One of the most popular of the apostles, Simon Peter, called Cephas...one that is perhaps the most written about of all the Apostles in the Sacred Scriptures as well....
Peter was said to be a son of John (or possibly Jonah) and from Bethsaida, a village in Galilee. Peter had at least one brother whose name was Andrew, and it was Andrew that introduced Peter to Jesus. Both Andrew and Peter were in the fishing business on the Sea of Galilee, having a type of "corporation" with James and John of Zebedee, who also became Apostles, all being a part of The Original (the 12 disciples).
Yet it is in the Gospel of John which reveals how Simon's relationship with Christ Jesus began, and how Simon's brother Andrew had a big part in the event. John the Baptizer had been calling people to repent of their lifestyles and be water baptized in the River Jordan, making a public announcement the need for their hearts to change. In John 1, beginning in verse 32 it reads: " John the Baptizer clinched his witness of seeing the Messiah when he spoke and said: " I was there...I saw the Holy Spirit come down from the sky like a dove, and made His home in the very heart of Him! Prior to this, I didn't know for sure, yet when I saw this happen...and let me confirm this with no doubt..."This is the Son of the Living God!" Simon's brother Andrew was there...listening to John the Baptizer as he spoke these words.
In the first chapter of John the story continues and describes how on the next day John the Baptizer was continuing to baptize those who came for repentance at the River Jordan, when Jesus came...walking up to John the Baptizer and standing at the shore of the River Jordan nearby. It was here that John the Baptizer proclaimed to everyone there: "Here He is...the very Lamb of God...who takes away...the sins of the world!"
Simon's brother Andrew was there once again...when John the Baptizer made this public announcement.
It is in John 1:40-41 that describe how "it all went down": " Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, was one of the 2 disciples who had heard John the Baptizer's proclamation of the Messiah, now makes a personal decision himself to follow Jesus. After finding out where Jesus lived and spending an afternoon there with Him, Andrew immediately went to find his brother Simon and tell him of the discovery of the True Messiah. When Andrew came up to his brother Simon, he spoke to him and said: "We have found him Simon!...the Messiah!...He lives!...and lives right among us!" Then Andrew took Simon directly to...Jesus!
John 1;42 then describes how Simon met The Messiah and it reads: "Jesus looked up and said: " You are John's son...Simon isn't it? From now on, I shall call you "Cephas" or "Peter", which being translated means "rock".
And so began the life of Simon Peter...one of The Original.
Some historical data report Peter was a rather slender person, a little tall with a light complexion. He was said to have a short curly beard with light eyebrows.
Peter was born in Bethsaida but later made his home in Capernaum. Peter's home in Capernaum still stands today! What actually happened was in the 5th century a church was built right on and over the home of Peter's. Some unique things written of Peter's home in Capernaum was the fact it was large enough for his brother Andrew to live, Peter's mother-n-law, and some reports indicate Christ Jesus himself might have lived in Peter's home for a time, along with Peter's own wife and children. Peter's home might have been 2 stories high.
We often think of Peter as the guy who denied Christ Jesus 3 times on the "Night of the Betrayal", yet after Peter received the Holy Spirit, he became outspoken to all in reference to knowing Christ Jesus, and in the end Peter himself was crucified for having a friendship with Him.
On the "Day of Pentecost" as described in the book of the Acts of the Apostles, it was Peter who stood and spoke to the crowds that had gathered in Jerusalem. This event was only a couple of months after Jesus had resurrected from the grave.
Peter was instrumental encouraging "The Original" to replace Judas Iscariot with another, and in so doing they chose a man named Matthias to replace Judas.
Yet, as Peter continued on his journey through life after the Resurrection, Peter's fame became well known as both a healer and a source of strength for others against the horrors of persecution... because of their belief in Christ Jesus.
One well known scene is described in Acts 3:6 where John and Peter are passing by a man who could not walk. It is written Peter spoke and said: " We have not at the moment any money with us to give you, yet what I do have is far greater than any amount of money could ever buy! In the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth,,,Rise up and walk!"
Some refer to this passage of Scripture as proof Christianity is "the poor man's religion", yet this is not what this Scripture is really saying at all. And yes, while it is true many of the poor give their lives to the Lord Jesus, the message of the Gospel is for all men.
Later church history records various miraculous healings that took place in Peter's ministry, some writing when the very shadow of Peter would cover someone in need of healing....miracles were performed...in the Name of the One... Peter now spoke of openly to anyone who might listen.
Peter was also a proponent of Saint Paul and his ministry, and supported Paul in the efforts of introducing the Christian faith to the Gentiles (those not of Jewish origin), in both Jerusalem and other regions as well.
Numerous times it is written by early historians that Peter was imprisoned in Jerusalem because of his faith and belief in Christ Jesus. It is said Peter, his wife, and others left Jerusalem and were in Babylon for a time to support the Jewish Christians who also had left Jerusalem because of the rise of persecution against the early believers. It is also thought the letter of 1 Peter was written during the time Peter resided in Babylon.
Some early historians conclude Peter never really lived in Babylon, but used the term "Babylon" to refer to Rome...a city of deep pagan beliefs. It is unclear whether this is true or not...we will just have to wait till we "get there"...to Heaven to find out what really happened during this time in Peter's life.
What most historians do conclude is Peter did end up in Rome. The writer of the Gospel of Mark was with Peter during his time in Rome and supported Peter's ministry in whatever capacity he could. Peter was said to have a deep influence on Mark's writing of...the Gospel of Mark.
The Roman emperor Nero became a major source of persecution against the early Christian church, and was quoted to have said he was "the chief enemy of God". Because of his hatred toward Christians, Nero was committed to the slaughtering of the Apostles of Jesus...including Peter.
One heart rendering account reads how Peter saw his own wife be led out to die in the arena in Rome, and how she rejoiced on her "going Home". It is written Peter called her by name and spoke "May we always remember...Him!"
Peter's death in Rome is written to happen in this matter: some reports say Peter was sent to the horrible prison of Manetris for a period of 9 months and was subjected to total darkness including enduring a variety of tortures while in chains. Throughout this intense time of persecution it is also reported Peter brought the Gospel of Christ Jesus to his jailors and they gave their hearts to the Lord Jesus, including the names of Processus and Martinianus. There were a total of 47 jailors and their friends and families who also gave their hearts to the Lord.
Is this a true story...or just church tradition?...we really don't know.
What seems to be a general concensus by early historians is the fact Peter was indeed crucified by the emperor Nero while he was in Rome. It is written Peter requested to be crucified with his head down in honor to his king...the Lord Jesus!
Peter met his death in 67 A.D. in Rome, in a series of events put on in the colisseum arena for the citizens of Rome called "the circus by Nero".
For myself...I will always remember Peter saying those words when he was with Christ Jesus while He was... one of us. In Saint Matthew 16: 15-16 it reads:
" But who do YOU say that I Am?" Simon Peter spoke and said: " You are the Christ, our very Messiah, You truly are...the Son of the Living God."
Peter was said to be a son of John (or possibly Jonah) and from Bethsaida, a village in Galilee. Peter had at least one brother whose name was Andrew, and it was Andrew that introduced Peter to Jesus. Both Andrew and Peter were in the fishing business on the Sea of Galilee, having a type of "corporation" with James and John of Zebedee, who also became Apostles, all being a part of The Original (the 12 disciples).
Yet it is in the Gospel of John which reveals how Simon's relationship with Christ Jesus began, and how Simon's brother Andrew had a big part in the event. John the Baptizer had been calling people to repent of their lifestyles and be water baptized in the River Jordan, making a public announcement the need for their hearts to change. In John 1, beginning in verse 32 it reads: " John the Baptizer clinched his witness of seeing the Messiah when he spoke and said: " I was there...I saw the Holy Spirit come down from the sky like a dove, and made His home in the very heart of Him! Prior to this, I didn't know for sure, yet when I saw this happen...and let me confirm this with no doubt..."This is the Son of the Living God!" Simon's brother Andrew was there...listening to John the Baptizer as he spoke these words.In the first chapter of John the story continues and describes how on the next day John the Baptizer was continuing to baptize those who came for repentance at the River Jordan, when Jesus came...walking up to John the Baptizer and standing at the shore of the River Jordan nearby. It was here that John the Baptizer proclaimed to everyone there: "Here He is...the very Lamb of God...who takes away...the sins of the world!"
Simon's brother Andrew was there once again...when John the Baptizer made this public announcement.
It is in John 1:40-41 that describe how "it all went down": " Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, was one of the 2 disciples who had heard John the Baptizer's proclamation of the Messiah, now makes a personal decision himself to follow Jesus. After finding out where Jesus lived and spending an afternoon there with Him, Andrew immediately went to find his brother Simon and tell him of the discovery of the True Messiah. When Andrew came up to his brother Simon, he spoke to him and said: "We have found him Simon!...the Messiah!...He lives!...and lives right among us!" Then Andrew took Simon directly to...Jesus!
John 1;42 then describes how Simon met The Messiah and it reads: "Jesus looked up and said: " You are John's son...Simon isn't it? From now on, I shall call you "Cephas" or "Peter", which being translated means "rock".
And so began the life of Simon Peter...one of The Original.
Some historical data report Peter was a rather slender person, a little tall with a light complexion. He was said to have a short curly beard with light eyebrows.
Peter was born in Bethsaida but later made his home in Capernaum. Peter's home in Capernaum still stands today! What actually happened was in the 5th century a church was built right on and over the home of Peter's. Some unique things written of Peter's home in Capernaum was the fact it was large enough for his brother Andrew to live, Peter's mother-n-law, and some reports indicate Christ Jesus himself might have lived in Peter's home for a time, along with Peter's own wife and children. Peter's home might have been 2 stories high.
We often think of Peter as the guy who denied Christ Jesus 3 times on the "Night of the Betrayal", yet after Peter received the Holy Spirit, he became outspoken to all in reference to knowing Christ Jesus, and in the end Peter himself was crucified for having a friendship with Him.
On the "Day of Pentecost" as described in the book of the Acts of the Apostles, it was Peter who stood and spoke to the crowds that had gathered in Jerusalem. This event was only a couple of months after Jesus had resurrected from the grave.
Peter was instrumental encouraging "The Original" to replace Judas Iscariot with another, and in so doing they chose a man named Matthias to replace Judas.
Yet, as Peter continued on his journey through life after the Resurrection, Peter's fame became well known as both a healer and a source of strength for others against the horrors of persecution... because of their belief in Christ Jesus.
One well known scene is described in Acts 3:6 where John and Peter are passing by a man who could not walk. It is written Peter spoke and said: " We have not at the moment any money with us to give you, yet what I do have is far greater than any amount of money could ever buy! In the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth,,,Rise up and walk!"
Some refer to this passage of Scripture as proof Christianity is "the poor man's religion", yet this is not what this Scripture is really saying at all. And yes, while it is true many of the poor give their lives to the Lord Jesus, the message of the Gospel is for all men.
Later church history records various miraculous healings that took place in Peter's ministry, some writing when the very shadow of Peter would cover someone in need of healing....miracles were performed...in the Name of the One... Peter now spoke of openly to anyone who might listen.
Peter was also a proponent of Saint Paul and his ministry, and supported Paul in the efforts of introducing the Christian faith to the Gentiles (those not of Jewish origin), in both Jerusalem and other regions as well.
Numerous times it is written by early historians that Peter was imprisoned in Jerusalem because of his faith and belief in Christ Jesus. It is said Peter, his wife, and others left Jerusalem and were in Babylon for a time to support the Jewish Christians who also had left Jerusalem because of the rise of persecution against the early believers. It is also thought the letter of 1 Peter was written during the time Peter resided in Babylon.
Some early historians conclude Peter never really lived in Babylon, but used the term "Babylon" to refer to Rome...a city of deep pagan beliefs. It is unclear whether this is true or not...we will just have to wait till we "get there"...to Heaven to find out what really happened during this time in Peter's life.
What most historians do conclude is Peter did end up in Rome. The writer of the Gospel of Mark was with Peter during his time in Rome and supported Peter's ministry in whatever capacity he could. Peter was said to have a deep influence on Mark's writing of...the Gospel of Mark.
The Roman emperor Nero became a major source of persecution against the early Christian church, and was quoted to have said he was "the chief enemy of God". Because of his hatred toward Christians, Nero was committed to the slaughtering of the Apostles of Jesus...including Peter.
One heart rendering account reads how Peter saw his own wife be led out to die in the arena in Rome, and how she rejoiced on her "going Home". It is written Peter called her by name and spoke "May we always remember...Him!"
Peter's death in Rome is written to happen in this matter: some reports say Peter was sent to the horrible prison of Manetris for a period of 9 months and was subjected to total darkness including enduring a variety of tortures while in chains. Throughout this intense time of persecution it is also reported Peter brought the Gospel of Christ Jesus to his jailors and they gave their hearts to the Lord Jesus, including the names of Processus and Martinianus. There were a total of 47 jailors and their friends and families who also gave their hearts to the Lord.
Is this a true story...or just church tradition?...we really don't know.
What seems to be a general concensus by early historians is the fact Peter was indeed crucified by the emperor Nero while he was in Rome. It is written Peter requested to be crucified with his head down in honor to his king...the Lord Jesus!
Peter met his death in 67 A.D. in Rome, in a series of events put on in the colisseum arena for the citizens of Rome called "the circus by Nero".
For myself...I will always remember Peter saying those words when he was with Christ Jesus while He was... one of us. In Saint Matthew 16: 15-16 it reads:
" But who do YOU say that I Am?" Simon Peter spoke and said: " You are the Christ, our very Messiah, You truly are...the Son of the Living God."
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