Simon's name changed from Simon to Peter by Jesus, signifying a new beginning and transformation in his role as a disciple. [1]
Martha, the elder sister of Andrew and Peter, was one of the ten women selected and commissioned by Jesus for the ministering work of the kingdom. [2]
Simon Peter, married with 3 children, joined the apostles at thirty years of age in A.D. 26, residing in Bethsaida near Capernaum with his brother Andrew and wife's mother, partnering in fishing with the sons of Zebedee. [3] Simon Peter, fisher partner of Andrew, sons of Zebedee, was born in Capernaum and lived near his brother Andrew. [4] John Zebedee was a key supporter of Simon Peter in the early days of the Christian movement. [5]
Simon Peter, one of John the Baptist’s foremost disciples who knew Jesus in Capernaum, became the second apostle after Andrew. [6] Gadiah and Peter had a memorable argument at Dorcas' home, ultimately influencing Simon's decision to embrace Christianity. [7] Peter selected Simon Zelotes, a former Zealot high officer turned apostle. [8] Simon Peter witnessed Jesus calm a violent storm on the Sea of Galilee, solidifying his faith in the Master's power over nature. [9] Simon Peter's dream delivered him from fear of uncleanness. [10]
At the transfiguration, only Peter, James, and John shared a unique experience with Jesus because none of the twelve apostles were spiritually qualified for the revelation. [11] Simon Peter, armed with sword, remained composed and watchful during Jesus' final days in Jerusalem. [12] Peter and Andrew fetched Simon Zelotes at Jesus' direction before taking leave of them. [13] Asleep in Gethsemane, Peter, James, and John failed to watch and pray with Jesus during his time of need. [14] Simon Peter collected a donkey for Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, fulfilling a symbolic appeal to demonstrate that His kingdom was not of this world. [15]
Simon Peter, in protest against the pride of his brethren, took the lowest seat at the Remembrance Supper, hoping for Jesus to call him up to a higher one. [16] Jesus, knowing Simon Peter's vacillating nature, washed his feet in a powerful act of love and humility. [17] Jesus asked Peter three times, “Do you love me?” and instructed him to care for his sheep, be a shepherd, and follow after him. [18] Simon Peter received admonitions to establish himself on spiritual foundations and not trust in worldly things. [19] Simon Peter denied Jesus three times in Annas's courtyard before the cock crowed, leading to deep remorse and realization of his betrayal. [20] Simon Peter was accused by Annas’s portress as he denied any connection with Jesus in the courtyard of the palace. [21] At the empty tomb, Peter and John pondered the miraculous events they had witnessed, struggling to fully comprehend the resurrection of Jesus. [22] Forgiven for his denial, Simon Peter saw the risen Master and rushed to share the good news with his fellow apostles. [23]
Peter's faith began to surmount his doubts at Jesus' appearances, leading him to boldly declare his belief in the resurrection and his determination to spread the good news to others. [24] After the message after resurrection, Peter vacillated emotionally between faith and doubt concerning the Master's resurrection. [25] Jesus gave special instructions to Simon Peter, James, and John, to help clarify the new spiritual teachings for the other apostles. [26] Simon Peter promised to pay the temple tax on behalf of Jesus. [27]
Simon Peter rushed impetuously towards Jesus, declaring “these things shall never happen to you”, prompting Jesus to protest by saying, “Get you behind me.”. [28] Questions of forgiveness and discipleship perplex Simon Peter as he seeks guidance from Jesus. [29]
Simon Peter recited the parable of Lazarus and Dives to the noisy crowd, urging them to heed its lessons until they comprehend the new light of the kingdom of heaven. [30] Simon Peter rushed forward with sword to smite Malchus in defense of Jesus. [31] Simon Peter preached sermons on “The Kingdom” and “Aaron and the Golden Calf,” while Jesus taught on “The Will of the Father in Heaven.”. [32]
Simon Peter once surmised that the scribe of Damascus might have been Jesus, but quickly dismissed the idea, aware that the Master had never been in Rome. [33]
The waiting period proved challenging for Simon Peter as he urged Jesus to start preaching in Galilee, while John preached in Judea, but Jesus advised patience and progress, with Andrew offering calming and philosophical support. [34] Simon Peter attempted to dissuade Norana from waiting for the resting Master to heal her daughter. [35]
Simon Peter was confused and saddened by Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, feeling disappointed and unable to understand why the Master did not speak to the multitude or permit preaching. [36]
Peter was the first apostle to defend Philip's work among Samaritans and Paul's among gentiles, but later reversed himself at Antioch, causing a confrontation with Paul. [37] Peter denied Jesus, couldn't believe himself forgiven, despite admiring Jesus' supernal tenderness and forgiveness taught seventy times seven. [38] Peter was an eloquent leader and quick thinker, but not a deep reasoner, known for his quick decisions and sudden actions. [39] Peter's erratic, impulsive, enthusiastic personality made him a loyal but often unthinking disciple of Jesus. [40] Simon Peter remained estranged from Abner throughout the turbulent disagreements within the early Christian church. [41] Simon Peter's vacillating nature stemmed from his struggles with loyalty under ridicule, yet his faults were of the head, not the heart. [42] Simon Peter favored proclaiming Jesus king, amidst a plot hatched by the young evangelist Joab. [43] Simon Peter, the outstanding preacher of the twelve, followed afar off behind the mob leading Jesus back to Jerusalem. [44] Simon Peter's presumptuous self-confidence caused trouble for himself and his friends, despite his impulsive nature and optimistic outlook on life. [45] Simon Peter, a perplexing blend of bravery and cowardice, crumbled under ridicule despite his deep love and loyalty to Jesus. [46] Throughout resurrection Sunday, Peter vacillated between faith and doubt, but ultimately found solace in encountering the risen Master in the garden. [47]
Peter, James, and John were appointed as personal aides to Jesus, to attend him day and night and minister to his needs. [48] Simon Peter, the chief preacher and recognized head of Jesus' apostles, naturally assumed and held his position by common consent. [49] The choosing and holding of Simon Peter as an apostle was the paramount factor in the rapid spread of Christianity. [50] Simon Peter was the first to confess Jesus' divinity in Caesarea-Philippi. [51] Peter laid hands on converts receiving Spirit of Truth, while Philip deferred to him in new situations. [52] Peter's night vision on the Sea of Galilee inspired him to have faith and act with courage in the face of doubt. [53]
Simon Peter delivered the ordination sermon to the seventy, emphasizing consecrated devotion, true courage, faith and trust, zeal and initiative, kindness and courtesy, and ministry to the sick. [54] Peter founded and organized the Christian church. [55] Simon Peter, after finding himself and being forgiven by Jesus, became a great and saving light to thousands. [56] Peter led the diverse school of evangelists in teaching and learning, fostering individual interpretations of the gospel of the kingdom. [57]
Peter unintentionally inaugurated a new religion of the risen Christ, transforming the gospel of the kingdom into Christianity based on Paul's theologic views. [58] Peter was a much more effective preacher than Jesus, who was a teacher of man's spirit through the mind. [59]
Peter's original teachings and style can be glimpsed in Luke's sermons and Mark's Gospel, but the First Epistle was altered by a disciple of Paul. [60] Simon Peter instigated the Gospel by Mark. [61]
Peter calculated that one thousand believers could have been baptized, but Jesus decided not to return to Capernaum. [62] On April 29, Peter preached to 500 in Bethsaida, convincing many that the Master had risen. [63] Peter, through his energetic preaching at Pentecost, won over 2000 souls, a testament to the influence he had on those around him. [64] Simon Peter experienced deliverance by a secondary midwayer after Herod killed James. [65]
Cornelius became a believer through Peter's ministry, just as Anaxand and his superior sought Jesus' advice and later became prominent members of the church founded by Philip. [66]
Peter worked harmoniously with Paul, defending their work among Samaritans and gentiles, but later reversed himself under pressure from Judaizers and faced the fearless denunciation of Paul. [67] Abner, head of a church in Jerusalem, was isolated for defying James and later supported by Peter, before ultimately denouncing Paul. [68] Descendants of Simon Peter persecuted by Christians suffer unjustly for their faith. [69]
Peter's wife Perpetua, thrown to wild beasts after he was crucified in Rome, labored alongside him on his missionary journeys, embodying his teachings of liberation from darkness. [70]
See also: UB 139:2; UB 143:3.5; UB 144:1.7; UB 148:9.4; UB 151:2.1-2; UB 158:1.9; UB 158:8; UB 167:0.1; UB 178:2.6-8; UB 179:1.4; UB 183:4.4.