Other than possibly John, Peter is by far my favorite apostle. He was so "real," even when he was trying to be. Like me, Peter was very impetuous in his youth. "Ready, fire, aim" could have been both our credos. "Strike out, then think about, and pay the ultimate consequences." React: whack off someone's ear with a sword on a whim. Or punch somebody in the face on the school grounds. That was a youthful Peter; that was a youthful me! Peter got rebuked; and I've got a bent nose to prove it.
Later in his life Peter writes to the church. He says, To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ's sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, watching over them--not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble and oppressed."
Humble yourselves, therefore under God's mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. Be alert and sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:1-7 TNIV)
Again, later in his life Peter's influence and leadership were without equal. As a witness to the suffering of Christ, Peter's heart had been humbled by failure, broken and conquered by Calvary's love. God does oppose the proud, but for those who are humble and lowly in heart He will add power and grace to our work. Each one of us who love God's Word will do well to contemplate Peter's "mature example" and words to growing Christians and spiritual leaders of every generation.