Peter
Peter, originally a fisherman named Simon, was called by Jesus along the Sea of Galilee to become one of his first disciples, immediately leaving his nets to follow him. Despite his impulsive character and threefold denial of Jesus during the crucifixion, he was restored by the risen Christ and emerged as the recognized leader of the apostles. As a pillar of the early church, Peter preached at Pentecost, performed miracles, and helped guide the inclusion of Gentiles into the faith. His role underscores Scripture's emphasis on redemption and divine empowerment, as seen in Jesus' declaration that he would build his church upon this rock.
Video from BibleProject
Acts Overview (Part 1: Ch. 1-12)
Peter leads the early church as the Spirit empowers them to spread the good news.
BibleProject is the author and owner of this content. To find more BibleProject resources, visit bibleproject.com. Bible Navigator is not affiliated with BibleProject.
Biography
- Born
- c. 1 BC, Bethsaida
- Died
- c. AD 64-68, Rome (crucified upside down)
- Occupation
- Fisherman, Apostle
- Father
- Jonah (John)
- Spouse
- Unnamed wife
- Era
- New Testament
- Nationality
- Jewish, Galilean
- Also Known As
- Simon, Cephas
Family
Did You Know?
Peter is the only disciple recorded as attempting to walk on water toward Jesus during a storm on the Sea of Galilee, sinking only after his faith wavered amid the wind and waves.
Though an uneducated fisherman, Peter delivered the Pentecost sermon in Acts that led to the baptism of about three thousand converts in a single day, marking the birth of the early church.
The Gospels note that Jesus healed Peter's mother-in-law of a fever, confirming that the apostle was married at the time of his calling.
In Acts, the sick were laid in Jerusalem's streets hoping Peter's passing shadow would heal them, reflecting the extraordinary perception of his apostolic authority among early believers.
Peter's rooftop vision of a sheet filled with unclean animals directly challenged Jewish dietary laws and prepared him to baptize the Gentile Cornelius, expanding the church beyond its Jewish origins.
Key Passages
Called by Jesus
Matthew 4:18-20
Jesus calls ordinary fishermen to become 'fishers of men' - transforming their everyday skills into kingdom purpose and demonstrating that God builds His church through common people.
18nd 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.
Confession of Christ
Matthew 16:13-20
Peter's declaration 'You are the Christ, the Son of the living God' is the foundational confession of the church - revealed not by human reasoning but by the Father in heaven.
13hen Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?
Peter's Denial
Matthew 26:69-75
Peter's three denials of Jesus on the night of His arrest reveal the gap between confident self-assessment and actual spiritual strength - a humbling lesson in human frailty.
69ow Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee.
Sermon at Pentecost
Acts 2:14-41
The same Peter who denied Christ now boldly proclaims Him before thousands - demonstrating the transforming power of the Holy Spirit and launching the church's mission to the world.
14ut Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: