The Twelve
Simon Peter
The Rock, Chief Apostle
Description
A fisherman from Bethsaida, Simon received the name Peter (Greek Πέτρος, Petros, 'rock') from Christ. His leadership among the apostles, his great confession, his threefold denial, and his restoration mark him as emblematic of both human weakness and divine grace.Peter's prominence appears in the apostolic listings (always named first), his spokesmanship for the Twelve, his role at Pentecost, and his ministry to the circumcision. Tradition holds he was martyred in Rome, crucified upside down at his own request.
Key Verses
And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
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.