Peter the Spirit-Filled Apostle is the 2nd in the series by Truth of the Spirit with Patti Brunner. Follows-up the story began by Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich about Cornelius the Centurion. For audio player and video links please continue reading. Script of this episode is also available.
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Several times the visionary Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich spoke of Peter’s reluctance to answer the call by Jesus. She said, “Peter became quite timid and anxious. He fell on his knees before Jesus, begging Him to reflect upon his ignorance and weakness, and not to insist on his undertaking anything so important, that he was entirely unworthy, and quite unable to instruct others.” [i] Have you ever felt that way?
The Acts of the Apostles reveals to us the effect of the Holy Spirit in Peter. Immediately after the fire of the Holy Spirit entered into the hearts of the apostles and they began to praise and pray in tongues[ii], Peter stepped forward to address the crowd who gathered outside. He boldly stood up and preached! In Acts Chapter 4[iii] the Jewish leaders 13 were astonished at the fearlessness shown by Peter and John, considering that they were uneducated laymen.” But the power and glory of God proves to us that God doesn’t need to call the qualified because God can qualify the called!
Welcome to Truth of the Spirit and “On the Road with Peter the Spirit-Filled Apostle”. I am your host, Patti Brunner. Today’s episode looks to the New Testament to get to know Peter after Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to be within Peter. By his example, we can, with expectant faith, rely on the Spirit in our own lives!
The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 2 says thatafter all the noisy commotion of the Pentecost, Peter went out to the crowd “14 Peter stood up with the Eleven and addressed them in a loud voice [saying]: ‘Men of Judaea, and all you who live in Jerusalem, make no mistake about this, but listen carefully to what I say. 15 These men are not drunk, as you imagine; why, it is only the third hour of the day. 16 On the contrary, this is what the prophet was saying: 17 ‘In the last days — the Lord declares — I shall pour out my Spirit on all humanity. Your sons and daughters shall prophesy, your young people shall see visions, your old people dream dreams. 18 Even on the slaves, men and women, shall I pour out my Spirit.’”… Peter, the uneducated fisherman, shared scriptures from the Torah and then preached about Jesus and the signs God worked through Him. He also shared the story of the Crucifixion and the Resurrection[iv].
Peter, led by the Spirit, became a theologian, and continued speaking to the crowd, teaching: “33 Now raised to the heights by God’s right hand, he [Jesus] has received from the Father the Holy Spirit, who was promised, and what you see and hear is the outpouring of that Spirit. 34 For David himself never went up to heaven, but yet he said: The Lord declared to my Lord, take your seat at my right hand, 35 till I have made your enemies your footstool. 36 ‘For this reason the whole House of Israel can be certain that the Lord and Christ whom God has made is this Jesus whom you crucified.’ 37 Hearing this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, ‘What are we to do, brothers?’ 38 ‘You must repent,’ Peter answered, ‘and every one of you must be baptised in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise that was made is for you and your children and for all those who are far away,” [Us!] “for all those whom the Lord our God is calling to himself.’ 40 He spoke to them for a long time using many other arguments, and he urged them, ‘Save yourselves from this perverse generation.’ 41 They accepted what he said and were baptised. That very day about three thousand were added to their number.” Can you stand up and preach and bring 3,000 people to Christ?
As Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit he also received the charismatic gift of healing. In Acts of the Apostles Chapter 3 we hear, “1 Once, when Peter and John were going up to the Temple for the prayers at the ninth hour, 2 it happened that there was a man being carried along. He was a cripple from birth; and they used to put him down every day near the Temple entrance called the Beautiful Gate so that he could beg from the people going in. 3 When this man saw Peter and John on their way into the Temple he begged from them. 4 Peter, and John too, looked straight at him and said, ‘Look at us.’ 5 He turned to them expectantly, hoping to get something from them, 6 but Peter said, ‘I have neither silver nor gold, but I will give you what I have: in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, walk!’ 7 Then he took him by the right hand and helped him to stand up. Instantly his feet and ankles became firm, 8 he jumped up, stood, and began to walk, and he went with them into the Temple, walking and jumping and praising God.”
Later on, this gift manifested so strongly that even his shadow held healing power. In Acts Chapter 5 it says: “14 Many signs and wonders were worked among the people at the hands of the apostles 15 so that the sick were even taken out into the streets and laid on beds and sleeping-mats in the hope that at least the shadow of Peter might fall across some of them as he went past. 16 People even came crowding in from the towns round about Jerusalem, bringing with them their sick and those tormented by unclean spirits, and all of them were cured.”
The word ‘Apostle’ means ‘one who is sent’. Jesus sent the disciples out two by two as He trained them for their role in the Church after Pentecost. One example Peter being sent is in Acts Chapter 8: “14 When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, 15 and they went down there and prayed for them to receive the Holy Spirit, 16 for as yet” [the Holy Spirit] “had not come down on any of them: they had only been baptised in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.” The Catechism of the Catholic Church uses this passage in reference to Confirmation in Paragraphs #1315 and #1288 as well as Hebrews Chapter 6:2.
Other trips by Peter grew followers to the Lord by leaps and bounds! Acts of the Apostles in Chapter 9 reports: “32 It happened that Peter visited one place after another and eventually came to God’s holy people living down in Lydda. 33 There he found a man called Aeneas, a paralytic who had been bedridden for eight years.” Now listen to this, because this might be helpful for moms of teenagers. “34
Peter said to him, ‘Aeneas, Jesus Christ cures you: get up and make your bed.’ Aeneas got up immediately; 35 everybody who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they were converted to the Lord. 36 At Jaffa there was a disciple called Tabitha, … who never tired of doing good or giving to those in need. 37 But it happened that at this time she became ill and died, and they … laid her out in an upper room. 38 Lydda is not far from Jaffa, so when the disciples heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to urge him” to come. Immediately, Peter went back to Jaffa with them and went to that upper room. “40 Peter sent everyone out of the room and knelt down and prayed. Then he turned to the dead woman and said, ‘Tabitha, stand up.’ She opened her eyes, looked at Peter and sat up. 41 Peter helped her to her feet, then he called in the members of the congregation and widows and showed them she was alive. 42 The whole of Jaffa heard about it and many believed in the Lord.” Remember, Jesus told us that we would do as He did! And these apostles did as Jesus did and brought this lady back to life!
In our previous episode on the Call of Peter, the visionary Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich told us that she saw the Centurion Cornelius send a message asking Jesus to heal his servant, and the famous message, “Lord I am not worthy to receive you, only say the word and he shall be healed.” In the Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 10, we are given a key story that affects the whole world involving Peter and Cornelius. Cornelius was a Gentile; he was not Jewish but he had come to believe in the God of the Jews and had faith in Jesus.
The rest of the story about Cornelius the Centurion involved spiritually prophetic visions and a great example of the Church’s discernment of personal revelation. We hear the details in Acts of the Apostles Chapter 10. Cornelius of Caesareahad a vision in which he distinctly saw the angel of God come into his house and called his name! ‘Cornelius!’ “4 He stared at the vision in terror and exclaimed, ‘What is it, Lord?’ The angel answered, ‘Your prayers and charitable gifts have been accepted by God. 5 Now you must send some men to Jaffa and fetch a man called Simon, known as Peter, 6 who is lodging with Simon the tanner whose house is by the sea.’” The angel was pretty specific. “7 Cornelius called two of the slaves and a devout soldier of his staff, 8 told them all that had happened, and sent them off to Jaffa.” Meanwhile, in Jaffa “9 Peter went to the housetop at about the sixth hour to say his prayers. 10 He felt hungry” –like any man—and was looking forward to his meal, but before it was ready he fell into a trance 11 and saw heaven thrown open and something like a big sheet being let down to earth by its four corners; 12 it contained every kind of animal, reptile and bird. 13 A voice then said to him, ‘Now, Peter, kill and eat!’ 14 But Peter answered, ‘Certainly not, Lord; I have never yet eaten anything profane or unclean.’” Remember, at this time the Jews had very stringent dietary laws and were limited to certain animals they could eat. But this had all kinds of animals that were on the ‘uh-uh not that one’ list. “15 Again, a second time, the voice spoke to him, ‘What God has made clean, you have no right to call profane.’ 16 This was repeated three times, and then suddenly the container was drawn up to heaven again.
“17 Peter was still at a loss over the meaning of the vision he had seen, when the men sent by Cornelius arrived. …They were now standing at the door, 18 calling out to know if the Simon known as Peter was lodging there. 19 While Peter’s mind was still on the vision, the Spirit told him, ‘Look! Some men have come to see you. 20 Hurry down, and do not hesitate to return with them; it was I who told them to come.’ 21 Peter went down and said to them, ‘I am the man you are looking for; why have you come?’ 22 They said, ‘The centurion Cornelius, who is an upright and God-fearing man, highly regarded by the entire Jewish people, was told by God through a holy angel to send for you and bring you to his house and to listen to what you have to say.’ 23 So Peter asked them in and gave them lodging. Next day, he was ready to go off with them, accompanied by some of the brothers from Jaffa. 24 They reached Caesarea the following day, and Cornelius was waiting for them. He had asked his relations and close friends to be there, 25 and as Peter reached the house Cornelius went out to meet him, fell at his feet and did him reverence. 26 But Peter helped him up. ‘Stand up,’ he said, ‘ after all, I am only a man!’ 27 Talking together they went in to meet all the people assembled there, 28 and Peter said to them, ‘You know it is forbidden for Jews to mix with people of another race and visit them; but God has made it clear to me that I must not call anyone profane or unclean. 29 That is why I made no objection to coming when I was sent for; but I should like to know exactly why you sent for me.’ 30 Cornelius replied, ‘At this time three days ago I was in my house saying the prayers for the ninth hour, when I suddenly saw a man in front of me in shining robes. 31 He said, “Cornelius, your prayer has been heard and your charitable gifts have not been forgotten by God; 32 so now you must send to Jaffa and fetch Simon known as Peter who is lodging in the house of Simon the tanner, by the sea.” 33 So I sent for you at once, and you have been kind enough to come. Here we all are, assembled in front of you to hear all the instructions God has given you.’ 34 Then Peter addressed them, ‘I now really understand’, he said, ‘that God has no favourites, 35 but that anybody of any nationality who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. 36 ‘God sent his word to the people of Israel, and it was to them that the good news of peace was brought by Jesus Christ — he is the Lord of all.”
Peter continued to teach about Jesus and the eyewitness of miracles that Jesus did, the Eucharist, and his death and resurrection. Acts of the Apostles Chapter 10: “44 While Peter was still speaking the Holy Spirit came down on all the listeners. 45 Jewish believers who had accompanied Peter were all astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit should be poured out on gentiles too, 46 since they could hear them speaking strange languages and proclaiming the greatness of God. Peter himself then said, 47 ‘Could anyone refuse the water of baptism to these people, now they have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?’ 48 He then gave orders for them to be baptised in the name of Jesus Christ.”
Eventually the Apostle Peter continued to travel all the way to Rome fulfilling his role as apostle, continually sharing the good news. He wrote at least two letters that were circulated among the Churches. In 1 Peter, he had Silvanus[v] write to all those, “[Chapter 1] “ who have been chosen, 2 in the foresight of God the Father, to be made holy by the Spirit, obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance. 6 This is a great joy to you, even though for a short time yet you must bear all sorts of trials; 7 so that the worth of your faith, more valuable than gold, which is perishable even if it has been tested by fire, may be proved — to your praise and honour when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8 You have not seen him, yet you love him; and still without seeing him you believe in him and so are already filled with a joy so glorious that it cannot be described; 9 and you are sure of the goal of your faith, that is, the salvation of your souls.” … He also wrote, “25 but the Word of the Lord remains forever. And this Word is the Good News that has been brought to you.”
Chapter 2: “9 You are a chosen race, a kingdom of priests, a holy nation, a people to be a personal possession to sing the praises of God who called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. 10 Once you were a non-people and now you are the People of God.”
Peter taught them, Chapter 3 “9 Never repay one wrong with another, or one abusive word with another; instead, repay with a blessing. That is what you are called to do, so that you inherit a blessing. 11 Turn away from evil and do good, seek peace and pursue it. 12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the upright, his ear turned to their cry.”
Peter also encouraged them, Chapter 4 “10 Each one of you has received a special grace, so, like good stewards responsible for all these varied graces of God, put it at the service of others. 11 If anyone is a speaker, let it be as the words of God, if anyone serves, let it be as in strength granted by God; so that in everything God may receive the glory, through Jesus Christ, since to him alone belong all glory and power for ever and ever. Amen.”
St. Peter has given us quite an example to follow as he lived his calling as an apostle of Christ. St. Peter picked up his cross and followed Jesus despite persecution and martyrdom. He, too, was crucified, upside down by his own request, about 30 years after the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. He now sits in glory forever near his beloved Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ.
In our next episode of this series we will discuss Peter the Rock—the first pope of the Catholic Church. You have been listening to Truth of the Spirit and “On the Road with Peter the Spirit-Filled Apostle”. I am your host, Patti Brunner. The series playlist on YouTube is named “Peter-Fisherman, Apostle, & Pope”. Check out this and other episodes on PatriarchMinistries.com/227 and then come back for more. With the Holy Spirit there’s always more! Amen.
[i] Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich quoted in TOS127 The Call of Peter”
[ii] Acts of the Apostles Chapter 2 “1 When Pentecost day came round, they had all met together, 2 when suddenly there came from heaven a sound as of a violent wind which filled the entire house in which they were sitting; 3 and there appeared to them tongues as of fire; these separated and came to rest on the head of each of them. 4 They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak different languages as the Spirit gave them power to express themselves. “
[iii] Scripture quotes in this episode are taken from the New Jerusalem Bible.
[iv] Acts 2: ““22 ‘Men of Israel, listen to what I am going to say: Jesus the Nazarene was a man commended to you by God by the miracles and portents and signs that God worked through him when he was among you, as you know. 23 This man, who was put into your power by the deliberate intention and foreknowledge of God, you took and had crucified and killed by men outside the Law. 24 But God raised him to life, freeing him from the pangs of Hades; for it was impossible for him to be held in its power.””
[v]1 Peter “I write these few words to you through Silvanus”
