Although Peter is clearly given authority, it is equally obvious that he does not fulfill this work alone.
Repetition emphasizes the importance of the moment.
Peter s shepherding and witness would be to the point of suffering the violent death of a martyr, the ultimate act of following Jesus in his cross. The emphasis here is upon witness, and it focuses on Peter. He is fulfilling the commission given to him the Gospel reading. What is weak and ineffective does not provoke violent antagonism. This prayer of thanksgiving for recovery from a serious illness echoes the confident thanks of the disciples after experiencing God s power in their witness.