1st Peter: Disciple Lessons from the Fisherman

by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson
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Free E-mail Bible Study Bible study Apostle Peter: Disciple Lessons from the Rock

Dr. Ralph F. Wilson I hope you'll join me in this Bible study. I've been a pastor for the last 30 years, and since 1996 I've been conducting Internet Bible studies. Today I find great joy in teaching people all over the world from every denomination and faith tradition -- even those with no faith background at all. You're welcome to learn more about me and what I believe, if you like. -- Dr. Ralph F. Wilson, Director
Why study this little letter? Let me give you a few reasons:
  • You'll be refreshed with hope and joy.
  • You'll see Jesus more clearly -- as Lamb, Shepherd, Overseer, Sacrifice, and Chief Shepherd.
  • If you're struggling with temptation, you'll find several encouragements to holy living that will strengthen you.
  • If you're suffering for something you didn't do -- or perhaps did do -- you'll find perspective and assurance.
  • Peter gives us:
    • A clear vision of the Church.
    • Wisdom for marriage
    • Encouragement to witness -- with gentleness
    • Important words about spiritual gifts, and
    • Guidelines for church leaders.

All this in the 105 verses that comprise this short New Testament letter. Short as it is, however, we won't rush through it, but savor it, meditate on it, and seek to internalize its truths.

1 Peter: Discipleship Lessons from the Fisherman, by Ralph F. Wilson
All lessons are compiled as a e-book or paperback
We'll spend eleven weeks asking God to speak to us in these apostolic words conveyed by a commercial fisherman of Galilee -- now in Rome, soon to be executed. He's less a braggart now than he once was. Less impulsive. Time and discipleship have forged humility within him without destroying his boldness.

Peter is an apostle we can learn from. He walked with Jesus during his ministry and then spent the next thirty years preaching this Jesus and building his church all over the known world. A worthy teacher!

Here's how we'll study together.

  • Each Saturday I'll e-mail you the lesson for the week. Then you'll read the Bible passage and use my notes to help you understand it better.
  • On Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and maybe Thursday, you'll receive a question from that week's lesson to think about and answer. This is designed as a "total immersion" approach to Bible study since I'm believe God wants to use it to work real and permanent change in your life. (You can opt out of the daily questions if you like, however, and just receive the weekly lessons.) You'll be thinking about 1 Peter constantly for eleven weeks -- long enough for God to work his Word into your life and lifestyle.
  • You can respond to the questions using the Joyful Heart Bible Study Forum -- and read others' answers to reinforce your own understanding.
  • Then on Saturday, I'll send you the next week's lesson.

We'll take a couple of one-week breaks during these eleven weeks, however, to give you a chance to catch up if you're behind.

Here's our outline of how we'll use the next eleven weeks:

Introduction to 1 Peter
Artwork of Peter the Apostle
Participant Handouts for Classes and Groups (may be reprinted free)
Reprint Guidelines
References and Abbreviations
  1. Rejoicing in Our Salvation (1:1-12)
  2. Living Holy Lives (1:13-2:3)
  3. Being God's Chosen People (2:4-12)
  4. Submitting and Suffering Like Jesus (2:13-23)
  5. Appreciating Jesus' Atonement for Our Sins (2:24-25)
  6. Living as Christian Husbands and Wives (3:1-7)
  7. Suffering with a Clear Conscience (1 Peter 3:8-22)
  8. Serving God in Everything (4:1-11)
  9. Suffering According to God's Will (4:12-19)
  10. Leading with Humility (5:1-6)
  11. He Cares for You (5:7-14)

I hope I've convinced you to go with me on a JesusWalk for this eleven week journey. Join me in sitting at the feet of Jesus' lead Apostle, St. Peter and learning "Disciple Lessons from the Fisherman."

Yours in Christ's service
Pastor Ralph

Sign up now!

To sign up, start by clicking on your e-mail frequency preference:

You'll receive your first lesson the Friday after you sign up. There is no cost to participate in the study, though donations are encouraged so we can create more studies and reach more people.

We respect your privacy and never sell, rent, or loan our lists. Please don't subscribe your friends; let them decide for themselves.

Please don't sign up for more than one of my Bible studies at one time. There's no penalty, but each of them is pretty intensive. If you try to do too many studies at the same time without adequate reflection, you'll miss out on God speaking to you.

1 Peter: Disciple Lessons from the Fisherman

Copyright © 2025, Ralph F. Wilson. <pastor@joyfulheart.com> All rights reserved. A single copy of this article is free. Do not put this on a website. See legal, copyright, and reprint information.

Jesus' Parables for Disciples, by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson
Discipleship for New Believers


In-depth Bible study books

You can purchase one of Dr. Wilson's complete Bible studies in PDF, Kindle, or paperback format -- currently 48 books in the JesusWalk Bible Study Series.

Old Testament

  1. Abraham, Faith of
  2. Jacob, Life of
  3. Moses the Reluctant Leader
  4. Joshua
  5. Gideon
  6. David, Life of
  7. Elijah
  8. Psalms
  9. Solomon
  10. Songs of Ascent (Psalms 120-134)
  11. Isaiah
  12. 28 Advent Scriptures (Messianic)
  13. Daniel
  14. Rebuild & Renew: Post-Exilic Books

Gospels

  1. Christmas Incarnation (Mt, Lk)
  2. Sermon on the Mount (Mt 5-7)
  3. Luke's Gospel
  4. John's Gospel
  5. Seven Last Words of Christ
  6. Parables
  7. Jesus and the Kingdom of God
  8. Resurrection and Easter Faith
  9. Apostle Peter

Acts

  1. Early Church (Acts 1-12)
  2. Apostle Paul (Acts 11-28)

Pauline Epistles

  1. Romans 5-8 (Christ-Powered Life)
  2. 1 Corinthians
  3. 2 Corinthians
  4. Galatians
  5. Ephesians
  6. Philippians
  7. Colossians, Philemon
  8. 1 & 2 Thessalonians
  9. 1 &2 Timothy, Titus

General Epistles

  1. Hebrews
  2. James
  3. 1 & 2 Peter, Jude
  4. 1, 2, and 3 John

Revelation

  1. Revelation
  2. Conquering Lamb of Revelation

Topical

  1. Glorious Kingdom, The
  2. Grace: Favor for the Undeserving
  3. Great Prayers of the Bible
  4. Holy Spirit, Disciple's Guide
  5. Humility
  6. JesusWalk: Beginning the Journey
  7. Lamb of God
  8. Listening for God's Voice
  9. Lord's Supper: Disciple's Guide
  10. Names and Titles of God
  11. Names and Titles of Jesus

Pastor Ralph Wilson's books are available in paperback and Kindle from Amazon.com.
My books are available in paperback and Kindle from Amazon.