What did Peter do after Jesus' death?
BREAKDOWN
Following the death and resurrection of Jesus, Peter's actions marked a profound transformation from a grieving, uncertain disciple to a prominent and foundational leader of the early Christian church. Initially, after Jesus' crucifixion, Peter experienced deep remorse and confusion, having denied Jesus three times, as recorded in John 18:25-27. However, the post-resurrection appearances of Jesus, particularly to Peter individually (Luke 24:34, 1 Corinthians 15:5) and the subsequent restoration at the Sea of Tiberias (John 21:15-19), solidified his faith and recommissioned him to 'feed my sheep.' This personal encounter was crucial for Peter's spiritual renewal and prepared him for his apostolic calling. His leadership became evident in the period between the ascension of Jesus and Pentecost. He rallied the disciples, presiding over the selection of Matthias to replace Judas Iscariot, ensuring the continuation of the twelve apostles (Acts 1:15-26). The pivotal moment arrived on the Day of Pentecost, where, filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter delivered a powerful sermon in Jerusalem. This sermon, found in Acts 2:14-41, expounded on the prophetic fulfillment of Joel's words and the resurrection of Christ, leading to the conversion and baptism of about three thousand people. This event established Peter as a central figure in the nascent church's evangelistic mission. He continued to perform miracles, such as healing the lame man at the Beautiful Gate (Acts 3:1-10), and courageously defended the apostles before the Sanhedrin (Acts 4:5-20). Peter's ministry expanded to Samaria (Acts 8:14-25) and played a crucial role in the inclusion of Gentiles into the church through his encounter with Cornelius (Acts 10:1-48), which challenged deeply ingrained Jewish customs and paved the way for a universal gospel message. His later life, as indicated by tradition and alluded to in 2 Peter 1:14, culminated in martyrdom in Rome.
KEY TERMS
Pentecost
A Jewish festival occurring fifty days after Passover, during which the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles and other believers, marking the birth of the Christian church.
apostolic calling
The divine commission given to Peter and the other apostles by Jesus to preach the Gospel and establish the church.
Sanhedrin
The supreme judicial and administrative council of the Jews under Roman rule, before whom Peter and the other apostles often defended their actions.
Cornelius
A Roman centurion, whose conversion to Christianity through Peter's ministry marked a pivotal moment in the early church's outreach to Gentiles.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
John 18:25-27
Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. They said therefore to him, 'You aren’t also one of his disciples, are you?' He denied it, and said, 'I am not.' One of the servants of the high priest, being a relative of him whose ear Peter cut off, said, 'Didn’t I see you in the garden with him?' Peter therefore denied it again; and immediately the rooster crowed.
Luke 24:34
saying, 'The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!'
1 Corinthians 15:5
and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve.
John 21:15-19
So when they had eaten, Jesus said to Simon Peter, 'Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me more than these?' He said to him, 'Yes, Lord; you know that I have affection for you.' He said to him, 'Feed my lambs.' He said to him again a second time, 'Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me?' He said to him, 'Yes, Lord; you know that I have affection for you.' He said to him, 'Tend my sheep.' He said to him the third time, 'Simon, son of Jonah, do you have affection for me?' Peter was grieved because he asked him the third time, 'Do you have affection for me?' He said to him, 'Lord, you know everything. You know that I have affection for you.' Jesus said to him, 'Feed my sheep. Most certainly I tell you, when you were young, you dressed yourself and walked where you wanted to go. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you don’t want to go.' Now he said this, signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. When he had said this, he said to him, 'Follow me!'
Acts 1:15-26
In these days Peter stood up in the middle of the disciples (and the number of names together were about one hundred twenty), and said, 'Brothers, it was necessary that the Scripture should be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who was guide to those who took Jesus. For he was numbered with us, and received his portion in this ministry. Now this man obtained a field with the reward of his wickedness, and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle, and all his intestines gushed out. It became known to all who lived in Jerusalem, so that in their own language that field was called ‘Akeldama,’ that is, ‘The field of blood.’ For it is written in the book of Psalms, ‘Let his habitation be made desolate. Let no one live in it.’ and, ‘Let another take his office.’ 'Of the men therefore who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John, until the day that he was received up from us, of these one must become a witness with us of his resurrection.' They put forward two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias. They prayed, and said, 'You, Lord, who know the hearts of all men, show which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas fell away, that he might go to his own place.' They drew lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
Acts 2:14-41
But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and spoke out to them, 'You men of Judea, and all you who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to my words. For these aren’t drunken, as you suppose; for it’s only the third hour of the day. But this is what has been spoken through the prophet Joel: ‘It will be in the last days, says God, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh. Your sons and your daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions. Your old men will dream dreams. Yes, and on my servants and on my handmaidens in those days, I will pour out my Spirit; and they will prophesy. I will show wonders in the sky above, and signs on the earth beneath; blood, fire, and clouds of smoke. The sun will be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and glorious day of the Lord comes. It will be that whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ 'Men of Israel, hear these words! Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved by God to you by mighty works and wonders and signs which God did by him in the middle of you, even as you yourselves know, him, being delivered up by the determined counsel and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by the hands of lawless men, crucified and killed; whom God raised up, having freed him from the agony of death, because it was not possible that he should be held by it. For David says concerning him, ‘I saw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved. Therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced. Moreover my flesh also will dwell in hope; because you will not leave my soul in Hades, neither will you allow your Holy One to see decay. You made known to me the ways of life. You will make me full of gladness with your presence.’ 'Brothers, I may tell you freely of the patriarch David, that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. Therefore, being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that of the fruit of his body, according to the flesh, he would raise up the Christ to sit on his throne, he foreseeing this spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that his soul wasn’t left in Hades, nor did his flesh see decay. This Jesus God raised up, of which we all are witnesses. Being therefore by the right hand of God exalted, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this which you now see and hear. For David didn’t ascend into the heavens, but he himself says, ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.”’ 'Let all the house of Israel therefore know certainly that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.' Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, 'Brothers, what shall we do?' Peter said to them, 'Repent, and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you, and to your children, and to all who are far off, even as many as the Lord our God will call to himself.' With many other words he testified, and exhorted them, saying, 'Save yourselves from this crooked generation!' Then those who gladly received his word were baptized. There were added that day about three thousand souls.
Acts 3:1-10
Peter and John were going up into the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. A certain man who was lame from his mother’s womb was being carried, whom they laid daily at the door of the temple which is called ‘Beautiful,’ to ask alms of those who entered into the temple. Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms. Peter, fastening his eyes on him, with John, said, 'Look at us.' He listened to them, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said, 'Silver and gold have I none, but what I have, that I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!' He took him by the right hand, and raised him up. Immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. Leaping up, he stood, and began to walk, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. All the people saw him walking and praising God. They recognized him, that it was he who used to sit begging at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.
Acts 4:5-20
It happened on the next day, that their rulers, elders, and scribes were gathered together in Jerusalem. Annas the high priest was there, with Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and as many as were relatives of the high priest. When they had stood them in the middle, they inquired, 'By what power, or in what name, have you done this?' Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, 'You rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, if we are examined today concerning a good deed done to a sick man, by what means this man has been healed, be it known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by him this man stands here before you whole. He is ‘the stone which was made a nullity by you, the builders, which was made the head of the corner.’ There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved!' Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled. They recognized that they had been with Jesus. Seeing the man who was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it. But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, saying, 'What shall we do to these men? For indeed that a notable miracle has been done through them is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we can’t deny it. But so that it spreads no further among the people, let’s threaten them, that they don’t speak any more to anyone in this name.' They called them, and charged them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered them, 'Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, judge for yourselves; for we can’t help but speak the things which we saw and heard.'
Acts 8:14-25
Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, who, when they had come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit; for as yet he had fallen on none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of Christ Jesus. Then they laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. Now when Simon saw that the Holy Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, saying, 'Give me also this power, that whoever I lay my hands on, he may receive the Holy Spirit.' But Peter said to him, 'May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart isn’t right before God. Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and ask God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bondage of iniquity.' Simon answered, 'Pray for me to the Lord, that none of the things which you have spoken happen to me.' They therefore, when they had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the Good News to many villages of the Samaritans.
Acts 10:1-48
Now there was a certain man in Caesarea, Cornelius by name, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment, a devout man, and one who feared God with all his household, who gave many gifts of charity to the people, and always prayed to God. He saw in a vision openly, as late as about the ninth hour of the day, an angel of God coming to him, and saying to him, 'Cornelius!' He, fastening his eyes on him, and being frightened, said, 'What is it, Lord?' He said to him, 'Your prayers and your gifts of charity have gone up for a memorial before God. Now send men to Joppa, and get Simon, who is called Peter. He lodges with a tanner named Simon, whose house is by the seaside.' When the angel who spoke to him had departed, Cornelius called two of his household servants and a devout soldier of those who waited on him continually. Having explained everything to them, he sent them to Joppa. Now on the next day, as they were on their journey, and got close to the city, Peter went up on the housetop to pray, about the sixth hour. He became hungry and desired to eat; but while they were preparing, a trance came over him. He saw the sky opened and a certain container descending to him, like a great sheet let down by four corners on the earth, in which were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild animals, creeping things, and birds of the sky. A voice came to him, 'Rise, Peter, kill and eat!' But Peter said, 'Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean.' A voice came to him again the second time, 'What God has cleansed, you must not call unclean.' This was done three times, and immediately the vessel was received up into the sky. Now while Peter was very perplexed in himself what the vision which he had seen might mean, behold, the men who were sent by Cornelius, having made inquiry for Simon’s house, stood before the gate, and called and asked whether Simon, who was called Peter, lodged there. While Peter was pondering the vision, the Spirit said to him, 'Behold, three men are looking for you. Arise and go down, and go with them, doubting nothing, for I have sent them.' Peter went down to the men, and said, 'Behold, I am he whom you seek. Why have you come?' They said, 'Cornelius, a centurion, a righteous man and one who fears God, and well spoken of by all the nation of the Jews, was divinely instructed by a holy angel to send for you to come to his house, and to hear words from you.' So he called them in and lodged them. On the next day Peter arose and went out with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa accompanied him. On the following day they entered into Caesarea. Cornelius was waiting for them, having called together his relatives and his near friends. When it happened that Peter entered, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet and worshipped him. But Peter raised him up, saying, 'Stand up! I myself am also a man.' As he talked with him, he went in and found many gathered together. He said to them, 'You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a man who is a Jew to join himself or come to one of another nation; but God has shown me that I shouldn’t call any man unholy or unclean. Therefore also I came without dispute when I was sent for. I ask therefore, why you sent for me.' Cornelius said, 'Four days ago, I was fasting until this hour, and at the ninth hour, I prayed in my house, and behold, a man stood before me in dazzling clothing, and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer is heard, and your gifts of charity are remembered in the sight of God. Send therefore to Joppa, and call to yourself Simon, who is called Peter. He lodges in the house of Simon a tanner, by the seaside. When he comes, he will speak to you.’ Therefore I sent to you at once, and you have well done to come. Now therefore we are all here present in the sight of God to hear all things that have been commanded you by God.' Peter opened his mouth and said, 'Truly I perceive that God doesn’t show favoritism; but in every nation he who fears him and works righteousness is acceptable to him. The word which he sent to the children of Israel, preaching good news of peace by Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all—you yourselves know the word which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; even Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. We are witnesses of all things which he did both in the country of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they also killed by hanging him on a tree. God raised him up the third day, and gave him to be revealed, not to all the people, but to witnesses who were chosen before by God, to us, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to solemnly testify that he is he who is appointed by God to be the Judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him, that through his name everyone who believes in him will receive remission of sins.' While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all those who heard the word. They of the circumcision who believed were amazed, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was also poured out on the Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in other languages and magnifying God. Then Peter answered, 'Can any man forbid the water, that these who have received the Holy Spirit as well as we should not be baptized?' He commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay some days.
2 Peter 1:14
knowing that the putting off of my tabernacle comes swiftly, even as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me.
ORIGINAL LANGUAGE ANALYSIS
ἀπόστολος
apostolic calling
Definitionone sent forth, an envoy, a messenger
πεντηκοστή
Pentecost
Definitionfiftieth
εὐαγγέλιον
gospel message
Definitiongood news
HISTORICAL CONTEXT
The immediate aftermath of Jesus' death occurred within the Roman province of Judea, a territory under direct Roman rule since 6 AD. Jerusalem, the capital, was a bustling center of Jewish religious life, particularly during major festivals like Passover and Pentecost. The Jewish people lived under Roman imperial authority, yet maintained their religious customs, laws, and the local governance of the Sanhedrin—a high council of elders, priests, and scribes. This period was characterized by political tension between Roman authorities, various Jewish factions (Pharisees, Sadducees, Zealots), and a Messianic fervor among some. The early Christian movement emerged from this highly charged environment, initially as a sect within Judaism. Archaeological discoveries in Jerusalem and other sites like Capernaum (Peter's probable hometown) provide insight into daily life, synagogue structures, and fishing industries of the 1st century AD. The existence of the Sanhedrin, temple worship, and the Roman presence are well-attested through historical texts and archaeological evidence, confirming the backdrop against which Peter's actions unfolded.
THEOLOGICAL INSIGHT
Peter's post-resurrection actions are a profound testament to the transformative power of God's grace and the Holy Spirit. His journey from denial to bold proclamation, from an impulsive fisherman to the 'rock' upon which Christ declared He would build His church (Matthew 16:18), illustrates several core theological truths. Firstly, it underscores the reality of repentance and forgiveness, as Peter was fully restored despite his grave failures. Secondly, his leadership, particularly at Pentecost, signifies the fulfillment of Jesus' promise of the Holy Spirit and the establishment of the church as God's instrument for spreading the Gospel to all nations. Thirdly, Peter's pivotal role in the inclusion of Gentiles (Cornelius' household) demonstrates God's universal redemptive plan, breaking down ethnic and religious barriers and revealing that salvation is not limited to any single people group, but offered to 'everyone who believes' (Romans 10:11).
COMMENTARY SYNTHESIS
Rashi (Jewish)
While Rashi's commentaries primarily focus on the Hebrew Bible, the concept of a 'shepherd' (רֹעֶה) guiding a flock is central to Jewish understanding of leadership. Moses, David, and others were seen as shepherds of Israel. Peter's recommissioning to 'feed my sheep' resonates with this ancient role of responsible, compassionate leadership.
John Calvin (Christian)
Calvin emphasizes that Peter's leadership was not a supremacy over other apostles, but a 'primacy of ministry' in order, by virtue of his gifts and call to preach. He sees Peter's sermon at Pentecost as a clear demonstration of the Holy Spirit working through human weakness, turning an unlearned man into a powerful evangelist, thus establishing the true nature of apostolic authority as rooted in Christ and the Spirit.
Matthew Henry (Christian)
Henry highlights Peter's post-resurrection transformation as a 'great change' from fear and self-confidence to spiritual courage and zeal. He views Peter's actions in Acts as a model of apostolic fidelity, demonstrating how divine grace enables flawed individuals to become mighty instruments for God's kingdom, particularly in the establishment and growth of the early church through preaching, miracles, and suffering for Christ.
Augustine of Hippo (Christian)
Augustine often interpreted Peter as representing the Church itself. Peter's confession and subsequent commissioning by Jesus, as well as his leadership after the resurrection, signify the Church's role in proclaiming the truth of Christ and administering the sacraments. The fishing scene in John 21, for Augustine, is a symbolic representation of the Church gathering souls into the net of the Gospel.