Topical Encyclopedia
Introduction:Simon Peter, also known simply as Peter, is one of the most prominent figures in the New Testament. He was a leading apostle of Jesus Christ and played a crucial role in the early Christian Church. His life and ministry are documented in the Gospels, the Acts of the Apostles, and his own epistles.
Name and Background:Simon, son of Jonah (or John), was a fisherman by trade, living in Bethsaida and later Capernaum. Jesus gave him the name Peter (Greek: Petros), meaning "rock," signifying his foundational role in the Church (
Matthew 16:18). He is also referred to as Cephas, the Aramaic equivalent of Peter (
John 1:42).
Calling and Apostleship:Peter was called to discipleship by Jesus while he was fishing with his brother Andrew (
Matthew 4:18-20). He quickly became a leading figure among the Twelve Apostles, often acting as their spokesman. His close relationship with Jesus is evident in several key events, such as the Transfiguration (
Matthew 17:1-9) and the Garden of Gethsemane (
Matthew 26:36-46).
Confession of Christ:Peter is renowned for his confession of Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of the living God. This declaration, recorded in
Matthew 16:16, prompted Jesus to affirm Peter's role in the Church: "And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it" (
Matthew 16:18).
Denial and Restoration:Despite his strong faith, Peter's human frailty is evident in his denial of Jesus three times during the trial before the crucifixion (
Matthew 26:69-75). However, after the resurrection, Jesus restored Peter, asking him three times to "feed My sheep," symbolizing his reinstatement and leadership role (
John 21:15-17).
Role in the Early Church:Peter emerged as a key leader in the early Church, as seen in the Acts of the Apostles. He delivered the first sermon at Pentecost, resulting in the conversion of about three thousand people (
Acts 2:14-41). He also performed miracles, such as healing the lame man at the temple gate (
Acts 3:1-10), and played a pivotal role in the inclusion of Gentiles into the Church, as demonstrated by his vision and subsequent visit to Cornelius (Acts 10).
Epistles:Peter is traditionally credited with writing two New Testament epistles, 1 Peter and 2 Peter. These letters address themes of suffering, holiness, and the second coming of Christ, providing guidance and encouragement to early Christians facing persecution.
Martyrdom:According to early Church tradition, Peter was martyred in Rome under Emperor Nero. It is believed that he was crucified upside down, at his own request, feeling unworthy to die in the same manner as his Lord.
Legacy:Peter's legacy is profound, as he is considered the first pope by the Roman Catholic Church and a pillar of the faith by all Christian denominations. His life exemplifies the transformative power of Christ's forgiveness and the strength found in faith, despite human weakness.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
Simon PeterSIMON PETER
SeePETER, SIMON.
Greek
2786. Kephas -- "a rock," Cephas, a name given to the apostle...... Kephas Phonetic Spelling: (kay-fas') Short Definition: Cephas Definition: Cephas
(Aramaic for rock), the new name given to
Simon Peter, the apostle.
...920. Barionas -- "son of Jonah," Bar-Jonah, a surname ofPeter
... Transliteration: Barionas Phonetic Spelling: (bar-ee-oo-nas') Short Definition:
Bar-Jonas Definition: Bar-Jonas, son of Jonas, the surname ofSimon Peter....
406. Andreas -- "manly," Andrew, one of the twelve apostles of...
... Phonetic Spelling: (an-dreh'-as) Short Definition: Andrew Definition: Andrew, brother
ofSimon Peter, and one of the apostles of Jesus, belonging to Bethsaida....
Library
Simon Peter
... Chapter I.Simon Peter.... [2340]Simon Magus. ThatPeter metSimon Magus in Rome is
a post-apostolic legend. Compare the Clementine literature. [2341] Apocryphal....
Simon Peter's Faith in Christ
... ILLUSTRATIONS:SIMON PETER'S FAITH IN CHRIST.... AndSimon Peter answered
and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God....
The First Disciples: ii.Simon Peter
...SIMON PETER. 'One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew,
Simon Peter's brother.41.... 'Thou artSimon"thou shalt bePeter.'....
Appendix xviii. Haggadah About Simeon Kepha (Legend ofSimon Peter...
... APPENDIX XVIII. HAGGADAH ABOUT SIMEON KEPHA (LEGEND OFSIMON PETER.).
({hebrew}) (Vol. ii. Book III. ch. xxxviii.). THIS Haggadah...
The Appearance to the Seven by the Sea.
... There were togetherSimon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus and Nathanael of Cana
in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples....
After the Resurrection Day.
... There were togetherSimon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus and Nathanael of Cana
in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples....
Peter Thrice Denies the Lord.
... A Matthew 26:58, 69-75; ^B Mark 14:54, 66-72; ^C Luke 22:54-62; ^D John 18:15-18,
25-27. ^a 58 But { ^d 15 And}Simon Peter followed Jesus [leaving Jesus in...
Judas' Betrayal andPeter's Denial Foretold.
... See p.513.] 24Simon Peter therefore beckoneth to him, and saith unto him, Tell
us who it is of whom he speaketh.25 He leaning back, as he was, on Jesus...
The Sleeping Apostle
... Luke, for instance, always calls himSimon up to the same point as Mark, except
once where he uses the form 'Simon Peter,' and thereafter alwaysPeter, except...
The Second General Epistle ofPeter
... p.533 f. Eusebius classes this letter with the Antilegomena and Jerome says: "Simon
Peter wrote two Epistles, which are called catholic; the second of which...
Resources
What are the Stations of the Cross and what can we learn from them? | GotQuestions.orgWhy is the order of Jesus' calling His disciples different in some of the gospels? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Rufus in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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