The Leader

Introduction

What makes a leader a leader? In recent years much has been written about leadership—most seems to focus on business models of leadership, but theology has also had its share of leadership books. We need leaders. They play a vital role in helping us move from point A to point B. They motivate us. They help us to see the big picture as we struggle with the minute details. Steve Farrer who has authored several books for men concerning spiritual leadership tells the following story in his book Standing Tall. It seems that Steve’s friend was asked to officiate at the funeral of a war veteran. Steve says this leads to two points: if you’re going to lead make sure you know where you are going, and if you’re going to follow, make sure that you are following someone who knows what he is doing.

We need leaders. We want leaders. We also expect our leaders to know where they are going. After Acts 2, Peter becomes the obvious leader among not only the apostles but in the church. He is the main character in Luke’s historical record through the first 12 chapters. Others are mentioned. Others are significant, but Peter gets most of the words. What are we to make of this? Luke’s point is to present a historical overview of the start and spread of the church as the Holy Spirit worked in the lives of God’s people. But as we look at Peter we notice that the Spirit used him mightily to do certain things. Peter set the tone, set the example, and set the direction in the early church. And through him we can see the value of good leaders.

Set the Tone

From the beginning, Peter is taking the lead. He is unafraid of publicly proclaiming the message of Jesus. He is unintimidated by those who may oppose him. In Acts 3, Peter and John going into the temple for the time of prayer encounter a lame man. They heal him and immediately Peter begins speaking to the crowd about how Jesus has healed this man. There is no doubt a miracle has been done. The people had seen this man for years lying at this temple gate begging for money. This act of compassion resulted in Peter and John being arrested and told to quit preaching the name of Jesus. Peter and John refuse and tell the religious leaders that they will continue to preach in the name of Jesus.

In Acts 5, again Peter along with the other apostles are arrested for preaching in the name of Jesus. Again, Peter as the spokesman refuses to be silenced. For his trouble, all the apostles are given 40 lashes to shut them up. Peter and the rest return to the disciples rejoicing that they could suffer for the Lord in this way. Then in Acts 12, Peter is arrested a third time. Herod already has killed James and has received accolades for his decisive action. It looks as if his intent is to kill Peter as well. Miraculously Peter is set free. Again returning to praying disciples, he encourages them before he leaves Jerusalem for a time.

Peter is setting the tone for these early disciples. Nothing must deter them from preaching Christ. Nothing must make them lose sight that their mission is to announce the Lordship of Jesus. Prison can’t stop them; beatings cannot stop them; martyrs can’t stop them. After the initial time of goodwill among the people, by chapter 6 there is real unrest in the city of Jerusalem. Stephen is killed and the desire to just let this movement die on its own is gone. Now direct opposition occurs. Hearts begin to beat a bit faster. Early Christians are looking over the shoulders waiting for the religious government to arrest them. It is now the official stance that any who acknowledge Christ as Lord can and should be turned in for discipline.

Then in Acts 8 the persecution is so bad that the Christians scatter. But they do not scatter to remain silent; they scatter and continue to teach wherever they go. Peter and the apostles set the tone early on that no one was going to stop them from proclaiming the name of Jesus. Peter was so convinced about Jesus being the Savior that no sense of embarrassment, punishment, ostracism, or ridicule could keep him from speaking. And his intent was infectious.

Set the Example

Peter set the example in a number of ways. He set the example in boldness. He confidently and boldly named Jesus above all other names and would not back down. Peter set the example in preaching. The gist of some of his sermons are recorded and the centrality of Jesus cannot be missed. Peter set the example in terms of prayer. We see Peter and the other apostles praying after almost every encounter. But Peter also set the example in terms of discipline.

In Acts 5, Ananias and Sapphira sell a piece of property and give part of the money from the sale to the apostles to assist those with needs in the early church. They lied about the purchase price and about their gift. Such sin was not tolerated. Peter is the one who initiates the conversation and by his words both die. Later in Acts 5, Peter stands before the Sanhedrin and declares with great confidence that he will not stop preaching about Jesus because obeying God is more important than obeying men. Then in Acts 8, Peter and John arrive in Samaria to lay hands on the believers so that they can receive the miraculous powers of the Spirit. A man named Simon is interested in purchasing the power to distribute the Spirit. Peter rebukes Simon calling on him to repent.

Peter set the example about what was acceptable behavior in the early church. He upholds a high standard of conduct among the people. He doesn’t tolerate intentional sin and as a result the people learn the importance of following God and desire to keep their own lives aligned with God’s will and intent.

Set the Direction

Finally, Peter set the direction. Many believe that Acts 1:8 is the theme of Acts. In Acts we see the spread of the gospel from Jerusalem, to Judea, to Samaria, and throughout the world. It is Peter who is used to demonstrate this theme. In Acts 2, Peter preaches in Jerusalem. In Acts 9:32-43, Peter travels to the cities of Lydda and Joppa to not only heal but to spread the good news. In Acts 8, Peter along with John go to Samaria and give their blessing to the preaching which Philip has done and the coming of the Spirit into their assembly. And then in Acts 10, Peter preaches to Cornelius, a Gentile and a Roman soldier. With hesitation, Peter finally acknowledges that even the Gentiles are to be welcomed into the kingdom.

In Acts 15, Peter assembles with other leaders and gives his blessing and recommendation that the Gentiles be freely admitted to the kingdom with few burdens placed on them. From culture to culture, Peter demonstrates that the kingdom is beyond the Jews and beyond his own comprehension.

So what does all this mean? Two things. We need leaders who are willing to take a stand and do the right thing no matter what. Whenever we say the word “leaders” we think of elders, ministers and deacons. This is a good place to start. But what about teachers and ministry leaders? What would happen if those of us who are leaders resolved to be more like a Peter? What would happen if we set the tone, example, and direction? Peter was God’s special servant for a specific time. But whose to say today’s leaders are not?

Second, in every situation in which the disciples’ reaction is given in light of Peter’s leadership, the reaction is always positive. The people responded to Peter’s leadership not with complaining or second guessing or requests to back off. Instead they rallied around Peter and gained a perspective of a bigger picture which was beyond them. This vision enabled them to teach as well. As their leader was confident and bold, so they, too, became confident and bold in speaking out in the name of Jesus.

Peter passed on things to others. Leaders do that. And disciples recognize that they are to take the things passed on and use them to mature and grow yet other disciples. Instead of an invitation, let us close with a time of prayer for leaders and disciples.

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