Before his fall, Peter was always speaking unadvisedly, from the impulse of the moment. He was always ready to correct others, and to express his mind, before he had a clear comprehension of himself or of what he had to say. But the converted Peter was very different. He retained his former fervor, but the grace of Christ regulated his zeal. He was no longer impetuous, self-confident, and self-exalted, but calm, 815 self-possessed, and teachable. He could then feed the lambs as well as the sheep of Christ's flock.

Før sit fald talte Peter altid ubetænksomt og ud fra sine øjeblikkelige tilskyndelser. Han var altid parat til at rette på andre og til at udtale sin egen mening, før han havde nogen klar forståelse af sig selv eller af, hvad han burde sige. Men den omvendte Peter var helt anderledes. Han havde beholdt sin tidligere ildfuldhed, men Kristi nåde virkede regulerende på hans nidkærhed. Han var ikke mere opfarende, selvtillidsfuld og selvglad, men rolig, behersket og villig til at lære. Nu kunne han ikke blot vogte lammene, men også fårene i Kristi hjord.