PeterandthePopesTS,SR

Peter has served an invaluable role for the development of the Catholic Church. Peter is persistent, brave, a good leader, and a good speaker. Even though he was human and flawed he performed one of the most if not the most difficult job in all of history. He started off as a fisherman and ended as a fisher of men. There was no one else that could have been a better first Pope.

I have learned of his qualities through reading the passages Acts 1:12-15, Acts 2:14, Acts 2:37-41, and Acts 5:1-3. I learned that Peter is brave, a leader, a good speaker, and persistent. In Acts 1:12-15, Peter returned to Jerusalem from Mount Olivet and even though everyone was tired and in the middle of prayer he still found time to lecture them about how the scripture has been fulfilled this act is a testament to his persistence because even when he is tired after a long day he still finds the energy to speak to his fellow apostles and praise the Lord.. In Acts 2:14, Peter addresses the Apostles. This proves that he is a good speaker because he wasn't afraid or quiet. In Acts 2: 37-41, A group of people go to Peter for help. Peter then tells them to go and be baptized. That day thousands joined the Catholic Faith because of him. This act further proves that Peter is a leader because even when thousands of people are standing there waiting for him to speak, he didn't back down even when he was probably scared. The fact that everyone followed his words prove that he is a good leader. In Acts 5:1-3, Peter is disappointed when a man named Ananias lied to his wife so he could keep some money for himself. This proves that he is brave because Ananias probably could have gotten mad at Peter, but Peter still had the courage and bravery to confront him.

I think Jesus chose Peter as the first pope because he was the most human. He was Jesus's best example of the fact that no matter how many flaws you have you are still perfect in the eyes of God. Peter's faith was flawed. He had his doubts and suspicions, but the power of God overcame his flaws and he ended up being the rock of the entire church. Another reason I think Peter was chosen as the first pope is because of his leading ability. In Acts 2: 37:41 and Acts 5:1-3, Peter demonstrates his bravery and leadership skills. Because of these examples, He was the best example for all of the popes to follow.

Two lessons that Popes can still learn from Peter are his leadership and speaking ability and the fact that he was flawed. Peter was a tremendous speaker and a natural leader. Popes should look for advice in the way Peter spoke to and addressed crowds. He set the example of communication to the laity by the Pope. If it wasn't for Peter openly talking to and preaching to crowds, we might never see or hear from the pope today. Secondly, Peter was flawed. Because of his extreme importance in the church, some people are led to believe that Peter is perfect. Popes might think that they couldn't be a good of a pope as Peter was because he was perfect. They need to remember that he was flawed and that he was originally a fisherman. With this in mind Popes should learn humbleness from him. They should remember to stay human like Peter instead of being treated like a god.

Peter was human. He was not perfect. Peter's job was probably the most important job in history. The future of the Church was caused by his actions. Even though he made mistakes. He did something nobody else could do. He was the first pope and he set the example for the hundreds of pope that follow him. He was brave, a good leader, a good speaker, and persistent. He was humble and flawed. Above all he was Human.