John 21: 17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, You know all things; you know that I love thee.
However, it’s not all bad news, for the good news is that Peter was finally converted and when that took place, an entirely different person emerged, which mirrored the “New Creature” referenced in God’s word. A very great, and marked change came over Peter, and we must highlight those changes as they contrast with the behavioral patterns of the former man.
In the above passage we see another Peter who has undergone conversion, who is now not boastful and self- confident as he was before. When Jesus prods him on his sincerity, he does not display his previous adamant attitudes. instead, he leaves the ball in Jesus’ court, and he is contented and accepts any assessment that is made by The Lord.
A truly converted person will always manifest stark and noticeable changes in words and deeds, for it cannot be otherwise. Therefore, it’s important that a clear distinction be made between the old and the new Peter for we must be certain about what Christ was stating, when He spoke of Peter’s conversion.
Acts 5:29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. 40 And when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.
May The Lord add His blessing to the study of His word. God bless!