Peter
· Peter’s original name was Simon. He was the son of Jona (Johannes) and was born in Bethsaida, a town on the northern end of Lake Genesareth. The Apostle Andrew was his brother, and the Apostle Philip came from the same town.
· Peter was a fisherman and owned his own boat.
· According to historians, Peter lived in Capharnaum with his mother-in-law in a house he owned during the time period when Jesus began his public ministry. Therefore, it is believed that Peter was married and had children. Some accounts claim that Peter’s wife was martyred, however this fact has not been proven.
· Peter became a follower of John the Baptist, along with his brother Andrew. Andrew was with John the Baptist one day when Jesus passed by. John the Baptist pointed to Jesus and said, “Behold the Lamb of God.” Andrew and another disciple followed Jesus to his home and remained with him all day. Later Andrew told Peter that he had met the Messiah and took him to meet Jesus.
· Jesus healed Peter’s mother-in-law who was sick with fever.
· Peter is described as clinging with the greatest faith and inward love to Jesus. It is believed that Peter was held in high regard by Jesus and the other Apostles, for when Jesus addressed all the Apostles, Peter answered in their name. Moreover, Jesus would frequently single Peter out specifically.
· Jesus was on Peter’s boat on the Sea of Galilee to preach to the multitude on the shore and when He walked on the water, He called Peter to come to Him across the lake.
· While on a journey with the Apostles, Jesus asked them, “Whom do men say that the Son of man is?” The Apostles answered, “Some John the Baptist, and other some Elias, and others Jeremias, or one of the prophets.” Jesus then asked, “But whom do you say that I am?” Peter (who was still called Simon) said, “Thou art Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-Jona: because flesh and blood hath not revealed it to thee, but my Father who is in heaven. And I say to thee: That thou art Peter (Kipha, a rock), and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give to thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven.” Through this statement it is evident that Jesus wished to make Peter the head of the community of those who believed Jesus was the true Messiah and that Peter was the foundation of the Church.
· Despite Peter’s assurance that he was ready to accompany Jesus to prison or death, Jesus predicted that Peter would deny ever knowing Jesus when the time came for Jesus to be persecuted. When the soldiers apprehended Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, Peter tried to defend Jesus by force, but was forbidden by Jesus to do so. He then fled with the other Apostles but then turned and followed the soldiers to the courtyard of the High Priest. When he got there he was recognized and questioned three times over his connection with Jesus – all three times Peter denied ever know Him, just as Jesus had foretold would happen.
· Despite the fear and cowardice shown by Peter in denying his Lord, Jesus still considered Peter the head of the Apostles. When the women found Jesus’ tomb empty, an angel appeared and gave them a message for Peter. And it was to Peter alone that Christ appeared on the first day after the Resurrection.
· After the descent of the Holy Ghost on the feast of Pentecost, Peter delivers the first public sermon of the Apostles to proclaim the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. He is able to lead a large number of Jews to convert to the Christian community. Peter is also the first Apostle to work a public miracle.
· Went on an extensive missionary tour that led him to Lydda, Joppe, and Caesarea where he performed many miracles.
· Because of his outspokenness, Peter was arrested twice and thrown in jail by Jewish high priests.
· Peter played in important role in bringing the Gospel to the Gentiles. At the Council of Jerusalem, he gave his support to preaching to the Gentiles thus allowing the new Church to become universal.
· He was elected bishop of the see of Rome. It was there that he spent his last years. He is considered the first Pope.
· Peter was martyred around 62 A.D. He was crucified head downward because he claimed he was not worthy to die in the same manner as Christ.
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