Topical Encyclopedia Introduction: Simon Barjona, more commonly known as Simon Peter or simply 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 name, Simon, is of Hebrew origin, while "Barjona" means "son of Jonah" or "son of John," indicating his paternal lineage. Background and Calling: Simon was a fisherman by trade, living in the town of Bethsaida and later in Capernaum. He worked alongside his brother Andrew, who was also called to be an apostle. The Gospel of Matthew records Jesus' calling of Simon: "As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 'Come, follow Me,' Jesus said, 'and I will make you fishers of men'" (Matthew 4:18-19). Name and Identity: Jesus gave Simon the name "Peter," which means "rock" in Greek (Petros). This renaming is significant and is recorded in Matthew 16:18: "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" . This declaration underscores Peter's foundational role in the establishment of the Church. Role Among the Apostles: Peter is often listed first among the apostles, indicating his leadership position. He was part of Jesus' inner circle, along with James and John, and was present at key events such as the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-9) and Jesus' agony in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-46). Confession of Faith: Peter is known for his bold confession of faith in Jesus as the Messiah. In Matthew 16:16, Peter declares, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God" . This confession is pivotal in the New Testament narrative and highlights Peter's understanding of Jesus' divine identity. Denial and Restoration: Despite his strong faith, Peter is also known for his denial of Jesus during the events leading up to the crucifixion. As Jesus predicted, Peter denied knowing Him three times before the rooster crowed (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). Leadership in the Early Church: After Jesus' ascension, Peter emerged as a key leader in the early Church. He delivered the sermon at Pentecost, where about three thousand people were baptized (Acts 2:14-41). Peter also played a significant role in the inclusion of Gentiles into the Christian community, as seen in his interaction with Cornelius (Acts 10). Writings and Legacy: Peter is traditionally credited with authoring two epistles in the New Testament: 1 Peter and 2 Peter. These letters address themes of suffering, perseverance, and the hope of salvation. Peter's legacy is one of faith, leadership, and transformation, serving as a model for Christian discipleship. Conclusion: Simon Barjona, or Peter, remains a central figure in Christian history. His journey from a humble fisherman to a foundational leader of the Church exemplifies the transformative power of faith in Jesus Christ. Library Edwards -- Spiritual Light Faustus Claims that the Manich??ans and not the Catholics are ... The Christian Church The Transfiguration. Peter's Repentance 1 John v. 3-Jan Argument. --Moreover, against the Sabellians He Proves that the ... Why Saul Became Paul Galatians Chapter I. Letter xxxiii. To the Synod of Ephesus . Thesaurus Simon-barjona (1 Occurrence)Simon-barjona. Simon, Simon-barjona. Simon's . Multi-Version Concordance Simon-barjona (1 Occurrence). Matthew 16:17 ... /s/simon-barjona.htm - 6k Simon's (9 Occurrences) Barjona (1 Occurrence) Simon (75 Occurrences) Resources Who was Simon the Sorcerer? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Simon the tanner? | GotQuestions.org Who was Simon the Zealot? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Simon-barjona (1 Occurrence)Matthew 16:17 Subtopics Related Terms |