Peter is one of the most colourful characters in the New Testament. He was a born leader, with the ability to speak plainly on behalf of his fellow disciples in recognising Jesus as the Christ. He loved him so much that he gave up everything for him. He was willing to try anything, even walking on the water (Matt. 14:28-31); yet he denied Jesus three times, having previously promised to die for him. However, Peter became a great leader of the church because he was willing to adapt. Maybe this was because he was aware of his own failings and knew that there was always need for change. Having dreamt of the sheet of animals coming down to heaven and being told to eat them, even the unclean ones, he was willing to receive the gentile Cornelius into the Christian community (Acts 10). This was a great move forward for the infant church.
Jesus trusted Peter even though he knew Peter would deny him. Being given the keys meant making the Kingdom of Heaven open to people. It was a big step for Peter to accept gentiles when, as a Jew, he would have seen his people as the chosen ones. It was fortuitous that Paul acted as such a strong advocate for the non-Jews. Peter proved to be a good listener and gave the leadership that was needed in supporting Paul’s position.
In John 21:15-17, Jesus commanded Peter to feed his sheep and lambs. That is the most important task that Peter’s successors must undertake.