Great to hear from you too, BB.
I think everyone would agree that Our Lord gave this authority to the Apostles - Peter. The authority to forgive sins was a major statement - for Jesus Christ and therefore his apostles.
I think we have to assume Our Lord knew what he was doing.
On Peter as Barney: We see lots of places where the apostles don't understand, misread, stumble, are fearful; I think all of them at some time or other. (Maybe Mary Magdelene is the example of a disciple who understood and knew instantly.)
So, I would conclude that Christ saw Peter as he would become not as he used to be. Plus He would have help. :)
"The authority to forgive sins was a major statement"
I don't mean to intrude at this late hour in the discussion but can anyone point out in scripture where Peter or any of the Apostles forgave sin. It seems in order to do so one would have to know intimately the intent of the heart and only God knows that. Peter in the episode with Simon pointed him to God for forgiveness,
Act 8:18-24, "And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and [in] the bond of iniquity. Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me."