100 Reasons to Believe New Testament History
27. “Brutal” Honesty
It is almost universally acknowledged that the fisherman named Peter became the recognised leader of the early church after Jesus’ departure from this world. Revered as he came to be, the Gospels portray him in a way that can only be described as brutally honest. The stunning rebuke given him by Jesus (“Get thee behind Me, Satan: thou art an offence unto Me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.” Matthew 16:23), Peter’s senseless comments made out fear in Mark 9: 5-6, and his denials of Jesus in His hour of need, are inexplicable as fabrications. In all probability episodes such as these were recorded simply because they reflected the cold hard truth A.
27. “Brutal” Honesty - Notes and References
A. Peter is not the only individual in the New Testament that is portrayed with “warts and all.” There are numerous other examples. Others include:
a. The disciples’ disputes over which one of them was the greatest (Luke 9:46, 22:24).
b. The disciples’ disbelief of the resurrection report (Mark 16:11)
c. Thomas’ refusal to believe in the resurrection without proof (John 20:25).
d. The disciples’ disbelief in Rhoda’s report that Peter had been released from prison, even though that was the very thing they were no doubt praying for! (Acts 12:12-15).
e. Paul’s outburst toward the High Priest out of ignorance (Acts 23:3-5).