Begin Your Quest... Sign In
Disciple Peter, 1st Century
Disciple, Apostle, Saint
Man's salvation and perfection consists of doing the will of God which he must have in view in all things, and at every moment of his life.
Saint Peter
Saint Peter's original name was Simeon, and it is believed he died around AD 64-67. He was a disciple of Jesus Christ, recognized in the early Christian church as the leader of the disciples and by the Roman Catholic church as the first of its unbroken succession of popes. The name Simon is a Hebrew name which means to hear. But when Jesus asked His disciples who He was, it was Peter who proclaimed Him as the Christ, son of the living God. Jesus responded in joy because Simon had received this prompting not from the earth but from God in heaven. Henceforth, Jesus called him Peter, which means a stone or a rock.
And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Matthew 16:18
Full Scripture, Matthew 16:13-20
Video: Impressions by Those Who Knew Him: The Disciple Peter
The Impulsive Fisherman
First century fishermen had a rough life since fishing was a very physically demanding job. They were often gruff, unkempt, vile, and shabbily dressed. They were full of vigor and had boisterous tempers. This pretty well describes Peter. Jesus came to the shores of Galilee and there found Peter. He said to Peter, Follow me and I will make you fishers of men. Peter straightway left his nets and boats and followed Jesus. He had much to lose, his business and his wife and mother-in-law who lived with him.