The Apostle Peter was a major New Testament personality—a vivid, complex and well-rounded character. His leadership was decisive in the history of the church, and his teaching remains profound and compellingly up-to-date. So why is it that he has been undervalued by evangelicals for so long?

Christians, and Christian leaders in particular, can learn much from this man. Ted Donnelly’s portrait of the Apostle Peter lets us see him from three distinct angles. Firstly we see him discovering what it means to follow Jesus as a disciple. Then we see him as a powerful preacher, from whom we can learn important lessons about communicating the gospel to others. Lastly, we view him as a faithful pastor and observe what it is to be a true shepherd of the people of God.

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Edward Donnelly pastored Trinity Reformed Presbyterian Church in Newtownabbey, Northern Ireland, before his retirement in 2011. He had previously served pastorates in Dervock and with a Greek speaking church in Cyprus. Donnelly serves as Professor of New Testament Language and Literature, and Principal, at Reformed Theological College in Belfast. He is a trustee of the Banner of Truth Trust, and is a much-appreciated preacher and conference speaker. He is married to Lorna and they have three grown-up children.

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‘In his consideration of Peter the Disciple, Ted Donnelly helps us to see the omnipotent and manifold grace of God at work, fashioning the rough-hewn Galilean fisherman into a polished instrument in the hands of the Master. In the contemplation of Peter the Preacher we are helped to see those principles which validate and illustrate the centrality of preaching in the purpose of God, and to consider the kind of preaching owned of God to the accomplishment of his saving purposes. Finally, in the examination of the biblical witness to Peter the Pastor we are led to consider what is involved in being a shepherd after God’s own heart.’ — ALBERT N. MARTIN