The Apostle Peter in the Four Gospels

The Apostle Peter in the Four Gospels

Introduction

An apostle of Jesus Christ, Peter, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ, wrote First and Second Peter in 66 AD. He was the most prominent of the twelve disciples. He was also a leader, a fisherman, and a missionary in the early church. Peter had a great influence on the early church. He was named the first in the list of twelve. Peter often traveled for missionary activity with his wife. “He was considered the rock on which the church was founded, because Jesus so designated him (see Matthew 16:16-19).” (See “Peter, Saint” from Encarta '96)

Peter was called by Jesus to be a disciple, often serving as their spokesman. At Caesarea Philippi, he told everyone that Jesus is the Messiah, and Jesus praised him for that. (Matthew 16:17) After Jesus' resurrection, his first appearance was to Peter. Peter played an important role in the church in Jerusalem, having asked to preach the gospel to his fellow Jews.

Peter's original name was Simon. The Greek word for rock is "petros". Peter is thus a metaphorical or symbolic name. This may have to do with the fact that Jesus saw Peter first after the resurrection. Peter was the son of John, and they were originally from Bethsaida (John 1:44). "During Jesus' ministry, they lived in Capernaum, at the northwest entry of the Sea of Galilee, where he and his brother Andrew were in partnership as fishermen with James and John, the sons of Zebedee." (Encyclopedia Britannica, volume 9, page 330)

Occasionally, Peter is depicted as rash and hasty. (Luke 22:23) Often he is pictured as gentle but firm and from his professions of love for Jesus Christ, he is seen as compassionate and loyal. Peter is mentioned in John 37 times out of 109 times in the four Gospels. He appears in only nine incidents. His former name, Simon, is mentioned only twice in the New Testament. Peter was martyred in AD 64.

Detail of the Apostle Peter according to Four Gospels

The Apostle Peter, often known as Saint Peter, was the most prominent disciple of Jesus Christ. During his life, he followed Christ with very much devotion, and truly believed in his mission and purpose. Because of his devotion, he was chosen by Jesus to become the first Pope, and to take control of the Christian church.

Peter had a younger brother called Andrew, who first brought him to Jesus. His native town was Bethsaida, on the western coast of the Sea of Galilee. He was trained in the occupation of a fisherman. His father died when he was still a young boy, causing him to have to be brought up under the care of Zebedee and his wife Salome with his younger brother. Peter and his brother enjoyed all the advantages of religious training, and were instructed early with an acquaintance with the Scriptures and with the great prophecies regarding the coming of the ...