Peter was prompt and zealous in action, bold and uncompromising; and Christ saw in him material that would be of great value to the church. He therefore connected Peter with Himself, that all which was good and valuable might be preserved, and that by His lessons and example He might soften whatever was harsh in his temper and smooth whatever was rugged in his deportment. If the heart were indeed transformed by divine grace, an external change would be seen in true kindness, sympathy, and courteousness. Jesus was never cold and unapproachable. The afflicted often broke in upon His retreat when He needed refreshment and rest, but He had a kind look and an encouraging word for all. He was a pattern of true courtesy. Peter denied his Lord, but afterward repented and was deeply humbled because of his great sin; and Christ showed that He forgave His erring disciple in condescending to mention him by name after His resurrection. {4T 488.1}

Peter var hurtig og ivrig i sine handlinger, djærv og ubøjelig og Kristus så i ham egenskaber, som kunne få stor værdi for menigheden. Han knyttede ham derfor til sig, for at alt, hvad der var godt og værdifuldt, kunne blive bevaret. Og for at han ved sin undervisning og sit eksempel kunne mildne det hårde i hans gemyt og udjævne det knudrede i hans væsen. Dersom hjertet virkelig blev forvandlet ved guddommelig nåde, ville en ydre forandring vise sig i sand venlighed, sympati og høflighed. Jesus var aldrig kold og utilnærmelig. De lidende trængte sig tit ind på det sted, hvor han var, når han behøvede vederkvægelse og hvile; men han havde et venligt blik og et opmuntrende ord til alle. Han var et mønster på sand høflighed. Peter fornægtede sin herre, men angrede det bagefter og var dybt ydmyget over sin store synd; og Kristus viste, at han tilgav sin fejlende discipel, idet han nedlod sig til at nævne ham ved navn efter sin opstandelse.