Jesus' intercession: 'But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.' Despite Satan's attack, Jesus assures Peter: 'I have prayed for thee' (ἐγὼ δεεομένην περὶ σοῦ, egō edeoēthēn peri sou). The verb is aorist, suggesting Jesus had already prayed. The petition: 'that thy faith fail not' (ἵνα μὴ ἐκλίπῃ ἡ πίστις σου, hina mē eklipē hē pistis sou). Peter would deny Christ, but his faith wouldn't utterly fail because Jesus prayed for him. The command: 'when thou art converted' (σύ ποτε ἐπιστρέψας, sy pote epistrepsas, when you have turned back), 'strengthen thy brethren' (στήρισον τοὺς ἀδελφούς σου, stērison tous adelphous sou). Restoration leads to ministry—Peter's failure and recovery would equip him to strengthen others.
Historical Context
This verse provides profound comfort and theology. Christ's intercession for believers ensures genuine faith survives testing. Peter's three denials (vv. 54-62) were devastating failures, but Jesus' prayer preserved his faith. The command to 'strengthen thy brethren' was fulfilled as Peter became the early church's leader, boldly preaching at Pentecost (Acts 2), standing before the Sanhedrin (Acts 4-5), and writing epistles encouraging persecuted Christians (1-2 Peter). His restoration demonstrates that failure isn't final for believers—God uses even our worst moments for His purposes. The principle extends to all Christians: Christ's ongoing intercession (Romans 8:34, Hebrews 7:25) ensures genuine believers persevere. Church history confirms—many who stumbled badly were restored and used powerfully.
Questions for Reflection
How does Jesus' intercession for Peter ensure genuine believers persevere despite failures?
What does 'when thou art converted' mean—was Peter not yet saved, or is this referring to restoration after denial?
How should your own failures and restoration equip you to strengthen other believers?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus' intercession: 'But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.' Despite Satan's attack, Jesus assures Peter: 'I have prayed for thee' (ἐγὼ δεεομένην περὶ σοῦ, egō edeoēthēn peri sou). The verb is aorist, suggesting Jesus had already prayed. The petition: 'that thy faith fail not' (ἵνα μὴ ἐκλίπῃ ἡ πίστις σου, hina mē eklipē hē pistis sou). Peter would deny Christ, but his faith wouldn't utterly fail because Jesus prayed for him. The command: 'when thou art converted' (σύ ποτε ἐπιστρέψας, sy pote epistrepsas, when you have turned back), 'strengthen thy brethren' (στήρισον τοὺς ἀδελφούς σου, stērison tous adelphous sou). Restoration leads to ministry—Peter's failure and recovery would equip him to strengthen others.