THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MARK - Chapter 16 - Verse 7

Verse 7. And Peter. It is remarkable that Peter is singled out for special notice. It was proof of the kindness and mercy of the Lord Jesus. Peter, just before the death of Jesus, had denied him. He had brought dishonour on his profession of attachment to him. He had been brought to see the crime, and to weep bitterly. It would have been right if the Lord Jesus had from that moment cast him off, and noticed him no more. But he loved him still. Having loved him once, he loved unto the end, Joh 13:1. As a proof that he forgave him, and still loved him, he sent him this special message—-the assurance that though he had denied him, and had done much to aggravate his sufferings, yet he had risen, and was still his Lord and Redeemer. We are not to infer, because the angel said, "Tell his disciples and Peter," that Peter was not still a disciple. The meaning is, "Tell his disciples, and especially Peter:" sending to him a particular message. Peter was still a disciple. Before his fall, Jesus had prayed for him that his faith should not fail, (Lu 22:32;) and as the prayer of Jesus was always heard, Joh 11:42, so it follows that Peter still retained faith sufficient to be a disciple though, like other disciples, he was suffered to fall into sin.