The kernel of being an apostle lies in one's knowing the Lord Jesus in a personal way. Peter has come to recognize who Jesus is, the Son of the Father, by the grace that the Father has given to him. His knowledge is given to him that he might be the foundation of the future believers' faith.

An apostle's life is described as a continuous sacrifice, given for the good of the people that he serves. Like the Lord's own sacrifice, it looks forward to a fulfillment in the future by hoping for the crown of righteousness.

The death of the first apostle as a martyr must have been a traumatic event for the infant Church but the Lord's continuing care for His people is never absent.

Trying to be a person who believes that God's kingdom is coming is not always easy. There are many who prefer to criticize and even imprison people for speaking about a world in which life is different.

But how can I speak of the lack of justice and peace in the world if I lack them in my own heart? My failings in small tings run parallel to the failings of the world in big things.