Topical Encyclopedia Introduction:Peter, originally named Simon, is one of the most prominent figures in the New Testament and a leading apostle of Jesus Christ. His life and ministry are extensively documented in the Gospels, the Acts of the Apostles, and his own epistles. Known for his fervent faith and occasional impulsiveness, Peter played a crucial role in the early Christian church. Background: Peter was a native of Bethsaida, a town on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. He was the son of Jonah (John) and the brother of Andrew, who was also an apostle. Peter worked as a fisherman before being called by Jesus to become a "fisher of men" (Matthew 4:19). His name was changed from Simon to Peter (Petros, meaning "rock") by Jesus, signifying his foundational role in the church (John 1:42). Calling and Ministry: Peter was among the first disciples called by Jesus. He quickly emerged as a leader among the Twelve Apostles. His confession of Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God, was met with Jesus' declaration: "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). This statement underscores Peter's pivotal role in the establishment of the church. Peter's ministry was marked by significant events, including his witnessing of the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-9) and his walking on water towards Jesus, an act that demonstrated both his faith and his human frailty (Matthew 14:28-31). Denial and Restoration: Despite his strong faith, Peter's human weaknesses were evident. During Jesus' trial, Peter denied knowing Him three times, fulfilling Jesus' prediction (Matthew 26:69-75). However, after the resurrection, Jesus restored Peter, asking him three times, "Do you love Me?" and commissioning him to "Feed My sheep" (John 21:15-17). This restoration reaffirmed Peter's leadership role among the apostles. Role in the Early Church: In the Book of Acts, Peter emerges as a central figure in the early church. He delivered the sermon at Pentecost, where about three thousand people were baptized (Acts 2:14-41). Peter performed miracles, such as healing a lame man at the temple gate (Acts 3:1-10), and he was instrumental in the inclusion of Gentiles into the Christian faith, as seen in his vision and subsequent visit to Cornelius, a Roman centurion (Acts 10). Peter also faced persecution and imprisonment for his faith, yet he remained steadfast. His leadership was crucial during the Jerusalem Council, where he advocated for the acceptance of Gentile believers without the burden of Jewish law (Acts 15:7-11). Writings: Peter is traditionally credited with authoring two epistles, 1 Peter and 2 Peter, which are part of the New Testament canon. These letters address themes of suffering, perseverance, and the hope of salvation, offering guidance and encouragement to early Christians facing trials. Legacy: Peter's legacy is profound, as he is considered the first bishop of Rome and a foundational figure in the establishment of the Christian church. His life exemplifies the transformative power of faith and the grace of forgiveness. Through his leadership, teachings, and writings, Peter continues to inspire believers to live out their faith with courage and conviction. Nave's Topical Index Matthew 10:2Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Nave's Topical Index Matthew 16:18,19 Mark 3:16 Luke 6:14 Acts 1:13 Greek 2786. Kephas -- "a rock," Cephas, a name given to the apostle ... ... "a rock," Cephas, a name given to the apostle Peter. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: Kephas Phonetic Spelling: (kay-fas') Short Definition ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2786.htm - 6k 4074. Petros -- "a stone" or "a boulder," Peter, one of the twelve ... 3453. mueo -- to initiate into the mysteries, hence to instruct Library The Life of St. Peter the Apostle Chap. xxxiii. How Augustine Repaired the Church of Our Saviour ... The Preaching of the Apostle Peter in Rome. What the Apostle Peter Predicted Regarding the Last Judgment. The Apostle Peter Told no Lie, when He Said He was Ready to Lay ... The Divine Liturgy of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist Mark, the ... The Confession of the Blessed Peter Receives a Testimony to Its ... The Church of Jerusalem and the Labors of Peter. St. Thomas Also Confessed the Same Faith as Peter after the Lord's ... Refutation of the Opinion, that Paul was the Only Apostle who had ... Resources Who was Peter in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgSummary of the Book of 2 Peter - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org What does Peter mean when he tells us to make our calling and election sure in 2 Peter 1:10? | GotQuestions.org Peter: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Peter of the Law of Defilement Peter of the Law of Forgiveness Peter of the Parable of the Steward Peter of the Prophecy of Jesus Concerning his Second Coming Peter: Accused by the Council; his Defense Peter: Also Called Simon Bar-Jona and Cephas Peter: Calls Attention to the Withered Fig Tree Peter: Confesses Jesus to be the Messiah Peter: Cuts off the Ear of Malchus Peter: Follows Jesus to the High Priest's Palace Peter: Foretells the Death of Ananias and Sapphira Peter: Has a Vision of a Sheet Containing Ceremonially Clean and Unclean Animals Peter: Heals the Immobile Man in the Portico of the Temple Peter: His Denial of Jesus, and his Repentance Peter: His Mother-In-Law Healed Peter: His Presumption in Rebuking Jesus Peter: His Presumption in Refusing to Let Jesus Wash Peter's Feet Peter: His Statement in Front of the Disciples Concerning the Death of Judas Peter: His Treachery Foretold by Jesus, and his Profession of Fidelity Peter: Imprisoned and Delivered by an Angel Peter: Imprisoned and Scourged; his Defense Before the Council Peter: Jesus Sends Message To, After the Resurrection Peter: Prays for the Reception of the Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit Peter: Preaches on Pentecost Day Peter: Present at Lake Tiberias when Jesus Appeared to his Disciples Peter: Present in the Garden of Gethsemane Peter: Present: At the Healing of Jairus' Daughter Peter: Present: At the Transfiguration Peter: Rebukes Simon, the Sorcerer, Who Desires to Purchase This Power Peter: Receives the Servant of the Centurion Peter: Sent With John to Prepare the Passover Meal Peter: Visits Joppa; Stays With Simon, the Tanner; Raises Dorcas from the Dead Peter: Visits Lydda; Heals Aeneas Peter: Visits the Gravesite of Jesus Peter: Walks Upon the Water of Lake Galilee Select Readings: Peter on the Day of Pentecost Related Terms |
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