Peter is considered one of the two greatest leaders of early Church, Paul was the other one. Peter is commemorated on January 18,
for his confession of Jesus as the Messiah. Both Peter and Paul are commemorated together on June 29, in observance of the tradition of
the Church that they both died as martyrs in Rome during the persecution under Nero, in 64.
Born in Bethsaida, his original name was Shimon or Simeon. His father's name was Jonah or maybe John. Peter's mother-in-law
was healed by Jesus at their home in Capernaum, which implies that Peter was married.
Peter and his brother Andrew were the first disciples called by Jesus. Peter figures prominently in the Gospels, often stumbling,
impetuous, intense, and uncouth. It was Peter who attempted to walk on the sea, and began to sink; it was Peter who impulsively wished
to build three tabernacles on the mountain of the Transfiguration; it was Peter who, just before the crucifixion, three times denied knowing
his Lord. But it was also Peter who, after Pentecost, risked his life to do the Lord’s work, speaking boldly of his belief in Jesus. It was
also Peter, the Rock. Whose strength and courage helped the young Church in its questioning about mission beyond the Jewish
community.
According to a legend based on that tradition, peter fled from Rome during the persecution under Nero. On the Appian Way, he
met Christ, and asked him, “Domine, quo vadis?” (“Lord, where are you going?”). The Lord answered, “I am coming to be crucified
again.” Peter thereupon retraced his steps, and was shortly thereafter crucified, head downwards. “I am not worthy to be crucified as my
Lord was,” he is supposed to have said. As we watch Peter struggle with himself, often stumble, love his Lord and deny him, speak
rashly and act impetuously, his life reminds us that our Lord did not come to save the godly and strong but to save the weak and the
sinful. Simon, an ordinary human being, was transformed by the Holy Spirit into the “Rock,” and became the leader of the Church.
THE PICTURES USED IN THIS ARTICLE ARE IN THE PUBLIC DOMAIN.
for his confession of Jesus as the Messiah. Both Peter and Paul are commemorated together on June 29, in observance of the tradition of
the Church that they both died as martyrs in Rome during the persecution under Nero, in 64.
Born in Bethsaida, his original name was Shimon or Simeon. His father's name was Jonah or maybe John. Peter's mother-in-law
was healed by Jesus at their home in Capernaum, which implies that Peter was married.
Peter and his brother Andrew were the first disciples called by Jesus. Peter figures prominently in the Gospels, often stumbling,
impetuous, intense, and uncouth. It was Peter who attempted to walk on the sea, and began to sink; it was Peter who impulsively wished
to build three tabernacles on the mountain of the Transfiguration; it was Peter who, just before the crucifixion, three times denied knowing
his Lord. But it was also Peter who, after Pentecost, risked his life to do the Lord’s work, speaking boldly of his belief in Jesus. It was
also Peter, the Rock. Whose strength and courage helped the young Church in its questioning about mission beyond the Jewish
community.
According to a legend based on that tradition, peter fled from Rome during the persecution under Nero. On the Appian Way, he
met Christ, and asked him, “Domine, quo vadis?” (“Lord, where are you going?”). The Lord answered, “I am coming to be crucified
again.” Peter thereupon retraced his steps, and was shortly thereafter crucified, head downwards. “I am not worthy to be crucified as my
Lord was,” he is supposed to have said. As we watch Peter struggle with himself, often stumble, love his Lord and deny him, speak
rashly and act impetuously, his life reminds us that our Lord did not come to save the godly and strong but to save the weak and the
sinful. Simon, an ordinary human being, was transformed by the Holy Spirit into the “Rock,” and became the leader of the Church.
THE PICTURES USED IN THIS ARTICLE ARE IN THE PUBLIC DOMAIN.
Peter ... Shimon ... chosen one ...
... Apostle ... Simon Bar-Yonah ...
... Galilean fisherman ... Disciple ...
... Keeper of the keys to Heaven ...
... The Rock ... Cephas ... Simeon
... Martyr ... Keipha ... Petros
... Bishop of Rome ...Saint
... Apostle ... Simon Bar-Yonah ...
... Galilean fisherman ... Disciple ...
... Keeper of the keys to Heaven ...
... The Rock ... Cephas ... Simeon
... Martyr ... Keipha ... Petros
... Bishop of Rome ...Saint
Son of Jona, born in Bethsaida and lived in Capernaum and was married
Boldly preached, healed, and ministered to the Jews and Gentiles after Pentecost
Partner with James and John
Wrote 1 and 2 Peter
His personality: was impulsive; hot tempered, yet tenderhearted; insightful, yet dense;
courageous and solid after Pentecost
He was called to be a fisher of men
Witnessed Jesus’ Transfiguration
Was sent to prepare the upper room for the Last Supper
Was with Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane
Jesus instructed Peter after his resurrection
Key Lesson: God can forgive sins and strengthen the faith of those who love him
Symbols for Peter are sometimes keys, representing the keys to the kingdom of heaven