Peter

Peter was originally named Simon and was the brother of Andrew. He worked as a fisherman and was associated with Bethsaida and Capernaum. Jesus called him to discipleship and gave him the name Cephas, or Peter, meaning rock. Peter belonged to the inner circle of disciples who accompanied Jesus on several important occasions, including the raising of Jairus' daughter, the Transfiguration, and Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane. He often acted as spokesman for the Twelve. At Caesarea Philippi he confessed Jesus to be the Christ, the Son of the living God. Yet shortly afterward he resisted Jesus' prediction of suffering and was sharply corrected. Peter's mixture of faith and weakness appears repeatedly. He stepped out of the boat to walk toward Jesus on the water but faltered when afraid. At the Last Supper he insisted that he would remain loyal even unto death. During Jesus' arrest and trial, however, Peter denied three times that he knew Him. His bitter weeping afterward marks one of the Gospels' most memorable scenes of failure and remorse. After the resurrection, Jesus appeared to Peter. John 21 records Jesus asking Peter three times whether he loved Him and commissioning him to care for His sheep. In Acts, Peter emerges as a leading apostolic witness. He preached at Pentecost, participated in healings, defended the gospel before authorities, and confronted serious problems within the church. His vision at Joppa and visit to the household of Cornelius became decisive in recognizing God's welcome of Gentile believers. The New Testament includes two letters bearing Peter's name. Early Christian tradition holds that Peter was eventually martyred in Rome, though the New Testament does not narrate his death.