Peter
Simon called Cephas — the fisherman of Galilee — the rock — the shepherd of the sheep.
Identity
Simon, called Peter and by Christ himself Cephas (John 1:42), is the fisherman of Galilee who became the chief of the apostles. He is the confessor of Christ ('Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God' — Matthew 16:16), the denier of Christ (Matthew 26:69-75), and the shepherd of Christ's sheep ('Feed my sheep' — John 21:17). Two New Testament epistles bear his name.
Name and titles
'Simon' — Shimon in Hebrew — means 'he has heard.' 'Peter' — Petros in Greek — and 'Cephas' — Kepha in Aramaic — both mean 'rock' or 'stone.' The name is given by Christ Himself (Matthew 16:18; John 1:42). Scripture calls him 'Simon Peter', 'the apostle', and 'fishers of men' (Matthew 4:19).
Historical period
- c. AD 27 — Called with his brother Andrew from the fishing boat at the Sea of Galilee (Matthew 4:18-20). Renamed Peter by Christ (John 1:42).
- c. AD 27-30 — One of the inner three (with James and John) — witnesses the raising of Jairus's daughter, the Transfiguration, and the agony in Gethsemane.
- c. AD 30 or 33 — Denies Christ three times in the courtyard of the high priest (Luke 22:54-62). Restored by Christ by the Sea of Galilee (John 21:15-17).
- Pentecost, c. AD 30 or 33 — Preaches the first Christian sermon in Jerusalem; about three thousand souls are added (Acts 2).
- c. AD 30-45 — Leads the Church at Jerusalem; heals the lame man at the Beautiful Gate (Acts 3); baptises Cornelius, the first Gentile convert (Acts 10).
- c. AD 49 — Present at the Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15).
- c. AD 60s (traditional) — Missionary work in Antioch, Asia Minor, and Rome; two epistles written.
- c. AD 67 (traditional) — Martyred in Rome under Nero — crucified head-downward, tradition says (Origen quoted in Eusebius, Church History III.1).
Scripture appearances
- Matthew 4:18-20 (KJV) Called from the fishing boat.
- Matthew 14:22-33 (KJV) Walks on the water to Christ.
- Matthew 16:13-19 (KJV) Confesses Christ; receives the promise of the keys.
- Matthew 26:69-75 (KJV) The threefold denial.
- Luke 5:1-11 (KJV) The miraculous catch of fish.
- John 21:15-17 (KJV) The threefold restoration: 'Feed my sheep.'
- Acts 2 (KJV) The Pentecost sermon.
- Acts 10 (KJV) The baptism of Cornelius.
- 1 Peter 5:6-7 (KJV) 'Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.'
Connected Places
- Capernaum — the town of his home and mother-in-law (Matthew 8:14).
- Sea of Galilee — his fishing waters and the place of his calling.
- Jerusalem — the city of Pentecost.
- Antioch — where he ministered and was withstood by Paul (Galatians 2).
- Rome — where he was martyred.
Connected People
- Andrew — his brother and fellow apostle.
- James and John — his fishing partners and inner-circle brothers.
- Cornelius — the first Gentile he baptised.
- Mark — traditionally his 'son' and interpreter, whose Gospel preserves Peter's preaching.
- Paul — his fellow apostle.
- Christ Jesus — his Lord.
Salvation history role
- The confessor of the first great Christological confession.
- The preacher of the first Christian sermon at Pentecost.
- The apostle who opened the door of the Gospel to the Gentiles.
- A model of both stumbling and repentance — the honest portrait of every disciple.
Christian tradition
- Feasts: 22 February (Chair of St Peter), 29 June (Sts Peter and Paul).
- The traditional site of his martyrdom is marked by the Basilica of St Peter in Rome, built over his tomb.
- Christian art depicts him bearded, holding two keys (Matthew 16:19), and often with a cock (the crow of denial).
- The First Epistle of Peter is a treasured Christian letter of hope in suffering.
Household reflection
Peter teaches the household that a Christian is not measured by never falling but by always turning back. He fell hardest of the twelve and became the first preacher of the risen Christ.
Teach the children the threefold 'Feed my sheep.' It is the household's charter: care for one another, and care for the weakest.
Room connections
Where this entry meets the household in the wider house of CrossAIHub.
- Read (Library) — Read 1 Peter aloud as a household in one sitting — a whole letter of hope.
- Pray (Chapel) — Pray 1 Peter 5:7 — 'Casting all your care upon him' — before every trial the household faces.
- Family (Kitchen Table) — Serve fish on the Friday closest to the feast of Sts Peter and Paul (29 June) — a small household festival.
- Sing (Choir Room) — Sing 'The Church's One Foundation' — the great hymn of the Church built on the confession Peter first spoke.
- Learn (Workshop) — Study Peter's Pentecost sermon (Acts 2) — the model of every Christian sermon.
Further reading
The four Gospels (Peter appears in all four).
Acts 1-15 (the Peter chapters).
1 and 2 Peter in the KJV.
Elsewhere in the Atlas
Continue Your Journey
Where else this page opens into the household library.