The theory was developed by Lawrence Peter and its principle is this: In a hierarchy, every employee tends to rise to his or her level of incompetence. The Peter Principle is supposed to explain occupational incompetence and I wonder if it were applied to the disciples, how they'd fare.

One of the things that makes the Bible and the Gospels so compelling to me, is the humanness of Christianity's first converts and adherents. They were not superheroes of faith and virtue. They were not among the most educated and enlightened—they were not scholars or very sophisticated even in that ancient culture. And the Bible is actually told in a way that exposes them in all their human weakness, with all their faults glaring. Scholars are quick to point out that the flaws in the disciples merely serve as a stark contrast to Jesus and therefore help us see him in the proper light. In fact, some claim that Peter exemplifies this in that he's always impetuous, usually misguided and often speaking when he should be listening. And yet curiously, it is Peter whom Jesus calls a rock and upon whom he would build his church.