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Gospels · New Testament

Peter

Fisherman, Apostle & Early Church Leader

Name meaning
Rock; Jesus also called him Cephas, an Aramaic name with the same meaning
Name origin
Greek: Πέτρος (Petros), “rock”; Aramaic: כֵּיפָא (Kepha), “rock”

Quick facts

Occupation
  • Fisherman
  • Apostle
  • Early church leader
Birthplace
Bethsaida; later lived in Capernaum
Modern-day location
Bethsaida was on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee; its exact site (often identified as et-Tell or el-Araj) is debated. Capernaum is at modern Tell Hum/Kfar Nahum in Israel.
Family
  • Son of John (also called Jonah in some translations)
  • Brother of Andrew
  • Married; his wife is not named
First mention
Matthew 4:18–20
Last mention
2 Peter 1:12–15 (traditional attribution)
Key artifacts
  • Fishing net
  • Boat
  • Keys in Christian iconography

Key verses

  • “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

    Matthew 16:16

  • “And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord.”

    Luke 22:61

  • “Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee.”

    John 21:17

Biography

Early Life

Simon was a Galilean fisherman and the brother of Andrew. Jesus called him to follow, gave him the name Peter, and included him among the Twelve.

Defining Biblical Moments

Peter witnessed Jesus’ teaching and miracles, confessed him as the Messiah, and later denied knowing him during Jesus’ arrest. The Gospels describe his restoration after the resurrection. In Acts, Peter speaks at Pentecost and helps welcome Gentiles into the early Christian community.

Strengths

Peter is outspoken, devoted, energetic, and willing to act. He becomes a prominent witness and leader in Acts.

Weaknesses & Lessons

His impulsiveness and denials reveal the gap between sincere intention and action under pressure. His story stresses humility, restoration, and growth.

Life Lessons for Today

Failure need not be the end of a calling; honest accountability and renewed commitment can lead to meaningful service.

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Peter appears in The Life of Jesus & The Early Church, alongside more profiles like this one.

Page #15 in The Life of Jesus & The Early Church

The Life of Jesus & The Early Church front cover

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