Peter Πέτρος
Apostle of Jesus, leader in the early church
Biography
Peter, originally named Simon, was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ and played a crucial role in the early Christian church. He was the son of Jonah (or John) and the brother of Andrew, who introduced him to Jesus (Jhn.1.40-42). Jesus gave him the name Cephas (Aramaic) or Peter (Greek), which means "rock" (Jhn.1.42, Mat.16.18).
Peter was a fisherman from Bethsaida in Galilee (Jhn.1.44) and was married (Mat.8.14; 1Co.9.5). He became one of Jesus' closest disciples, known for his bold faith and leadership. He was part of Jesus' inner circle, witnessing key events such as the Transfiguration (Mat.17.1-9) and Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane (Mrk.14.32-42).
Despite his devotion, Peter denied knowing Jesus three times during Jesus' trial (Luk.22.54-62). After Jesus' resurrection, Peter was restored and commissioned to lead the church (Jhn.21.15-19). On the day of Pentecost, Peter preached powerfully, and about 3,000 people were baptized (Act.2.14-41).
Peter was instrumental in spreading the gospel to both Jews and Gentiles. He performed miracles (Act.3.1-10; 9.32-43) and defended the inclusion of Gentiles in the church (Acts 10-11; Act.15.7-11). He wrote two epistles, 1 and 2 Peter, to encourage and instruct believers facing persecution.
Tradition holds that Peter was martyred in Rome during Nero's reign, crucified upside down at his request, as he felt unworthy to die in the same manner as Jesus.
Family
In Scripture
9 biblical books ; 9 with study contentMatthew 5 verses
- Matthew 4:18
"Walking by the sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers: Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew, his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen."
Study Matthew → - Matthew 8:14
"When Jesus came into Peter’s house, he saw his wife’s mother lying sick with a fever."
Study Matthew → - Matthew 10:2
"Now the names of the twelve apostles are these. The first, Simon, who is called Peter; Andrew, his brother; James the son of Zebedee; John, his brother;"
Study Matthew → - Matthew 14:28
"Peter answered him and said, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the waters.”"
Study Matthew → - Matthew 14:29
"He said, “Come!” Peter stepped down from the boat, and walked on the waters to come to Jesus."
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Mark 5 verses
- Mark 3:16
"Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter);"
Study Mark → - Mark 5:37
"He allowed no one to follow him, except Peter, James, and John the brother of James."
Study Mark → - Mark 8:29
"He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Christ.”"
Study Mark → - Mark 8:32
"He spoke to them openly. Peter took him, and began to rebuke him."
Study Mark → - Mark 8:33
"But he, turning around, and seeing his disciples, rebuked Peter, and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you have in mind not the things of God, but the things of men.”"
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Luke 5 verses
- Luke 5:8
"But Simon Peter, when he saw it, fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, Lord.”"
Study Luke → - Luke 6:14
"Simon, whom he also named Peter; Andrew, his brother; James; John; Philip; Bartholomew;"
Study Luke → - Luke 8:45
"Jesus said, “Who touched me?” When all denied it, Peter and those with him said, “Master, the multitudes press and jostle you, and you say, ‘Who touched me?’”"
Study Luke → - Luke 8:51
"When he came to the house, he didn’t allow anyone to enter in, except Peter, John, James, the father of the child, and her mother."
Study Luke → - Luke 9:20
"He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered, “The Christ of God.”"
Study Luke →
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script | Strong's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Named | Greek | Πέτρος | G4074G |
| (same form as previous) | Greek | Πέτρος | G4074G |
| Named | Greek | Σίμων | G4613O |
| Spelled | Greek | Συμεών | G4826K |
| (same form as previous) | Greek | Συμεών | G4826K |
| Named | Greek | Κηφᾶς | G2786 |
| (same form as previous) | Greek | Κηφᾶς | G2786 |
| Named | Greek | Βαριωνᾶς | G0920 |