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Simon Peter is one of the most sympathetic characters in the entire New Testament. Peter is determined to be Jesus’s best disciple, but prematurely thinks he understands what it means to follow Jesus. Peter does not believe Jesus’s prediction that he will deny having known Jesus, but Peter’s eagerness is immature, and he does end up denying his friendship to Jesus during the terrifying series of events surrounding the trial and crucifixion. Peter realizes his mistake and weeps bitterly. He is forgiven, and remains the rock upon which Jesus says he will build his church. Peter is a model of faithful discipleship. To this day, the Catholic Church claims apostolic succession from this very Peter, whose faith was as solid as a rock, but who was also at times overeager, afraid, and all too human.

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Popular pages: Bible: The New Testament

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