What did Peter do in the Bible?
BREAKDOWN
Simon Peter, originally a fisherman from Bethsaida and later Capernaum, was one of Jesus Christ's most prominent and influential disciples. His journey begins with Jesus calling him and his brother Andrew from their fishing nets, proclaiming, "Come after me, and I will make you into fishers for men" (Mark 1:17). Jesus renamed him from Simon to Cephas (Aramaic for 'rock'), transliterated into Greek as Peter, signifying his future foundational role. Peter was part of Jesus' inner circle, present at pivotal events such as the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-8) and the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-46). He famously confessed Jesus as "the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matthew 16:16), for which Jesus declared, "on this rock I will build my assembly" (Matthew 16:18). Despite moments of great faith, like walking on water (Matthew 14:28-31), Peter also exhibited human frailty, denying Jesus three times before His crucifixion (Matthew 26:69-75). Following Jesus' resurrection and ascension, Peter was dramatically transformed. He was restored by Jesus (John 21:15-19) and filled with the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. His sermon on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:14-41) led to thousands being converted, marking the birth of the early church. Peter continued as a leading apostle, performing miracles such as healing the lame man at the Beautiful Gate (Acts 3:1-10) and confronting Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11). Crucially, he was instrumental in opening the Gospel to the Gentiles, as seen in his vision and subsequent ministry to Cornelius's household (Acts 10), overcoming significant cultural and religious barriers. His later ministry involved travels, confronting false teaching, and writing two New Testament epistles (1 and 2 Peter) that offer encouragement and guidance to believers facing persecution. Tradition holds that Peter was martyred in Rome under Emperor Nero, crucified upside down at his own request, deeming himself unworthy to die in the same manner as his Lord.
KEY TERMS
Simon Peter
One of Jesus' twelve apostles, originally named Simon, and later renamed Peter (meaning 'rock') by Jesus, signifying his foundational role.
Fisherman
Peter's original profession before he was called by Jesus to become a 'fisher for men'.
Disciple
A follower or student of a teacher; Peter was one of Jesus' closest disciples.
Pentecost
A Jewish festival where the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles, empowering Peter to preach a sermon that led to thousands of conversions and the birth of the early church.
Gentiles
Non-Jewish people; Peter's ministry to Cornelius's household marked a pivotal moment in extending the Gospel beyond Jewish communities to all nations.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
Mark 1:17
Jesus said to them, "Come after me, and I will make you into fishers for men."
Matthew 17:1-8
After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John his brother, and brought them up onto a high mountain by themselves. He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his garments became as white as the light. Behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with him. Peter answered and said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you want, I will make three tents here: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them. Behold, a voice out of the cloud said, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to him." When the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were very afraid. Jesus came and touched them and said, "Get up, and don’t be afraid." Lifting up their eyes, they saw no one, except Jesus alone.
Matthew 26:36-46
Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to his disciples, "Sit here, while I go over there and pray." He took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very distressed. Then he said to them, "My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with me." He went forward a little, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass away from me; nevertheless, not as I desire, but as you desire." He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, "What, couldn’t you watch with me for one hour? Watch and pray, that you don’t enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." Again, a second time he went away and prayed, saying, "My Father, if this cup can’t pass away from me unless I drink it, your desire be done." He came again and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. He left them again, and went away, and prayed a third time, saying the same words. Then he came to his disciples and said to them, "Sleep on now, and take your rest. Behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Arise, let’s be going. Behold, he who betrays me is at hand."
Matthew 16:16
Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."
Matthew 16:18
I also tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my assembly, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.
Matthew 14:28-31
Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the waters." He said, "Come!" Peter stepped down from the boat, and walked on the waters to come to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was strong, he was afraid, and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand, took hold of him, and said to him, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?"
Matthew 26:69-75
Now Peter was sitting outside in the court, and a servant girl came to him, saying, "You were also with Jesus, the Galilean!" But he denied it before them all, saying, "I don’t know what you are talking about." When he had gone out onto the porch, another servant girl saw him, and said to those who were there, "This man was also with Jesus of Nazareth." Again he denied it with an oath, "I don’t know the man." After a little while, those who stood by came and said to Peter, "Surely you are also one of them, for your speech makes you known." Then he began to curse and to swear, "I don’t know the man!" Immediately the rooster crowed. Peter remembered the word which Jesus had said to him, "Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times." He went out and wept bitterly.
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 the 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 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, seeing it is only the third hour of the day. But this is what has been spoken by 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 happen that whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ "Men of Israel, hear these words: ‘Jesus the Nazarene, a man approved by God to you by mighty works and wonders and signs which God did by him in the midst of you, even as you yourselves know, him, being delivered up by the determined counsel and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by the hand 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 undergo 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, to which we all are witnesses. Being therefore exalted by the right hand of God, 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 says himself, ‘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 cut to the 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 gifts for the needy of those who entered into the temple. Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive gifts for the needy. 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 I have 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 his ankle bones received strength. Leaping up, he stood, and began to walk. He entered with them into the temple, walking, 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 5:1-11
But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira, his wife, sold a possession, and kept back part of the price, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet. But Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit, and to keep back part of the price of the land? While you kept it, didn’t it remain your own? After it was sold, wasn’t it in your power? How is it that you have conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men, but to God." Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and died. Great fear came on all who heard these things. The young men arose and wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him. About three hours later, his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. Peter asked her, "Tell me, did you sell the land for so much?" She said, "Yes, for so much." But Peter asked her, "How is it that you have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out." She fell down immediately at his feet, and died. The young men came in and found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her by her husband. Great fear came on the whole assembly, and on all who heard these things.
Acts 10
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 house, who gave many gifts for the needy to the people, and always prayed to God. He saw in a vision openly, as late as the ninth hour of the day, an angel of God coming to him, and saying to him, "Cornelius!" He, looking steadfastly at him, and being frightened, said, "What is it, Lord?" He said to him, "Your prayers and your gifts for the needy have gone up for a memorial before God. Now send men to Joppa, and get Simon, who is called Peter. He lodges with Simon, a tanner, 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 went on their journey and got close to the city, Peter went up on the housetop to pray at about the sixth hour. He became hungry and desired to eat; but while they were preparing, he fell into a trance. 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 surnamed Peter, was lodging there. While Peter was pondering the vision, the Spirit said to him, "Behold, three men are looking for you. Arise therefore, 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 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 close friends. When Peter entered, Cornelius met him, 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 assembled. 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 common or unclean. Therefore I came without objection when I was sent for. I ask therefore, why you have 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 bright clothing, and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer is heard, and your gifts for the needy are remembered in the sight of God. Send therefore to Joppa, and call to yourself Simon, who is surnamed Peter. He is lodging in the house of Simon a tanner, by the seaside. When he comes, he will speak to you.’ Therefore I sent for you at once, and you have all 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, 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 testify that this 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.
ORIGINAL LANGUAGE ANALYSIS
Πέτρος
Peter
DefinitionA stone, a rock
μαθητής
Disciple
DefinitionA learner, pupil, follower
ἀπόστολος
Apostle
DefinitionOne sent forth, an envoy, a messenger
ἁλιεύς
Fisherman
DefinitionA fisher of the sea
HISTORICAL CONTEXT
The life and ministry of Peter unfolded during a pivotal period in history: 1st-century Judea under Roman occupation. This era was characterized by significant religious and political tension. Judea was a province governed by Roman prefects or procurators, often leading to clashes with the predominantly Jewish population who yearned for national and religious autonomy. The Jewish society was deeply religious, centered around the Jerusalem Temple and various sects like the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essenes, each with distinct interpretations of Mosaic Law and expectations of the Messiah. Fishing was a vital industry in Galilee, providing a livelihood for many, including Simon and Andrew. The early Christian movement, initiated by Jesus, was initially perceived as a Jewish sect, but Peter's ministry, particularly his groundbreaking work with Cornelius, marked a crucial turning point towards its expansion to the Gentiles and its eventual separation from mainstream Judaism. The nascent church faced immense persecution, first from Jewish authorities (as detailed in Acts) and later from the Roman Empire, culminating in events like the Neronian persecutions, which, according to tradition, led to Peter's martyrdom in Rome.
THEOLOGICAL INSIGHT
Peter's life profoundly illustrates the theological themes of divine calling, human brokenness, grace, repentance, and restoration. His initial call from a simple fishing life to become a 'fisher of men' demonstrates God's sovereign choice of ordinary individuals for extraordinary purposes. His moments of both fervent confession ('You are the Christ') and abject failure (denial of Jesus) highlight the tension between spiritual insight and human weakness, emphasizing that God uses imperfect vessels. Peter's post-resurrection restoration by Jesus, where he is commissioned to 'feed my sheep,' underscores the transformative power of grace and forgiveness, proving that past failures do not disqualify one from future service. His leadership in the early church, particularly at Pentecost and in embracing Gentiles, showcases the Holy Spirit's empowerment and the breaking down of ethnic barriers in the Gospel, reflecting the universal scope of God's redemptive plan. Peter thus serves as a powerful model of faith refined through trials, a leader shaped by both divine intervention and personal repentance.
COMMENTARY SYNTHESIS
Rashi (indirect application) (Jewish)
While Rashi does not comment on Peter, the Jewish concept of a 'foundation stone' (אבן שתיה, *Even Shetiya*) or a faithful leader is deeply rooted in Jewish tradition, often applied to figures like Abraham or Moses. Peter's renaming to 'rock' resonates with the idea of a divinely appointed individual serving as a spiritual pillar for a community, echoing the biblical understanding of covenant leadership and the importance of unwavering adherence to God's directives, much like the patriarchs were seen as foundational to Israel.
John Calvin (Christian (Reformed))
Calvin emphasizes that Christ's declaration 'upon this rock I will build my church' (Matthew 16:18) refers primarily to Peter's confession of faith, not Peter himself as an infallible person or the head of the church in a monarchical sense. Peter was a rock instrumentally, insofar as he proclaimed Christ, the true foundation. His subsequent denial and restoration underscore that his authority derived entirely from Christ and His grace, not Peter's inherent merit.
Matthew Henry (Christian (Nonconformist))
Henry consistently highlights Peter's zeal and the dramatic transformation wrought by the Holy Spirit. He marvels at how Peter, who once denied Christ, became the bold preacher at Pentecost, confronting the very people who crucified Jesus. Henry sees Peter's life as a testament to the power of repentance and the enabling grace of God, allowing a flawed individual to become a mighty instrument in spreading the Gospel.
Augustine of Hippo (Christian (Early Church Father))
Augustine often interpreted the 'rock' in Matthew 16:18 as Christ Himself, or as Peter's confession of Christ, rather than Peter's person alone. He taught that Peter represents the Church, and his individual failures demonstrate the Church's reliance on Christ's grace. Augustine saw Peter's restoration in John 21 as a vital lesson in humility and the enduring mercy of God toward repentant sinners.
Midrash Rabbah (thematic parallel) (Jewish)
Though not directly about Peter, Midrashic literature often explores the idea of 'the righteous being a foundation for the world' (e.g., Proverbs 10:25). Peter, in his role in the early church, particularly post-Pentecost, can be seen as embodying this principle within the nascent Christian community, where his actions and leadership provided a spiritual foundation for the new covenant believers.