1st century AD · disciple around AD 30, martyred around AD 64-67 according to tradition
Peter in the Bible
The fisherman who became a fisher of men. Name meaning: “Peter” (“rock”), from the Greek Petros, which renders the Aramaic Cephas (John 1:42); his birth name is Simon, son of Jonah
Simon, a fisherman from Galilee, receives from Jesus the name Peter. The first to confess him as “the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matt 16:16), he nonetheless denies him three times before being restored by the risen Lord. Filled with the Holy Spirit, he preaches at Pentecost, leads the church in Jerusalem and opens the door of the gospel to the Gentiles.
Key moments
- Jesus names him Cephas, that is, Peter John 1:42
- “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God” Matthew 16:16
- He walks on the water, then begins to sink Matthew 14:29–31
- He denies Jesus three times and weeps bitterly Matthew 26:74–75
- “Lovest thou me? … Feed my sheep” John 21:17
- Pentecost sermon: three thousand baptized Acts 2:41
- The gospel received by Cornelius and his household Acts 10:44
- Delivered from prison by an angel Acts 12:7
Strengths
- Spontaneous zeal
- Courage
- Leadership
- Restored humility
- Love for Jesus
Weaknesses
Impulsive and overconfident, Peter often speaks before he thinks: he rebukes Jesus (Matt 16:22-23), doubts on the water, and denies him three times out of fear (Matt 26:69-75). Even after Pentecost, he gives in for a time to the fear of men at Antioch, and Paul has to correct him (Gal 2:11-14).
Lessons for today
- God does not reject the one who falls: he seeks, lifts up and entrusts a mission once more (Luke 22:32; John 21:15-17).
- Self-confidence is fragile; strength comes from the Holy Spirit, who turned a denier into a bold preacher (Acts 2:14; 4:13).
- Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus in the storm, for looking at the wind makes us sink (Matt 14:30-31).
- Accept that God breaks our prejudices: the gospel is for all nations (Acts 10:34-35).
And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
People around Peter
- Jesus — His Master, who called and restored him
- Andrew — His brother, who brought him to Jesus
- John — Fishing partner and ministry companion
- Cornelius — Roman centurion, the first Gentile converted through his preaching
- Paul — Apostle to the Gentiles, who confronted him at Antioch
- Mark — The one he calls “my son” (1 Pet 5:13)
Stories with Peter
Quiz: how well do you know Peter?
Who brought Simon Peter to Jesus?
Andrew first found his own brother Simon: “We have found the Messiah,” “and he brought him to Jesus.” John 1:40–42
How many times did Peter deny Jesus?
When the rooster crowed, “Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.” Matthew 26:74–75
How many people were added to the church after Peter’s sermon at Pentecost?
“The same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.” The figure of five thousand comes later, in Acts 4. Acts 2:41
There are many more questions like these in Bible Academy, each with its explanation and verse. Start your free trial.