Simon Peter

Also known as: Cephas, Simon bar Jonah, Simon son of Jonas, The Rock

Apostle · The Rock

A fisherman from Bethsaida in Galilee, Simon was the brother of Andrew and one of the first disciples called by Jesus. He was given the name Peter (Petros, "rock") by Jesus, who declared: "Upon this rock I will build my church" (Matthew 16:18). Peter was the most prominent of the Twelve — he walked on water (Matthew 14:28-31), confessed Jesus as the Christ (Matthew 16:16), witnessed the Transfiguration (Mark 9:2), and was present in Gethsemane. He famously denied Jesus three times on the night of the arrest (Luke 22:54-62), then was restored by the risen Jesus at the Sea of Galilee: "Feed my sheep" (John 21:15-17). After Pentecost, Peter preached the first Christian sermon and some 3,000 were converted (Acts 2:14-41). He led the early Jerusalem church, performed healings, and was the first to bring the gospel to Gentiles (Acts 10). His epistles urge believers to endure suffering with hope.

Key Events

1Called by Jesus at Sea of Galilee
2Confessed Jesus as the Christ at Caesarea Philippi
3Walked on water
4Witnessed the Transfiguration
5Denied Jesus three times
6Restored by Jesus: "Feed my sheep"
7Preached at Pentecost — 3,000 converted
8First to bring gospel to Gentiles (Cornelius)

What Scripture Says (175 verses)

Matthew 4:18

And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.

Matthew · Chapter 4

Matthew 10:2

Now 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;

Matthew · Chapter 10

Matthew 10:4

Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.

Matthew · Chapter 10

Matthew 13:55

Is not this the carpenter’s son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?

Matthew · Chapter 13

Matthew 16:16

And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.

Matthew · Chapter 16

Matthew 16:17

And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.

Matthew · Chapter 16

Matthew 17:25

He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers?

Matthew · Chapter 17

Matthew 26:6

Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper,

Matthew · Chapter 26

Matthew 27:32

And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross.

Matthew · Chapter 27

Mark 1:16

Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.

Mark · Chapter 1

Showing 10 of 175 verses

Church Tradition

Death

Tradition: crucified upside down

Location: Rome

Source: Eusebius, Church History III.1 (quoting Origen): "Peter was crucified at Rome with his head downwards"

Early Church Tradition

Eusebius records that Peter went to Rome and was crucified there under Emperor Nero, reportedly requesting to be crucified upside down because he considered himself unworthy to die in the same manner as his Lord (Church History III.1, citing Origen). Clement of Rome (1 Clement 5:4, ca. 96 AD) refers to Peter's martyrdom among other sufferings.

Details

From: Bethsaida, Galilee
Verses: 175
Category: apostle

Appears In

Matthew Mark Luke John Acts 1 Peter 2 Peter Galatians

Key Verses

Matthew 4:18-20

Matthew 16:16-19

Luke 22:54-62

John 21:15-17

Acts 2:14-41

Acts 10:34-48

Related Evidence

Capernaum Synagogue →