Peter

Book overview 

Simon the Rock. That's what Jesus called him. We call him Peter. We can only look at a person on the outside. Jesus looks on the inside. Jesus sees what we are, our failures, our flaws, and by faith our fabulous futures!

Jesus said, "Follow me." How do we do that? What does that mean? This New Testament guide helps you figure that out.

I wrote this as a Bible discussion guide for my small group. Personally, I want to follow the Lord faithfully. Some days I do. Other days I fall flat on my face. Thankfully, God and my small group love me anyway.

This book examines 51 scenes from the life of Peter. I paraphrase in my own words what is going on in each biblical scene. Scripture references allow you to look up the details more fully if you wish.

200 questions are provided as tools to deepen your faith. These conversation starters help you discuss, ponder, or share your thoughts. The goal of the questions is to help you feel what it was like to follow Jesus, like Peter did.

I love small groups. A book like this allows you to just show up and participate. Have fun and learn.

My plan is to read the scene, ask the questions and let friends share. You can follow Jesus and grow closer to him and each other at the same time.

In my lifetime I have read the Bible all the way through many times in several translations. In the 1970s I earned a degree in Ancient Languages. Over the years I translated many biblical books from the original Greek into English.

Before I retired from 26 years of ministry, people often asked me, "Which English translation of the Bible is the best?" My answer is, "The translation that you actually read!"

In 2016 I am reading the Sawyer translation. No, it's not mine. Leicester Ambrose Sawyer translated the New Testament rather literally in 1858. That's what I am reading this year. But enough about me.

Let's watch Peter follow Jesus. Maybe we can pick up some pointers for our own lives.