Topical Encyclopedia Peter, also known as Simon Peter, is one of the most prominent figures in the New Testament and a leading apostle of Jesus Christ. Originally a fisherman from Bethsaida, Peter was called by Jesus to become a "fisher of men" (Matthew 4:19). He is often depicted as a passionate and sometimes impulsive disciple, whose journey of faith is marked by both profound insights and notable failures.Role in the Early Church After the resurrection and ascension of Jesus, Peter emerged as a central leader in the early Christian community. The Book of Acts records his significant role in the establishment and expansion of the Church. Peter's leadership is evident in his bold preaching on the day of Pentecost, where he addressed the crowd, resulting in the conversion of about three thousand people (Acts 2:14-41). Residence in Jerusalem Peter's presence in Jerusalem is significant during the formative years of the Church. Jerusalem served as the epicenter of early Christian activity, and Peter's leadership there was crucial. Acts 1:13-14 notes that Peter was among the apostles who gathered in the upper room in Jerusalem, devoting themselves to prayer. His influence is further highlighted in Acts 3, where he, along with John, performed a miraculous healing at the temple gate, leading to another opportunity to preach the gospel (Acts 3:1-26). Peter's role in Jerusalem is also evident during the Council of Jerusalem, as recorded in Acts 15. This council addressed the critical issue of whether Gentile converts to Christianity were required to follow Jewish law. Peter's testimony about the conversion of Cornelius, a Gentile, and his household, played a pivotal role in the council's decision to affirm that salvation is through the grace of the Lord Jesus, not adherence to the law (Acts 15:7-11). Challenges and Growth Peter's time in Jerusalem was not without challenges. He faced persecution and imprisonment, as seen in Acts 12, where King Herod arrested him. However, through divine intervention, Peter was miraculously freed from prison (Acts 12:1-11). This event underscores the spiritual authority and protection that accompanied his ministry. Peter's growth as a leader is also marked by his interactions with Paul. In Galatians 2:11-14 , Paul recounts a confrontation with Peter in Antioch over the issue of table fellowship with Gentiles. This incident reflects Peter's ongoing journey of understanding the full implications of the gospel for all people, Jew and Gentile alike. Legacy Peter's legacy in Jerusalem and beyond is profound. His epistles, 1 and 2 Peter, offer theological insights and pastoral guidance to believers facing trials and persecution. His life exemplifies the transformative power of Christ's grace, turning a simple fisherman into a foundational pillar of the Church. Peter's ministry in Jerusalem laid the groundwork for the spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire and continues to inspire believers today. Nave's Topical Index Acts 1:13And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where stayed both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. Nave's Topical Index Library The Second General Epistle of Peter Letter cxxxix. To Juvenal, Bishop of Jerusalem. Peter and John Examined by the Council. St. Paul Quite in Accordance with St. Peter and Other Apostles of ... The Lame Man Cured by Peter and John. Appendix xviii. Haggadah About Simeon Kepha (Legend of Simon Peter ... The Synod of Jerusalem, and the Compromise Between Jewish and ... Beginning at Jerusalem End of Three Months' Ministry in Jerusalem. Book ix. On Jerusalem and Her Enemies Resources Was Saint Peter the first pope? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of the rooster crowing in regards to Peter denying Jesus three times? | GotQuestions.org Why did Jesus ask Peter "Do you love me?" three times? | 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 |