Study of Simon Peter "A Rock "
After Jesus had been baptized by John and full of the Spirit, he went into the wilderness for 40 days and was tempted by the devil. The wilderness was a dry and lonely place that we may also find ourselves being tempted before the anointing can be obtained. After the devils 3 failed attempts to tempt Jesus, he left him. I have a whole new study on the wilderness see link below. After being tempted and Jesus being hungry, the angels came and ministered unto Him. Jesus departed the wilderness ready to begin his ministry in Galilee. He went teaching in the synagogues in Luke 3:23. He also went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. He stood and read from the scroll of the prophet Isaiah that was handed to him. He read from the place where it was written: "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." He rolled up the scroll and went and sat down while everyone was looking on him, he began by saying to them, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing. "He let them know that no prophet is accepted in his hometown and gave an example of Elijah not being sent to anyone in his own hometown during the famine or Elias during the leprosy outbreak only Naaman the Syrian. People became furious and drove him out of town and took him to the brow of the hill in order to throw him off the cliff, but he walked right through the crowd and went on his way. (Luke 4:14-30) Jesus heard that his cousin, John the Baptist was cast into prison, he left Nazareth and went into Galilee. He dwelt in Capernaum which fulfilled that spoken by the prophet Elijah that the people which sat in darkness, meaning the Gentiles, would see great light. That the light might be sprung up. From that time Jesus began to preach, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. 
History records that Simon Peter was about 30 years old during the time of his first encounter with Jesus. Simon and Andrew were from Bethsaida that was near Capernaum. Simon later moved to Capernaum with his wife and mother-in-law near Capernaum Lake. Simon was known as being impulsive and often erratic. This next account of Jesus and Peter meeting was recorded in all four gospels. Each book has their own account of this meeting. Simon Peter and his brother Andrew were fishermen who on their next encounter with Jesus had just been fishing all night but had caught nothing. Jesus was walking by the sea of Galilee many people pushed to get near him as they wanted to hear the Word of God. Jesus saw two boats on shore. Jesus got into a boat that belonged to Simon Peter. Jesus asked him to push it out a little way from the land. Then He sat down and taught the people from the boat. When he finished speaking, He said to Simon, "Push out into deeper water and let down your nets. Simon told him that he had worked all night and caught nothing, but in obedience he let down his net and when they had done this, they caught so many fish that their net started to break. The called for James and John who was in the second boat to come and help them and both boats were so full of fish they began to sink. Oh, I can only imagine the excitement they must have felt in that moment. Their prayers were just answered. When Simon Peter saw it, he got down at the feet of Jesus and said to him to go away from him as he was a sinful man. Simon Peter had no idea what Jesus had instore for him. Jesus said to these four men, "Follow Me and I will make you fish for men! At once they left their nets and followed Him. This was the first of many transformations that Simon Peter would experience during his new life following Jesus.
Peter is one of the few disciples who witnessed Jesus first miracle. They had gone to a wedding celebration in Cana. During this celebration the wedding party on the third day they ran out of wine. Mary the mother of Jesus comes to Jesus and tells him the situation. Jesus said to his mother, "Woman, what do you desire to have Me do? My time has not yet come." His mother told the servants by faith, "Whatever He says to you, do. Jesus tells the servants to fill six large stone vessels with water. The number six in the bible represents the number of man. The servants did as Jesus told them and filled the vessels with water. According to the Law of Moses stone vessels were used for ritual purposes since stone would not become impure, unlike pottery. These 6 vessels were used for purification washing purposes. There is a link below to further study the first miracle of Jesus. Jesus instructs the servants to draw from the vessels and serve it to the "master of the feast" the man was amazed when he took a drink of the most excellent quality wine that enabled the celebration to continue without being ruined. He said that every man serves their best wine first and after guest are drunk, they then serve the lesser wine, but they had kept the good wine until now. Jesus had turned the water into wine. As the 2nd book of John states, "This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believe on him." Although not all the people at the wedding knew the truth, but Jesus' disciples, his mother, and the servants who filled the vessels with the water were the only ones who knew at that time that Jesus had in fact turned water into wine. What an amazing event this would have been for Peter and the other disciples with them. I can only imagine their intense stares they would have had on the master of the feast waiting for his reaction and what their discussion must have been on their way to their next destination.
Peter is about to embark on a new journey of a lifetime that will not only change him but will transition him in the three and half years at Jesus side. Jesus knew Simon Peter’s strengths and weaknesses and wanted to develop them into the leader he saw in him. Jesus first encounter with Peter, he called him Cephas which is Aramaic for "stone". This is why Peter is sometimes referred to as "the Rock." It was in Matthew 16 that Jesus came to the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, that he asked his disciples, "Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? It was Peter who answered Jesus in verse 16, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus answered him, "Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock (Jesus) I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Peter and the disciples followed Jesus all throughout Galilee. In Matthew 4:23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. Luke 4:38 & Mark 1:29 tells that after Jesus taught in the synagogue, he entered into Simon Peter's house. Peter's own mother-in-law was sick with a fever, Jesus stood over her and rebuked the fever and it left her. Peter's own family witnessed firsthand the healings of Jesus. As the bible said she immediately rose up and served them. Jesus went from place-to-place healing all that was brought to him. Great multitudes of people followed after him. In chapter 5 Jesus gave them the famous "Sermon on the Mountain" that we call the Beatitudes today. Oh, what a day that must have been as this sermon went from Matthew chapters 5-7 as Jesus taught on a variety of subjects. Even after Jesus came down from the mountain a great multitude followed him. Peter was part of the inner-circle and was a witness to all the teachings, healings, and miracles Jesus had done. It is Peter who most often spoke up for the 12 when Jesus asked them questions looking for a deeper insight, Peter would often be their spokesman.
Peter being a fisherman was to most just an ordinary man, however Jesus don't look at us through human concepts. He sees what no one else sees in the inner man or what potentials (talents) we have been given and how He can use them for His kingdom. Peter had no idea that the life he knew would change so drastically by one meeting and yet he did not hesitate except while kneeling before Jesus telling him he was a sinful man as if Jesus did not know him. Oh, the mighty things that he was about to experience not just from the sidelines but experience it in his personal life. Peter while traveling with Jesus would see all manners of life threating sickness healed, blind eyes opened, the lame walk, the deaf speak, demons cast out, even the dead raised back to life. Other miracles like the time multitudes of people from all over followed Jesus and had nothing to eat. Jesus being full of compassion asked the disciples what food was available and the only thing they found was a young boy had five loaves of bread and two fish. Jesus took what they had available blessed it, break it, and gave it in baskets to the disciples. When everyone ate, they gathered up twelve baskets full. Right afterwards Jesus instructed the disciples to take a boat to the other side while he dismissed the crowd. They were quite a ways from the shoreline when the wind picked up and the waves were excessive. The disciples saw a figure walking on the water toward them, they thought it was a ghost and were terrified. Jesus calling out to them not to be afraid as it was Him. Peter calls out to Jesus and says, "Lord if it's you, bid me to come unto you. Jesus in fact told him to come and Peter got out of the boat and as long as his eyes were on Jesus he walked on water, but even when he looked away and began to sink Jesus picked him up and they both got in the boat.
There was another significant occasion that occurred about eight days after the disciples returned from their missionary trip where Jesus sent his disciples out two by two with the power to preach and heal. Jesus took Peter, James, and John up on a high mountain with him to pray. While Jesus was praying, his countenance changed before their eyes into an illuminating glorified form. Then Moses and Elijah appeared and as they spoke with Jesus a cloud surrounded them and the three disciples heard the voice from the cloud say, "This is my son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!" They fell to their knees in fear, but just as Jesus would often tell them, "Do not be afraid." When they got up there was no one else there with them as Moses and Elijah had disappeared. Moses and Elijah represent the Old Testament Law and Prophets in which Jesus came to fulfill. They merged into Jesus which symbolically was fulfilling the scriptures that Jesus came to fulfill the law not to do away with it. What an impact this must have given the three disciples witnessing this. John wrote about it in John 1:14, "And we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father." Jesus told them to tell no one until after his resurrection. This is the age-old discipline that mankind could not resist and got in trouble to begin with. When you tell your kids not to do something that makes them want to do that very thing. Don't eat the fruit from this one tree! What did they do, Yeap! Ate from that one tree, however they told no one until after the resurrection as they were told. Though this occasion was recorded in Matthew, Mark, and Luke, the only one who recorded the conversation was Luke. Luke 9:31 tells us the conversation between them was about Jesus' departure and how Jesus was about to bring fulfillment at Jerusalem. Leave it to Peter to speak his mind by asking Jesus if it was good for them to be there and then wanting to put up three shelters, but he was interrupted by hearing the voice of God.
There is so much that Peter experienced that I really hate to skip over, but I really cannot go any further without addressing Peter's fleshly nature. We know that no man is perfect besides Jesus. I feel sometimes it is hard for us to study the Apostles of Jesus and think of their human nature side. Even though Peter witnessed Jesus' ministry first handed he was not without fault. He would also experience Jesus' mercy and grace first handed. I have discussed some of the highlights Peter witnessed, but Peter's mouth could also get him into trouble. Back to Matthew 16 when Jesus asked his disciples who do men say that he is and then got down to their mindset and asked who do you say I am; it was Peter who confessed that Jesus was the Christ (The Messiah), but as Jesus began to tell his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem to suffer and be killed, Peter began to rebuke him. Then Jesus turned to Peter and said, "Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men. I can imagine Peter's face expression would be like, Wait? What! Jesus then taught them that whoever would deny themselves to come after him, take up their cross and follow him they would see Him come in the glory of his Father they will be with him. However, what would it profit a man if he should gain the whole world just to lose his soul for all eternity without God. Oh, be careful little Peter what you say. Do you think he learned his lesson in this think again.
Everyone was preparing for the Passover Feast in Jerusalem. Jesus knew this would be the last time he would get to eat with his close friends that he had been preparing to take over his ministry for three and a half years. When the evening came, they gathered in an upper room and sat down together. Only the gospel of John gives the account of Jesus getting up from the table and laying aside his own garment, taking a towel and filled a basin of water then he began to wash the disciples' feet. When he got to Peter, Peter just could not hold his tongue and asked Jesus why was he washing his feet. Jesus told him he would not understand what he is doing now, but he would later. Peter told him he was not going to wash his feet, but Jesus told Peter if I do not then you are no part of me. Peter's face once again in my mind is like Wait! What? He then changes his words quickly by saying, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. Jesus let him know that he only needed to wash his feet. Jesus let him know that he did not need a complete bath as he was clean, but only his feet. Jesus used this as his final teaching moment to his disciples in that he asked them why he washed their feet. He let them know that is once again is being an example to them of humility towards one another even as they call him Lord and Master, yet he was humble enough to become as a servant. Not only to be humble but do it joyfully.
During the Last Supper Peter tells Jesus that he would lay down his life for him. Jesus responds by letting Peter know that before the cock crows that Peter would deny him three times. Sometimes we hold people to such a high standard in our own minds it is hard to see that they do have their own trials and temptations which Peter is a perfect example. After they were finished with the Last Supper Jesus took them to the garden to pray. While they were in the garden Judas brought a mob in which Peter took his sword and cut off an ear of the ear of Caiaphas servant named Malchus. How did Jesus respond? He simply healed the man's ear. I cannot help but wonder what this man's reaction was after this. Did he continue with the mob after experiencing Jesus' healing power? I have researched and could not find anything further on Malchus. This is also the last recorded miracle by Jesus prior to his resurrection. As they arrested Jesus and took him away Peter followed after them. As he stood at the door there was a damsel that kept the door and asked Peter, "Art not thou also one of this man's disciples? He told her, "I am not. Then Peter being cold went near a fire made by servants and officers and they said to him, "Art not thou also one of his disciples?" He said, "I am not." Lastly, one of the kinsmen of Malchus who's ear Peter cut off recognizes Peter and says, "Did not I see thee in the garden with him?" Peter for the third time denies Jesus and even began to curse and swear as he said, "I do not know the Man! Immediately the rooster crowed in our language and Jesus turned and looked at Peter. Peter then remembered the words of Jesus and Peter went out and wept bitterly. This story does not stop here as John records in chapter 21 shortly after Jesus Resurrection this would be the third time he presents himself to the disciples. He has a fire going on shore as some of the disciples were out fishing on a boat and he tells them to come have breakfast. After they were finished eating Jesus asks Peter if he loves him not just once, but three times he asked Peter, "Do you love me?" After each time Jesus instructs Peter to feed his lambs, tend to his sheep, and feed his sheep. Peter was hurt by Jesus asking him this question three times as he told Jesus you know everything you know I love you. Jesus loves Peter and this is him redeeming Peter for the three times he denied him the night of his arrest. Remember Jesus has already given Peter the keys to the kingdom. Jesus came preparing the way for the church age in which Peter will have a major role in Acts 2.
In the book of Acts we are told that until the day Jesus was taken up into heaven that he gave commandments unto the apostles and his last commandment was for them to go to Jerusalem and what for the promise of being baptized with the Holy Ghost and with fire. That they should receive power after they receive the Holy Ghost. They all went back to Jerusalem to the upper room and continued with one accord in prayer and supplication. In Acts 1:15 I can only imagine Peter had gathered his thoughts long enough and stood up taking charge in finding another disciple to take the place of Judas who betrayed Jesus and hung himself. Then on the 50th day after the Passover they were all still in the upper room when all of a sudden, "there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire. and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." Many abroad outside gathered around to see what the commotion was all about and were confused as they heard their own languages. Peter stood up in verse 14 to explain to the multitude exactly what was going on. "Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. but this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy. As the people listened to Peter preaching the first church age message/ "they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." They that received Peter's word were baptized and that day about 3000 souls were added to the church.
John tells us in John 14:12 (in my words) that Jesus told his disciples that he that believes in Him (Jesus), the works that Jesus did shall he (we) also do and greater works than Jesus. We can also read of the time when Jesus gave power and authority to his disciples and sent them on a journey to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick two by two. Why in pairs? This goes back to the Old Testament Law in Deuteronomy 19:15 that at least two witnesses were needed in order to convict someone of a crime. This also meant that two witnesses were more reliable than one and would be support for each other. Jesus commanded them not to go to the Gentiles or Samaritans at that time, but to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. When they had returned they had told Jesus all that they had done. We see the disciples continue to use this power and authority in the book of Acts. In chapter two after we learn that about 3,000 souls were added to the church that they stayed steadfast in the apostles doctrine. In the next verse 43 it states, "And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles." What kind of wonders and signs, you say. Acts 3 tells us that Peter and John was on their way to the temple to pray. On their way a lame man laid at a gate called Beautiful daily. When he saw Peter and John coming he asked them for alms. Peter in the authority as verse 4 states that Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, "Look on us." Peter told him, "Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength." Oh what excitement in this once lame man as he leaping around as he was able to walk with them into the temple, Praising God!! In verse 12 Peter used this to once again preach to the multitude all about Jesus. This upset the very ones responsible for Jesus death in that they laid hands on them and held them overnight. The next day Peter filled with the Holy Ghost spoke directly to Caiaphas and the other elders as they demanded to know by what power or by what name, had he healed the lame man. Peter explained to them in boldness that it was by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom they crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole and advised them, "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. They eventually let them go that day, finding no reason to punish them. Wow!! What a powerful witness of Peter and John that day of the kingdom of God to the multitude.
Peter was with Jesus from the beginning of his ministry and witnessed all the people that Jesus personally touched. Jesus had given his power and authority to his disciples. In Acts 9:32 Peter was passing through the quarters going down to Lydda to meet some saints and he found a certain man named Aeneas, which was sick with the palsy for 8 years. Peter said unto him, "Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make they bed. And he arose immediately. And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord." Now in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha being interpreted is called Dorcas: "this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did." She got sick and died and they had washed her and laid her in an upper chamber. They that were with her heard that Peter was at Lydda and sent two mean to him. Peter rose up and went with them. They took him to the upper room where she laid. "Then Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive. And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord." In Acts chapter 10 Peter is about to witness a move of God beyond the house of Israel. There was a devout man a centurion who feared the Lord named Cornelius. God gave Cornelius a vision letting him know that his prayers had been heard and told him to send for Peter and he sent two men. The very next day Peter went to the housetop to pray and he became hungry, but scripture says he fell into a trance. He had a vision of all manner animals and God told him to rise and eat. Peter told him he had never eaten any thing that is common or unclean. God told him what he hath cleansed, that call not thou common. This was told three times before the vessel was lifted back up into the heavens. While Peter was wondering what the vision meant the two men from Cornelius house was enquiring of him. Then the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee. Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubt nothing: for I have sent them. Peter went down to them and on the next day left with them and went to Cornelius in Caesarea. Cornelius fell at his feet but Peter helped him up letting him know he was just a man. As they talked he went in and found many that were there waiting and as Peter inquired why he had sent for him, Cornelius told him what he had experienced. Peter in verse 34 said, "Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him." As Peter preached to them about Jesus and his kingdom the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. People that came with Peter were astonished because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. How did they know they were filled with the gift of the Holy Ghost, because they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Peter then baptized them in Jesus name just as he had done for the sheep of the house of Israel. There is much more to Peter's life and story that you may go on to read. We know Peter continued with his ministry and preaching Jesus as the Christ until according to tradition when he was crucified upside down in Rome around AD 74-68 as he requested to be upside down as he did not fell worthy to die in the same manner as Jesus.
Through this study we see how Jesus takes Peter and transforms him from the carnal arrogant man he once was to the spiritual Godly leader he became, after being filled with the gift of the Holy Ghost. Peter had to learn a lot in those 3 1/2 years with Christ, but his faith in Jesus as the Messiah was great. Peter was not always on best behavior in those early years, but as you read the scriptures you can watch him grow into the spiritual man who preached the first gospel message when the church was born. He not only witnessed all the miraculous miracles of Jesus, but continued them in his own ministry; not of his own power or authority, but by the power and authority given to him by Jesus himself. We can follow his progress from a sinful nature to a life of holiness when totaling surrendering to the author and finisher Jesus Christ. He preached Jesus Christ who was crucified and rose again with and did so with great boldness and not in arrogance as he once would have. He also gave us the plan of salvation from his first sermon on the Day of Pentecost when the multitude asked him what they must do to be saved. In Acts 2:38 Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. We must also change from the carnal man we once were and walk in the newness of life in the Spirit just as Peter leads by example, we should also leave by example. We are writing our own stories as we go through this life being transformed into the spiritual person God so graciously gives us opportunity to be as joint heirs with Christ to make a difference to others. As scripture says in Acts 1:8, Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Peter's name is translated from Greek word Petros which means stone and upon this rock translation Petra meaning rock. Psalms 118:22 The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner. This scripture is not referring to Simon whom Jesus called Peter "meaning Petros" a stone. David's prophetic words is referring to Jesus and this is confirmed again in Ephesian 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; This reminds me of two other men in the Old Testament one being a predecessor and the other the successor, you guessed it Elijah and Elisha. Jesus being the Petra while Peter is the Petros. both meaning rock and stone in Greek translation. Peter being a small stone broken from a bigger piece of the rock being Jesus Christ. The definition of a rock #3 used to refer to someone or something that is extremely strong, reliable, or hard: It seems to me that Jesus was calling Peter as his successor much as Elijah called Elisha to be his successor (apprentice per say). Jesus himself tells a parable in Mathew 7:24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock. When you are born again you are building your new life on Jesus Christ the Savior, our rock who is our strong foundation. Jesus needed a man who was also strong and hard, but reliable which is a great depiction of Simon Peter. Then Jesus told Peter that he would give him the keys of the kingdom of heaven: that whatsoever he would bind in earth will be bound in heaven: and whatever he loosed in earth would also be loosed in heaven. Then he charged his disciples to tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ. There is no doubt in my mind that the bible was inspired by God. Looking at the Parrells of Elijah and Elisha and that of Jesus and Peter. For instance: Elijah called Elisha to follow him while Elisha was working in the field just as Jesus called Peter and the other three when they were working in their boats to follow him. In both scenarios they left everything behind and followed. Just as in 2 Kings 2:15 And when the sons of the prophets which were to view at Jericho saw him (Elisha) they said, The spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha. This is similar to Acts 4:13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. In Elisha receiving the spirit of Elijah meant that he would continue Elijah's ministry much like Peter and the other disciples continuing the ministry of Jesus.
I am learning and growing everyday. I may not have something you have found in your studies or knowledge regarding Peter, but I am seeking and learning daily in God's Word. I am a visual person and often see images and video's in my mind as I am relaying stories which is why I include a picture regarding the topic within each paragraph. Thanks for stopping by. Please feel free to check out other studies that continue with spiritual things. God Bless You!
Next Study: The Mystery of God's Grace: The Sixth Dispensation Part I
The Mystery of God's Grace; The Sixth Dispensation Part I (sylviasjournalandthouhts.blogspot.com)
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