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 See PETER, 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. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2786.htm - 6k 920. Barionas -- "son of Jonah," Bar-Jonah, a surname of Peter 406. Andreas -- "manly," Andrew, one of the twelve apostles of ... Library Simon Peter Simon Peter's Faith in Christ The First Disciples: ii. Simon Peter Appendix xviii. Haggadah About Simeon Kepha (Legend of Simon Peter ... The Appearance to the Seven by the Sea. After the Resurrection Day. Peter Thrice Denies the Lord. Judas' Betrayal and Peter's Denial Foretold. The Sleeping Apostle The Second General Epistle of Peter 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.org Who was Rufus in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Simon: A Leper: Jesus Dines With Simon: A Man from the City of Cyrene: Compelled to Carry Jesus' Cross Simon: A Pharisee: Jesus Dines With Simon: A Physical Half-Brother of Jesus Simon: A Sorcerer (Also Called Simon Magus): Rebuked by Peter Simon: A Tanner: Peter Lodges With Simon: One of the Twelve Apostles; a Revolutionary and a Patriot: Called "The Canaanite" Simon: One of the Twelve Apostles; a Revolutionary and a Patriot: Called "Zelotes" Simon: The Father of Judas Iscariot Related Terms Leather-worker (3 Occurrences) |
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