A Fragile Stone

Winner of a Chicago Book Clinic 2004 Design Award

"The ultimate reason for getting to know Peter is so together we might better know Jesus. For the story of Peter is the story of Jesus. Perhaps, if you and I do our best, the same will be said of us someday"--Michael Card.

Simon Peter emerges from the pages of the Gospels with greater clarity and definition than any other person except Jesus. He is the Rock, the unambiguous leader of the Twelve. He could even be described as Jesus' best friend. But that is not all. "He was a fragile stone," writes Michael Card, "completely dependent upon his Master and Friend, even as Jesus had insisted on his dependence on the Father."

In this landmark book, songwriter and musician Michael Card explores the dynamic, contradictory life of the apostle Peter. The fruit of years of careful study, A Fragile Stone revisits well-known passages and discovers unexpected insights, painting a portrait of Peter that is both familiar and jarring. With a scope spanning the entire New Testament, Card reveals how the impetuous fisherman of the Gospels was transformed into the pivotal leader of the early church. The life of Simon Peter thus serves as a model for Christian discipleship, offering hope that we likewise can be changed as Jesus calls us to follow him.

1. Opening Credits
2. Introduction: The Search for Simon
3. Chapter 1: Meeting on the Seashore
4. Chapter 2: Jesus the Fisherman
5. Chapter 3: A Glimpse Inside His Household
6. Chapter 4: The Fearless Water Walker
7. Chapter 5: Who They Both Are
8. Chapter 6: Loyal Despair
9. Chapter 7: "Fear Not!"
10. Chapter 8: Back to Fishing
11. Chapter 9: Confusion at the Final Meal
12. Chapter 10: Dismay in the Garden
13. Chapter 11: The Despairing Denier
14. Chapter 12: "… and Peter"
15. Chapter 13: A Farewell on the Seashore
16. Chapter 14: The Passionate Preacher
17. Chapter 15: The Compassionate Healer
18. Chapter 16: The Fearless Prisoner
19. Chapter 17: The Reluctant Reconciler
20. Chapter 18: The Passionate Writer
21. Epilogue: The Faithful Martyr
22. Closing Credits