Twelve Ordinary Men by John MacArthur
Week 2: Chapter 1 — Peter: The Unlikely Leader
Read Chapter 1 of Twelve Ordinary Men. Key passages: Matthew 16:13–19; John 21:15–19; Luke 22:54–62.
Peter is perhaps the most recognizable apostle precisely because his failures are so public and his restoration so gracious — come ready to see yourself in his story.
Discussion Questions
8 questions1.MacArthur describes Peter as a man of contradictions — bold enough to walk on water, yet cowardly enough to deny Christ three times. What specific character traits does MacArthur identify in Peter, and which of them do you think was Peter's greatest strength? His greatest weakness?
2.Jesus renamed Simon 'Peter' (Petros — Rock) at their very first meeting (John 1:42), long before Peter exhibited much rock-like steadiness. What does it mean that Jesus named him for what he would become, not what he was? How does this relate to the way God sees believers today?
3.MacArthur notes that Peter was always the first to speak — sometimes brilliantly (Matthew 16:16), sometimes disastrously (Matthew 16:22–23). What do you think drove Peter's impulsiveness, and is impulsiveness always a spiritual liability?
Closing Prayer
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