forward. Perseverance is essential because self‑control can’t survive without it. Scripture shows that perseverance grows out of justification, peace with God, and His grace (Romans 5), and is modeled perfectly by Jesus in his endurance of the torturous cross experience (Hebrews 12). Developing endurance Christians develop perseverance through three major arenas: trials, persecution and loyalty testing. Trials cultivate endurance that leads to maturity, as seen in James' teaching and in real-life examples of believers who endure suffering with faith. Persecution requires principled perseverance, following Jesus' example of non-retaliation and trusting God's power when feeling afflicted or targeted. Loyalty testing cultivates perseverance that glorifies God in every circumstance, choosing prayer, spiritual perspective, and Christlike responses over fleshly reactions. Perseverance strengthens what has already been built—faith, moral excellence, knowledge and self‑control—while enabling continued spiritual growth. Ultimately, perseverance is the allegiance of our energy to God's will, empowered by His spirit, inspired by Jesus' sacrifice, and necessary to receive the promised reward. It keeps us from giving up, restores our confidence and helps us “run and not grow weary” as we walk in Christ's footsteps.  Key Takeaways Perseverance = cheerful, hopeful endurance, not mere survival. Self‑control collapses without perseverance; endurance keeps spiritual progress intact. Jesus is the model of joyful endurance, inspiring us not to lose heart. Trials develop maturity, producing endurance that leads to completeness. Persecution requires principled perseverance, following Jesus' example of never retaliating. Loyalty to God is proven through endurance, glorifying Him in every circumstance. 

Apostle Peter on Christian Growth: What You Really Need

We conclude our series, "Chosen by God, Living as Exiles" with a teaching on "A Faith Received: Getting Back to Basics." The Apostle Peter was happy to remind the church of the central realities of our faith (2 Pet 1:12-15): the death and resurrection of Jesus, our new life and ongoing transformation in Christ, remaining faithful to Jesus in the face of suffering and opposition, and living in the hope of his glorious return and the fullness of the kingdom.- Series Description -  In this series we will explore 1 and 2 Peter, the Apostle Peter's two letters to the scattered first-century church in Asia Minor, who, though distant in time and place from ourselves, nonetheless share many of the very challenges that we do. We will consider what it means to be “third-culture people” who are chosen by God and called for his sake to live both fruitfully and prophetically in a land not our own 

In this message, Cam Stephens unpacks 1 Peter 1:13–21, highlighting four powerful imperative calls that the Apostle Peter gives to believers living as exiles in a broken world.Peter reminds us that even in seasons of displacement, uncertainty, and cultural tension, followers of Jesus are called to live with hope, holiness, reverence, and obedience. These commands shape how we think, live, and relate to God in light of the salvation we have received through Christ.This teaching challenges us to anchor our identity not in our present circumstances, but in the eternal redemption secured by Jesus—calling us to live distinct, faithful lives as we wait for the fullness of God's promises.Scripture: 1 Peter 1:13–21Speaker: Cam StephensChurch: Grant ChurchTopics Covered:• Living as exiles• Christian hope and holiness• Fear of the Lord• Obedience and identity in Christ• Salvation and redemptionSubscribe for weekly biblical teaching and sermons from Grant Church.Share this message with someone navigating faith in challenging times.#1Peter #LivingInExile #ChristianHoliness #HopeInChrist #BibleTeaching #GrantChurch #ChristianLife #FaithAndObedienceWatch the complete service: https://youtube.com/live/lYFq1fNZKKQWe would love to hear from you!Instagram: @grantchurch.caFacebook: grantchurch.caEngage on our website: https://www.grantchurch.ca

Today we're going to see the Lord perform a miracle through the Apostle Peter. Did you know that the Lord has works for you to do as well? But we need to be prepared in order to do them and there is no better way to be prepared than to study the Word of God. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/621/29?v=20251111

Watch the Devotion Based on​ 2 Peter 1:16-21 Not a Story—A Sure Word In the military, credibility matters. Eye-witness testimony carries weight. “I was there. I saw this happen.” That matters on after-action reports and sworn statements because they are grounded in reality, not rumor. The Apostle Peter understood that. That's why he begins this section of his letter by saying, “We did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power” (2 Peter 1:16). In other words: “This isn't propaganda. This isn't religious spin. This isn't a morale-boosting story someone made up to help people cope. It's not even AI generated.” Peter says, “We were eyewitnesses of his majesty” (2 Peter 1:16). He's talking about the Transfiguration —when he saw Jesus in all his glory, when he heard the Father's voice boom from heaven, and stood on holy ground. Peter wants us to anchor our faith in his witness, “I saw it with my own eyes, and I want you to believe that Jesus is who he says he is. Then Peter adds another anchor for our faith to hold onto, “We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable” (2 Peter 1:19). All the prophets through whom God spoke for over 1,500 years during the Old Testament period, they all pointed to Jesus. And they were right. More sure than a life-altering experience. More reliable than emotion. More dependable than memory. The Word. For you as service members, this matters. Because life doesn't always come with clarity. Orders can be confusing. Missions change. Trust gets broken. And when pressure is high, feelings are unreliable. God does not ask you to stake your eternal life on how strongly you feel, how clearly you remember, or how impressive someone's story sounds. He gives you something objective, historical, foundational and true: His Word. Peter says this Word is “a light shining in a dark place” (2 Peter 1:19). Not a floodlight that answers every question. Not a crystal ball that shows the future. But a flashlight—enough light for the next step, enough truth to keep you from losing your way. And this Word doesn't come from human authority. Peter is clear: “No prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation of things” (2 Peter 1:20). Scripture isn't a personal opinion or a flexible guideline. It is God speaking: “Prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:21). God acts through means. He uses words, written and spoken, to deliver Christ to sinners like you. Through Scripture, God tells you what you could never discover on your own: that Jesus Christ has already fought your deepest battle, already won, and already forgiven you. This Word tells you that your sins are not stronger than Christ's cross. That your failures do not outrank His resurrection. That your future is not defined by deployments, a diagnose, or discharge papers—but by baptism, forgiveness, and the promise of eternal life. In a world full of noise, the Word of God does not shout. It endures. And it will still be standing when everything else fades. So, stay with the Word. Don't ask ChatGPT to answer your theological questions. Open your bibles. Study your catechisms. Hear the Word. Read the Word. Trust the Word. Because this is not a story, we tell ourselves. It is the sure Word by which God saves you. Prayer: Lord God, in the darkness of this world, keep us anchored to Your holy Word. By Your Spirit, strengthen our faith in Christ, that we may trust Your promises now and stand confident in the life to come, through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen. Written and recorded by Rev. Paul Horn, WELS National Civilian Chaplain to the Military, San Diego, California. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.

Witness the awe-inspiring miracle of Dorcas' resurrection, as Peter, through the power of Jesus, brings life and hope back to a mourning community.In this episode, the Apostle Peter performs a miraculous healing, raising Dorcas from the dead and restoring hope to the grieving believers in Joppa. Her resurrection becomes a powerful testimony of God's love and power, strengthening the faith of those who witnessed it.Today's Bible verse is Deuteronomy 10:21, from the King James Version.Download the Pray.com app for more Christian content including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Pray.com is the digital destination for faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The blueprint for Christian character development that the Apostle Peter gives us in 2 Peter 1 focuses us on a profound series of steps we need to take in order to be more Christlike. As a basis for this needed growth, we have seen how God's promises help us to be ready to systematically take the next step up Peter's “ladder” of Christian character development. So far in our series, we have begun to see how each step up this ladder needs the step before in order to actually bring us towards true daily discipleship. We now continue this character development process by looking into the fourth step up towards Christlikeness. This fourth rung in Peter's “virtue ladder” from 2 Peter 1:5‑7 is self‑control, the “allegiance of our passions.” The first three rungs—faith, moral excellence and knowledge, deal primarily with internal transformation. Self‑control is the pivot point where that inner work begins to show up in real‑world choices. The Greek word for this conveys mastery, inner power and dominion over oneself. For Christians, this begins with preventing harmful or unproductive thoughts from becoming actions, and culminates in actively choosing what is spiritual, wholesome and Christlike. Our discipline requires self‑examination: identifying what naturally pulls us off course so we can learn to make adjustments. The self-control of an athlete running a race Paul's athletic metaphors in 1 Corinthians 9 highlight three components of self-control: intentional focus on the goal, embracing necessary limitations and wholehearted perseverance. Like a trained athlete, we as Christians must make many daily small, disciplined choices that strengthen spiritual “muscle memory.” Self-control also shapes how we view and treat others, enabling us to respond with grace rather than instinctive frustration. It's important to recognize that self-control is not a standalone virtue, and it stabilizes the entire structure of our Christian characters. Without knowledge, self-control becomes directionless; without self-control, perseverance becomes impossible. When rooted in faith, moral excellence, and knowledge, self-control opens the door to genuine spiritual growth and Christlike living. Key Takeaways Self-control is the “allegiance of our passions,” the disciplined governing of our impulses and desires. It is the pivot point where inner transformation becomes outward behavior. True self-control begins with restraint and culminates in choosing what is spiritually beneficial. The Apostle Paul's athletic imagery teaches focus, limitation and perseverance as essential components. Self-control shapes how we respond to others, reflecting Christ rather than our impulses. It stabilizes the entire virtue ladder and enables the next step: perseverance.

Apostle Peter on Christian Growth: the Only Way to Do It

In this message, Pastor Tom Kang unpacks the life of the Apostle Peter as part of our "Falling Short" series. Peter was known for his boldness, yet his desire for control often led to failure. Pastor Tom invites us to examine our own tendency to play the "I am" game with God—trying to force outcomes rather than trusting in His sovereignty.Join us as we explore how Jesus meets our failures not with condemnation, but with restoration, challenging us to put down our swords and rely on His grace.

When God calls people to follow him, he also often calls them to leadership roles within the church. What does it look like to lead and follow well while living as exiles?- Series Description - In this series we will explore 1 and 2 Peter, the Apostle Peter's two letters to the scattered first-century church in Asia Minor, who, though distant in time and place from ourselves, nonetheless share many of the very challenges that we do. We will consider what it means to be “third-culture people” who are chosen by God and called for his sake to live both fruitfully and prophetically in a land not our own 

It is God alone who brings restoration and healing to us, and we can trust in Him for renewal. In this sermon, Pastor Allen Jackson discusses how our ability to receive from the Lord is linked to our willingness to invite Him into our lives. The Lord will not always respond right when we want Him to, but through faith, we can overcome disappointment and trust that God is moving—regardless of how we feel. Pastor Allen shares stories of eye-opening acts of God's power in the lives of people like Apostle Paul, Apostle Peter, and even himself. God is inviting us to live out a bolder faith as He moves in new ways. Let's respond with "Yes!"

In this study of Acts chapter 10, Michael Taliercio explores a major turning point in the New Testament where the Gospel begins to reach the "ends of the earth". Through the parallel visions of Cornelius and the Apostle Peter, we see God breaking down barriers and showing no partiality. Taliercio highlights how the Holy Spirit fell upon the Gentiles, transforming God's people from a single nation into a "family of nations" united through faith in Jesus Christ.

Reading Acts 2:37-38 where the Apostle Peter tells his hearers at Pentecost to repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!

In 2 Peter 1, the Apostle Peter laid out a phenomenal blueprint for us to follow regarding the how and why of developing a focused and loyal character that is modeled after Christ. After reminding us of the incomprehensible promises that God brings us through His power and Jesus' sacrifice, he then focuses us on doing our part. Peter gives us a blueprint for building a virtue “ladder” of Christian character development, of which the first rung is our faith. Because we have the firm footing of Christian faith in place, we can then develop “moral excellence,” which in turn gives us the stability to next develop knowledge. As we will continue to see, when followed, the order of developing these attributes of our Christian characters will yield an unbreakable allegiance to daily, living God's will through Christ! Peter's ladder sequence is intentional: faith establishes our direction, moral excellence aligns our heart with God's highest standards, and only then can knowledge become a stable, Christlike attribute rather than a source of pride or harm. By contrasting godly vs. misapplied knowledge, we can see that without moral excellence, it can inflate ego and harm others. Paul's teaching in 1 Corinthians 8 shows that even correct knowledge can become destructive if it emboldens weaker Christians to violate their conscience. True Christian knowledge must therefore be governed by love, humility and responsibility. How much of the Bible do I have to know? This is not about mastering every prophecy or detail, but about understanding Christlikeness and allowing God's light to shape our intellect. All Scripture – both in the Old and New Testaments – is the essential source of this knowledge, forming a lifelong journey of discernment, filtering out worldly influences, and taking every thought captive to Christ. God's plan is expansive, merciful and awe‑inspiring. Recognizing its depth should cultivate gratitude rather than arrogance. Paul's example in Philippians 3 shows the surpassing value of knowing Christ, which makes all previous accomplishments seem like “rubbish” in comparison. Ultimately, knowledge becomes transformative when it flows from faith, is shaped by moral excellence, and leads us toward deeper loyalty to God's will. Key Takeaways Knowledge must be built on faith and moral excellence to avoid arrogance. Misapplied knowledge can harm others while godly knowledge is always governed by love. All Scripture is the authoritative source of Christian understanding. True knowledge produces humility, responsibility and awe at God's plan.

God calls us to action even when we're in exile. Even in the winter, God still calls us to bloom. How? We receive God's power and God's call. We participate in God's promises over us. We make every effort to confirm such things — for our own lives and the lives of others. This is how we grow — not only for one season of life, but for our whole lives. Lifelong growth is ours if we continue to experience God's power, trust in God's promises, and make every effort to grow even when winter or exile appear.- Series Description - In this series we will explore 1 and 2 Peter, the Apostle Peter's two letters to the scattered first-century church in Asia Minor, who, though distant in time and place from ourselves, nonetheless share many of the very challenges that we do. We will consider what it means to be “third-culture people” who are chosen by God and called for his sake to live both fruitfully and prophetically in a land not our own 

In this episode of This Redeemed Life, we're continuing the Anchored series—built around Marian's Bible study on the life and letters of Apostle Peter—and talking about one of the most practical (and powerful) ways to stay steady in a shaky world: memorizing Scripture.I'm joined by two women I've wanted you to meet from day one—Natalie and Vera from Dwell Differently. Their mission is simple and life-changing: helping women (and families!) get God's Word into their hearts—one verse at a time.In this conversation, we talk about:Why Peter's message in 1 Peter and 2 Peter matters so much in a culture full of competing voicesHow Scripture memory can calm anxiety, renew your mind, and strengthen your discernmentVera's “but God” story—from Olympic dreams and panic to hope anchored in Hebrews 10:23Natalie's story of meeting Jesus through the Bible (and falling in love with God's Word as a “word nerd”)Connect with Dwell Differently:Instagram: @dwelldifferentlyWebsite: dwelldifferently.com.Check out Marian's Bible Study, Anchored: The Life and Letters of Apostle PeterAvailable wherever books are sold.#ScriptureMemorization #BibleStudy #ChristianWomen #Anchored #DwellDifferently #RenewYourMind #AnxietyAndFaith #Discipleship #1Peter #2Peter #SpiritualGrowth #GodsWord

Be sure to get the notes for this teaching!Paul vs. Peter: The Most Important Confrontation in the Early ChurchGalatians 2:11–21In Galatians 2:11–21, the Apostle Paul recounts one of the most significant moments in early church history: his public confrontation with the Apostle Peter in Antioch. This was not a personal dispute, but a theological crisis that struck at the very heart of the gospel itself.Peter had been freely eating and fellowshipping with Gentile believers. However, when certain men from Jerusalem arrived, Peter withdrew out of fear and separated himself. His actions implied that Gentile believers were somehow spiritually inferior unless they adopted Jewish customs and practices. Paul recognized immediately that this behavior contradicted the truth of the gospel and publicly rebuked Peter for it.At the core of Paul's argument is the doctrine of justification by faith alone. Both Jews and Gentiles, Paul explains, are sinners and stand equally in need of salvation. No one is declared righteous by works of the law—whether Mosaic law or any system of human effort—but only through faith in Jesus Christ.Paul then moves beyond the confrontation and gives one of the most profound theological statements in all of Scripture:“I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” (Galatians 2:20, NASB 1995)Here, Paul describes what it means to be “in Christ”—a complete union with Christ in which the believer's old identity is replaced by a new life grounded entirely in faith. Salvation is not achieved by human obedience, moral effort, or religious performance, but by participation in the life, death, and resurrection of Christ.Paul concludes with a powerful and emotional declaration:“I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through law, then Christ died needlessly.” (Galatians 2:21)If righteousness could be gained by anything we do, then the cross was unnecessary. But because salvation is entirely an act of divine grace, Christ alone is the foundation of our hope.This passage stands as one of the clearest and strongest affirmations in the New Testament that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/lets-talk-scripture/donations

Elder Roy Jarnagin opens a new series on 1 Peter by highlighting the biblical highlights of the man himself. bfc4u.org, facebook.com/bfc4u

The past few weeks in Acts, we have looked at the Gospel breaking out, through God's sovereign initiative, to more and more people. First, to Samaritans (enemies of the Jews), then to an Ethiopian Eunuch from the ends of the earth, and last week to a legalistic Pharisee intent on killing Christians. This morning the Gospel door is opened to the Gentiles through a European soldier, but what will see is that both men, the Apostle Peter and Cornelius, both needed a conversion.

Reading Acts 2:22-32 where at Pentecost, the Apostle Peter gives the first proclamation of the gospel, preaching of Jesus who died, was buried, and is risen. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!

In 2 Peter chapter 1, the Apostle Peter is laying out a phenomenal blueprint for us to follow regarding the how and why of developing a focused and loyal character modeled after Christ. He begins by reminding us of the majesty and power of God, along with the loyalty and sacrifice of Jesus. He tells us that because God is as lofty as He is, we are given incomprehensible promises that can bring us to God's own divine nature. He then tells us what's required on our part. Peter explains that because of these promises, we need to apply all diligence, and in our faith, we need to supply – to develop and live – a character that will nurture and grow specific virtues of Christlikeness. As we continue our Christian Character Series, the second “Allegiance Attribute” in Peter's spiritual blueprint is moral excellence. Building on the foundation of faith, we find that that moral excellence is not merely good behavior but wholehearted allegiance of the heart—a life shaped by God's purpose and modeled after His own character. This excellence evokes the idea of something fulfilling its highest purpose, like a horse that runs fast, or land that produces abundantly. For Christians, this moral excellence means living in a way that reflects God's excellence and demonstrates that His purpose truly matters to us. Inward excellence and outward goodness This inward excellence naturally produces outward goodness, the visible conduct others can observe. Drawing from several scriptures, we can observe how moral excellence expresses itself through humility, patience, forgiveness, perseverance, gratitude and Spirit‑led transformation. True Christian virtue is not simply avoiding wrongdoing but actively embodying Christlike character in everyday interactions. The challenge is that God's standard is high, and we will fail repeatedly. Yet Peter reassures us that God has already provided “everything pertaining to life and godliness,” equipping us through His promises to grow into His divine likeness. Moral excellence becomes possible, not because we are strong, but because God is faithful. Ask yourself: Is my moral excellence stronger today than yesterday? Am I becoming the person God intends me to be? Key Takeaways Moral excellence is the allegiance of the heart, reflecting God's character and purpose. Inner excellence produces visible goodness. True virtue requires intentional growth, not just avoiding sin but embodying Christlike qualities. God equips believers with everything needed to develop moral excellence through His promises. Spiritual progress requires perseverance, humility and daily habits that nurture transformation.

In Acts 2:39, the Apostle Peter states that the promise of salvation is for "everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself." The only reason a person ever comes to saving faith in Christ is because the Lord sovereignly calls him or her, quickens spiritual life in them, and enables them to repent of sin and believe the Gospel. As verses 40-41 indicate, the called one must respond by coming to Christ and by submitting to Christian baptism. We must share the gospel of Jesus with others, but ultlmately it is God's calling which will bring them to saving faith. He will do it; this is his great work. To him be the glory!

Do you believe what Pastor Richard just said a moment ago could be true in your life? Could you be like the Apostle Peter or Mary, the mother of Jesus? As Pastor Richard just said, YES…YES, you can! You'll learn today that walking the talk of Christianity is the best way to be a powerful witness for God's kingdom. Do the things you say God says to do…and people will line up to learn about the Jesus you serve.

The Apostle Peter began his second letter to all Christians by addressing the very formation of our Christian lives. He proceeded to lay out a deep and profound series of character development steps to show us how to completely and wholly grow into mature disciples of Christ. In Part I of this series, we covered the first four verses of 2 Peter chapter 1. These verses laid out a broad foundation for the development of our Christian character that is based on who God is, what He promises us and what Jesus has done. The next part of the blueprint for our character development is to not only show us traits we need to have included in our Christlikeness, but HOW we are to include them. This episode reveals how Peter unfolds his spirit-driven, exciting and practical approach to building a true Christlike character. Peter's blueprint continues with a command: “…applying all diligence.” The Greek terms reveal a vivid picture—bringing our effort alongside what God has already supplied, and doing so with eagerness, earnestness and speed. Diligence is the opposite of sluggishness; it reflects a focused loyalty to God's will. As we receive God's promises, we are to simultaneously apply this diligence. The first area where diligence must operate is our faith. Faith is not a wish; rather, it is a conviction grounded in God's reality. It is a gift, and though not earned, it must be tested, strengthened and lived. Trials develop endurance, and endurance matures character. Faith becomes what we call an “Allegiance Attribute”—a foundational internal quality that shapes all the other traits Peter will list. Faith must be active, single‑minded and visible through works. Just as Christ fully supplies the body and Christians supply one another, we are called to fully supply our own character with what it needs to grow. Ultimately, God abundantly supplies entrance into the eternal kingdom, far beyond mere adequacy. Our role is to respond to His overwhelming provision with the diligent and eager faith that fuels the lifelong process of Christlike transformation.  Key Takeaways God's promises form the foundation for Christian character development. “Applying all diligence” means bringing earnest effort alongside God's provision. Faith is the first and foundational Allegiance Attribute. Faith must be active, tested, single‑minded and visible through works. Growth is mutual: God supplies us, we supply our character, and we in turn support others. God's supply is abundant and our response to it must be diligent and wholehearted.

Followers of Jesus, 1 Peter says, rejoice "even if now for a little while [we] have had to suffer various trials" (1:6). It's a teaching shared across the writings of the New Testament: the kingdom of God has come already in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the church but has not yet come in its fullness. We are born to a "living hope" as we await "a salvation... to be revealed in the last time" (1:3,5). And while we wait, we suffer-- a word used twenty times in 1 Peter in the NRSV.  Join us as we consider suffering in 1 Peter in the context of the kingdom come and coming and how we might suffer "mindful of God" (2:19) "entrusting [our] souls to a faithful Creator" (4:19)- Series Description -  In this series we will explore 1 and 2 Peter, the Apostle Peter's two letters to the scattered first-century church in Asia Minor, who, though distant in time and place from ourselves, nonetheless share many of the very challenges that we do. We will consider what it means to be “third-culture people” who are chosen by God and called for his sake to live both fruitfully and prophetically in a land not our own 

The story of St Peter's imprisonment and miraculous release by an Angel of God is told in Acts ch. 12. The chains which fell from his hands were collected by Christians and passed down through the generations as precious relics, finally coming to Constantinople and being placed in the Church of St Peter, where they worked many miracles and healings.   There is nothing superstitious about the veneration of clothing and other objects belonging to the Saints; the Acts of the Apostles describes how handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched the Apostle Paul would heal the sick (ch. 19), and that even the shadow of the Apostle Peter healed those on whom it fell (ch. 5). In the twentieth century, a shirt worn by St Nektarios on his death-bed healed a paralyzed man. The sanctity of those united to God extends not only to their bodies but at times to their garments.

A Sunday sermon by Pastor Brett Deal.The Bible's rich with all kinds of words. Some are everyday words: the, and, to speak; but others only show up a handful of times, and their rarity causes them to stand out. One great example is episkiazó. Following Matthew, Luke used episkiazó (meaning to overshadow) describing Jesus' transfiguration.  All three Synoptic Gospels harmonize their use of this word (Matthew 17.5; Mark 9.7; Luke 9.34) where on the mountain, as Jesus' disciples watched in awe, Jesus “was transfigured before them, and His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became white as light,” and “a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to Him.”Imagine Luke on a missionary voyage with Paul, with the scroll of Matthew's Gospel rolled out before Him, praying for the best way to share the good news with his friend Theophilus. Then, struck like a divine lightning bolt, Luke's heart was set on fire with the word episkiazó! Luke used overshadow three times. The third time was in Acts 5.15, describing the Apostle Peter—so heavily anointed by the Holy Spirit after Pentecost—people would bring their sick loved ones out to the street where they were healed, overshadowed by the passing Apostle. The second was Christ's transfiguration, but both are imbued with deeper meaning when read them the light of the first. Luke told Theophilus at the beginning when Gabriel the angel announced to Mary about the arrival of the Messiah: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God,” (Luke 1.35). Luke's triple use of episkiazó is illuminating. The Spirit's overshadowing places the emphasis on the actor more than the act. It is the same Spirit overshadowing Mary which magnifies Christ before His disciples. Is it the same Spirit overshadowing Peter which miraculously heals the hurting. Beloved, it is the same Spirit overshadowing you and me today as we draw near to the Father, and say, “I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word,” (1.38).

We All Are Filled with Something. The Jesus Follower is Filled with the Holy Spirit! MESSAGE SUMMARY: If you believe that Christianity is just a bunch of rules and laws for you (all of which you cannot keep!), then you really do not know what Christianity is all about. Jesus Followers are filled with the Holy Spirit. All of us are filled with something. With what are you filled? The Apostle Peter, in 1 Peter 4:5-6, admonishes you to be faithful to the Gospel and to live in the Spirit like God: “but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.". Some people are filled with the world or the devil or alcohol or drugs or materialism or their jobs or just themselves. You need to be filled with the Holy Spirit. As you walk with the Holy Spirit, Paul instructs in Ephesians 5:15-17 to make wise use of our limited time on earth and to seek God's will through the Holy Spirit: “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.". Come Holy Spirit; fill us with your presence and power. Are you filled with the Holy Spirit? If not, why not?   TODAY'S PRAYER: Father, I confess that when difficulties and trials come into my life, large or small, I mostly grumble and complain. I realize the trials James talks about are not necessarily “walls,” but they are difficult to bear, nonetheless. Fill me with such a vision of a transformed life, O God, that I might actually consider it “pure joy” when you bring trials my way. I believe, Lord. Help my unbelief. In Jesus' name, amen.         Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 94). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, because I am filled with the Holy Spirit, I will not be controlled by my Despair. Rather, I will walk in the Spirit's fruit of Joy. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22f). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Ephesians 5:15-21; Acts 2:1-4; 1 Peter 4:1-6; Psalms 34a: 1-11. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “It's About Time: Part 1 – Rebuilding Emotional Reserves”, at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

The Apostle Peter began his second letter to all Christians by addressing the very formation of our Christian lives. He proceeded to lay out a deep and profound series of character development steps to show us how to completely and wholly grow into mature disciples of Christ. To begin this process, his clear message in the first four verses of Chapter 1 verifies that we have been given EVERYTHING we need to be faithful to our call. Peter directly connects God's promises to our faithfulness. What is it about His promises that has such a powerful influence on the everyday lives of those who are “called according to His purpose”? How can we clearly and definitively apply these promises to each and every day of our lives? This episode explores how God's promises transform the life of a Christian, using 2 Peter 1:1–4 as the foundation. Peter opens his letter by reminding Christians that they have received a “like precious faith”—a faith equal in value to that of the apostles. This faith requires a life of non‑conformity to the world, inner transformation and continual renewal through God's spirit. Such faith is rooted in the righteous acts of Jesus, whose obedience satisfied divine justice and opened the way for believers to become “new creations.” Grace and peace Peter then highlights that God multiplies grace and peace in the lives of those who grow in true knowledge of Him. This knowledge (Greek: epignosis) is not superficial; it is a deep, ever‑advancing understanding gained through study, prayer, discipline and perseverance. God's divine power has already provided everything necessary for life and godliness, regardless of one's circumstances. Christians are fully integrated into God's plan—granted access, citizenship, a spiritual foundation and a place in His household. Only after establishing this foundation does Peter introduce God's “precious and magnificent promises.” These promises are trustworthy because they come from God's unchanging character. They include peace, strength in temptation, instruction, protection, courage, assurance, hope and an ultimate reward of immortality. Importantly, these promises do not remove trials but walk Christians through them, shaping Christlike character. The purpose of these promises is transformative. Through them, we may become “partakers of the divine nature,” escaping the corruption of the world. This extraordinary privilege is granted only to faithful followers of Christ who live in alignment with God's will. Peter's introduction sets the stage for the “ladder of virtues” in 2 Peter 1:5–7, which outlines the step‑by‑step development of Christian character. The promises are tools that empower us to grow into mature disciples whose allegiance is fully centered on God. Key Takeaways God's promises are powerful because of who God is—unchanging, truthful and sovereign. These promises equip, not escape; they strengthen Christians to endure trials. True transformation requires knowledge, discipline and alignment with God's will. The promises ultimately enable faithful followers of Jesus to become partakers of the divine nature.

It's been said the Christian life is like riding a bike. Unless you keep moving, you fall off. The Apostle Peter knew this firsthand. He didn't just stumble; he failed publicly and painfully, yet by God's grace he didn't quit. He got back up and kept going because Peter knew the only way forward was to “grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus” (2 Peter 3:18). As we continue our vision series Gather Grow Go, we'll explore what it really means to Grow by tracing Peter's life. Whether you're new to following Jesus, feeling stuck, or faithfully plodding along, this message is for you!

The author of 1 Peter calls Jesus followers a holy priesthood (1 Pet 2:5). He commands them to be holy as God is holy.If the people of God are already living in exile, it could seem like this is just another hard thing: how can I live as a holy priest in a context of exile, oppression, and suffering? This is daunting unless holiness is not a standard to live up to, but a set apart path laid out for us with a guide who has chosen us to walk with him. The fundamental difference of this path versus any other is an experience of receiving mercy.- - Series Description -In this series we will explore 1 and 2 Peter, the Apostle Peter's two letters to the scattered first-century church in Asia Minor, who, though distant in time and place from ourselves, nonetheless share many of the very challenges that we do. We will consider what it means to be “third-culture people” who are chosen by God and called for his sake to live both fruitfully and prophetically in a land not our own 

We can't possibly realize how wide the gulf was between Jews and Gentiles until Jesus came along. But that wasn't the way it was supposed to be. God had intended Israel to be a light to the nations. In their pride and in their exclusive claims to God, Israel was not a light and had even become a stumbling block. What was left was an unfathomable chasm between Jews and Gentiles. Israel being set aside for holiness had transformed into superior separation. Enter the Apostle Peter who has an epiphany: "I now realize," he says. And just what was it that Peter finally understood, and what made it happen? Join us! The artwork associated with this podcast (viewable on the Epiclesis platform but not in Apple podcast) is titled "St. Peter Penitent" by Guido Reni.

In this episode of Anchored Conversations, Marian Jordan Ellis sits down with women's ministry leader and Bible teacher Tasha Calvert to talk about what it really means to live a life anchored to Jesus—especially in a culture that often celebrates the opposite of holiness.Peter's message to the early church is strikingly timely: believers are “elect exiles” living under pressure, misunderstood, and sometimes mocked—yet called to stand out with lives so compelling that others “see your good deeds and glorify God.” (1 Peter 2)Tasha unpacks holiness with fresh clarity—not as a rigid checklist or religious performance, but as a “sacred otherness that originates from God, is extended to us through His Spirit, manifested in our character, and strengthened in Christian community.”Together, Marian and Tasha talk about:--- What “Be holy, because I am holy” meant to Peter's original audience—and what it means for us now (1 Peter 1)----Why holiness is rooted in the Holy One, not white-knuckled behavior change--- How to live distinctively without becoming defensive, reactive, or losing credibility online--- The role of Scripture, prayer, and community in staying anchored--- The “upside-down economy of God”: how suffering refines faith and clarifies what matters (1 Peter 1)---Why Peter keeps pulling our eyes toward an eternal perspective and an inheritance that can't be stolenIf you've ever felt torn between blending in and standing out—or you're weary from the cultural noise—this conversation will steady your soul and call you back to the Living Hope found in Jesus.➡️ Learn more about Marian's Bible study: Anchored: The Life and Letters of the Apostle Peter (7-week study) https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/anchored-bible-study-book-with-video-access-P005850823

Join us this week as Pastor Ben Kaempfer leads us in our new series through The First Letter of the Apostle Peter!Support the show

Followers of Jesus live in a world that is often at odds with the life Jesus calls us to, and our own place and time is no exception. To be faithful to Jesus means that we will often feel out of place and called to ways of living and being that clash with the ways and rhythms of those around us. We are, in the words of the Apostle Peter, exiles, strangers, sojourners, foreigners, temporary residents in a land not our own, and it is in this situation that we must learn to embrace our core identity as the people of God and learn to live our lives in right relationship to God, to our fellow pilgrims in the church, and to all those around us.- Series Description - In this series we will explore 1 and 2 Peter, the Apostle Peter's two letters to the scattered first-century church in Asia Minor, who, though distant in time and place from ourselves, nonetheless share many of the very challenges that we do. We will consider what it means to be “third-culture people” who are chosen by God and called for his sake to live both fruitfully and prophetically in a land not our own

Join us at Beaver Baptist Church as we introduce Peter before beginning 1 & 2 Peter.

Sermon Direct Link 1/4/26 Rev. Clint Smith Divine Destiny on Display (Hebrews 11:17-22) The Apostle Peter gave vital end-of-life wisdom as he was divinely directed by God. As false teachers began to infiltrate the early ... Read More The post Divine Destiny on Display (Hebrews 11:17-22) appeared first on Town Creek Baptist Church.

Sermon Direct Link 12/28/25 Rev. Clint Smith Divine Direction for Developing Dynamic Discipleship (2 Peter 1:12-21) The Apostle Peter gave vital end-of-life wisdom as he was divinely directed by God. As false teachers began to ... Read More The post Divine Direction for Developing Dynamic Discipleship (2 Peter 1:12-21) appeared first on Town Creek Baptist Church.

There is a popular holiday movie based on an award-winning children's book called “The Polar Express.” In the story, a young boy is unable to hear the bells at Christmas. The reason? The disappointment of life had dimmed his belief and wonder. It was only after a magical encounter that he was able to believe again.Now, I know that story is about Santa Claus, but there are some striking parallels to our walk of faith. Life in this cold, dark world has a way of dimming our belief, too.Maybe this Christmas, the bells in your heart have gone silent. You once believed in a good, loving, powerful God – back when you were a kid.  But then life got in the way. The doubts began to creep in.  To you who struggle to believe that there is a God who's in control, who cares, and who understands, Christmas holds the answers to your questions. Is God in control? God literally moved heaven and earth to fulfill His purposes for mankind. He moved the heart of a king so His Son would be born in Bethlehem. He can handle whatever you're facing. Does God understand? Jesus didn't come as a conquering king or as some sort of superhero.  He came as a baby to dirt-poor parents among a marginalized people.  But even more, He was born in a barn and slept in a feeding trough, wrapped in rags. Why? So that we would never wonder if He knows what it's like to really live in this cold, dark world under the worst of circumstances.  In “The Polar Express,” there's a great line offered by the train's conductor in his attempt to get Billy to at least investigate the possibility of another reality.  He says to him, “Sometimes the most real things in this world are the things we can't see.”The Apostle Peter thought the same thing. He wrote, “Though you have not seen Him, you love Him.  And even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy.” (1 Pet. 1:8)God came to our world and faced all of its ugliness firsthand. He understands exactly what you and I face – because He faced it too. God came to earth in human form, seeking us.And if you will go on an honest pursuit of Him, God promises that you will find Him (Jer. 29:13).  And you, too, will be changed for the better.   Text: Is. 9:2, 6-7; 1 Pet. 1:8; Jer. 29:13Originally recorded on December 24, 2007, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN

Feeling Pulled in Every Direction? Grip on the Gospel Slipping? Find Living Hope and Stand Firm in a Hostile Culture with the Apostle Peter!Joshua Lewis sits down with Marian Jordan Ellis with This Redeemed Life to unpack the life and letters of the Apostle Peter. Explore how his story gives ordinary believers a living hope in an age of deconstruction, culture pressure, and spiritual warfare. Discover how 1 and 2 Peter equip Christians to stand firm in suffering, live as “elect exiles” in a hostile culture, and embrace their identity as a royal priesthood and holy nation. We dive into Peter's most difficult passages, address spiritual warfare, and discuss how to confirm our calling and election. From impulsive fisherman to faithful apostle, Peter's journey is a model for the Christian life!0:00 – Introduction 1:39 – Why focus on Peter? 5:18 – Peter's life & calling11:08 – Peter's ministry13:42 – Exiles, suffering, and living hope24:18 – Royal priesthood and holy nation33:24 – Submission to authorities & suffering37:27 – Difficult texts45:52 – Peter's final “feeding the sheep”48:05 – Confirming calling and election, assurance, and sanctification59:26 – Inspiration of Scripture in 2 Peter 11:01:23 – ClosingABOUT THE GUEST:https://www.youtube.com/@UC-I3RDkbXe1leWTvCow1KQA 

n this message, Hezekiah uses the analogy of a child's milestones to frame his discussion of seemingly small, significant moments in life and faith. Analyzing Acts 9:32-43, Mickey focuses on the Apostle Peter's miracles—the instantaneous healing of the paralyzed Aeneas and the resurrection of Tabitha (Dorcas). He emphasizes that Peter's actions were rooted in Jesus's power, and that the ultimate purpose of the miracles was not the temporary fix but causing people to believe and turn to the Lord.Subscribe to AfterWords on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.Download a copy of the Exodus JournalVisit us online: rivchurch.comFollow us on InstagramSend us feedback: podcast@rivchurch.comSubscribe to AfterWords on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.Visit us online: rivchurch.comFollow us on InstagramSend us feedback: podcast@rivchurch.com

Like physical growth, spiritual growth is not something that happens instantly; it happens gradually. In 1 Peter 2, the Apostle Peter tells believers that they must put aside the food of the world and allow God's Word to satisfy their souls.Spiritual growth happens over time as we consistently desire the pure milk of God's Word. Peter lays out the process of moving from spiritual infancy to maturity by laying aside malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking. Your “spiritual diet” affects your faith, which means that what you feed your soul will either transform you or destroy you. Join Pastor Phil Hopper to discover practical steps from 1 Peter 2 to deepen your relationship with God, experience transformation, and live out your faith daily.  Listen to The Well Podcast ⤵Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5wadnywAMEK7c0E1qatMoY?si=SjH6Ko7VR3OoHrRy1yYLlQ&nd=1&dlsi=395ae55d95ac4b11Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-well/id1233267223YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLR50sV854C2hogfBmv7YogvCjiNYLz9a2Find Your Next Step: http://alife.livingproof.co/ Watch more sermons: https://abundant-life.com/sermons/Do you want to see your life changed by Jesus? Visit our website: https://abundant-life.com/ Connect with us on Social Media ↴Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abundantlifels/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abundantlifels Connect with Pastor Phil ↴Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PhilHopperKCInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/philhopper_kc/Web: https://abundant-life.com/resources/books/Learn more about the A-Life Discipleship Journey: https://alife.livingproof.co/ More information on our sermons: https://abundant-life.com/sermons/Do you want to see your life changed by Jesus? Visit our website: https://abundant-life.com/

He was the brother of the Apostle Peter, from Bethsaida on the shore of Lake Gennesaret. Andrew left his fisherman's trade to become a disciple of St John the Baptist. Soon after the Forerunner had baptized Jesus, he said to Andrew and his other disciple John the Theologian, "Behold the Lamb of God!" At this, both disciples followed after Jesus. After conversing with Christ, Andrew hurried home and told his brother Simon Peter, "We have found the Messiah." For being the first to recognize Jesus as the Christ, St Andrew is called the First-Called.   After Pentecost, Andrew was appointed to preach the Gospel around the Black Sea and in Thrace and Macedonia, traveling as far as Lazica in the Caucasus. According to Slavic tradition his travels took him even further, into the land that was later to be called Russia.   In later travels the Apostle preached throughout Asia Minor with St John the Theologian, then traveled to Mesopotamia, then back to Sinope on the Black Sea, and finally to Patras in the Peloponnese, where he soon established a large community of Christians. One of his converts was Maximilla, the wife of Aegeates, the Proconsul of that region. Aegeates was so angered by his wife's conversion that he had the Apostle arrested and crucified head downwards on a cross in the shape of an "X." The holy Apostle rejoiced to be allowed to suffer the same death as his Master.   The holy relics of St Andrew, after various travels, were returned to Patras in 1964, where they are now venerated.   In the West, St Andrew is venerated as the patron of Scotland: in the Middle Ages, more than eight hundred churches in Scotland were dedicated to him.

He was the brother of the Apostle Peter, from Bethsaida on the shore of Lake Gennesaret. Andrew left his fisherman's trade to become a disciple of St John the Baptist. Soon after the Forerunner had baptized Jesus, he said to Andrew and his other disciple John the Theologian, "Behold the Lamb of God!" At this, both disciples followed after Jesus. After conversing with Christ, Andrew hurried home and told his brother Simon Peter, "We have found the Messiah." For being the first to recognize Jesus as the Christ, St Andrew is called the First-Called.   After Pentecost, Andrew was appointed to preach the Gospel around the Black Sea and in Thrace and Macedonia, traveling as far as Lazica in the Caucasus. According to Slavic tradition his travels took him even further, into the land that was later to be called Russia.   In later travels the Apostle preached throughout Asia Minor with St John the Theologian, then traveled to Mesopotamia, then back to Sinope on the Black Sea, and finally to Patras in the Peloponnese, where he soon established a large community of Christians. One of his converts was Maximilla, the wife of Aegeates, the Proconsul of that region. Aegeates was so angered by his wife's conversion that he had the Apostle arrested and crucified head downwards on a cross in the shape of an "X." The holy Apostle rejoiced to be allowed to suffer the same death as his Master.   The holy relics of St Andrew, after various travels, were returned to Patras in 1964, where they are now venerated.   In the West, St Andrew is venerated as the patron of Scotland: in the Middle Ages, more than eight hundred churches in Scotland were dedicated to him.