Jesus and Peter Paperback

This delightful little book (of only 111 highly readable pages) extols the beauty of friendship with God, quoting on its first and last page the words of fourth century bishop, Gregory of Nyssa: "The one thing truly worthwhile is becoming God's friend". "It's a mind-blowing thought," writes Michael Perham, "that God, Creator of all that is, wants to be my friend." To deepen our understanding of that "wonderful truth", Perham explores the life of Simon Peter, from call to martyrdom, through following Jesus to betraying Jesus and finally restoration by Jesus and friendship with Jesus. "There is no single Simon Peter", says Perham, "but probably four Peters, perhaps even five." He looks at Peter through the differing eyes and insights of Biblical authors, Matthew / Mark, Luke / Acts, John, and the two epistles, 1 Peter and 2 Peter, traditionally ascribed to Peter (Perham does question that particular tradition). I found it enlightening, and especially appreciated what it said about the foot washing incident in John 13, and the nakedness of Peter in John 21. But then, the whole book is really rewarding, and I strongly recommend it to anyone who wishes to be a "friend" of God. And don't we all?