PETER - The Rock

The Rock

In every apostolic list, the name Peter is mentioned first. However, Peter had other names. At the time of Christ, the common language was Greek, and the family language was Hebrew. His Greek name was Simon (Mark 1:16; John 1:40–41) and his Hebrew name was Cephas (1 Corinthians 1:12; 3:22; 9:5; Galatians 2:9). The Greek meaning of Simon is rock — “small stone, firestone, sling stone, moving boulder.” In Aramaic, it means “grown rock, rocky range, cliff, grotto.” The Aramaic equivalent of Cephas also means “rock.”

The Call of Peter

Simon Peter, son of Jonas, was a fisherman who lived in Bethsaida and Capernaum. By trade, Peter was a fisherman. He was married (1 Corinthians 9:5), and his home was in Capernaum, where Jesus likely made His headquarters during His ministry. Peter was a Galilean, as were many of the other disciples.

Peter worked as a fisherman along with his brother Andrew, and with James and John, the sons of Zebedee (Matthew 4:18-19; Mark 1:16-17). The Lord Jesus called Peter and Andrew to be “fishers of men.” Jesus also borrowed Peter’s boat to preach at Lake Gennesaret (Luke 5:3). When Jesus commanded Peter to lower his nets, they caught a huge number of fish. Afterwards, the Lord called them to be His disciples (Luke 5:4–11).

Peter Was Married

The three Synoptic Gospels record the healing of Peter’s mother-in-law at his home in Capernaum (Matthew 8:14-17; Mark 1:29-31; Luke 4:38). From this, it is implied that Peter was married (1 Corinthians 9:5).

Walking on the Sea

When Jesus walked on water toward the disciples, Peter asked to join Him. For a moment, Peter also walked on water, but he began to sink because of his little faith and doubt. The Lord extended His hand and lifted him up (Matthew 14:28-31).

The Son of the Living God

Some thought Jesus was John the Baptist, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets. Peter, however, answered rightly: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). This was not Peter’s imagination or conclusion but a revelation from God.

The Prominent Three

Peter, James, and John were privileged witnesses on three major occasions:

1. Lord of Life: Jesus raised Jairus’ twelve-year-old daughter (Luke 8:43-48). They witnessed the power of resurrection — Jesus, the Lord of life, has power over death.
2. Lord of Glory: During the Transfiguration, Moses (representing the Law) and Elijah (representing the Prophets) appeared, but both gave way to Jesus, the Messiah, as the voice from heaven affirmed Him (Matthew 17:-8; Mark 9:2-8; Luke 9:28-36).
3. Lord of Suffering: In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus submitted to the Father’s will, bearing the judgment of God for humanity’s sin (Matthew 26:36-46; Isaiah 53:3).

Washing the Disciples’ Feet

When Jesus washed the disciples’ feet, Peter initially protested. But when the Lord told him that he would have no part with Him otherwise, Peter asked that his hands and head also be washed (John 13:2-11).

Peter Cuts Off Malchus’ Ear

In Gethsemane, Peter cut off the ear of Malchus, and the Lord healed him (Matthew 26:51; Mark 14:47; Luke 22:50).

Peter’s Denial

Jesus warned Peter that he would deny Him three times before the rooster crowed (Matthew 26:34). When a servant girl identified him, Peter denied it as the rooster crowed (Mark 14:66-72). Luke and John mention that Peter was by the fire when this happened (Luke 22:54–62; John 18:13-27). Two more times, Peter was accused of being a follower of Jesus, and he denied it again. Matthew notes that Peter’s Galilean accent gave him away (Matthew 26:69-75).

Post-Resurrection

Mary Magdalene was the first to see the resurrected Christ. Peter was the first to enter the empty tomb (John 20:1-9). Although John arrived first, Peter went in. The Lord sent a special message to him: “But go, tell His disciples and Peter that He is going before you to Galilee” (Mark 16:7).

Restoration of Peter

When the disciples reached the shore, the Lord served them breakfast and asked Peter: “Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?” (John 21:15).

1. Place: Peter was called for a global mission, just as Abraham was called to be a global blessing (Genesis 12:1-3).
2. Profession: The Lord called Peter from catching live fish to catching souls for eternal life (Matthew 4:19).
3. Possession: Jesus likely pointed to the boat, net, and 153 fish, asking whether Peter loved these more than Him.
4. Peers: Peter was among six other disciples—none of whom had denied Jesus. Saying “yes” was difficult.
5. Pride: Earlier Peter was overconfident, claiming he would never deny Jesus (Mark 14:31). Now he was humbled.
6. Philo or Agape: Jesus asked if Peter loved Him with agape (self-sacrificing) love. Peter replied with philo (brotherly) love. The third time, Jesus used philo, touching Peter deeply. Peter replied, “Lord, You know everything; You know that I love You” (John 21:17).

The Day of Pentecost

On the Day of Pentecost, Peter proclaimed that Jesus is both Lord and Christ (Acts 2:36). As Malachi exhorted, if He is our Lord, we must honor Him.

Facing Persecution

Peter and John were twice brought before the Sanhedrin but boldly declared that they must obey God rather than men (Acts 4:7-22; 5:18-42).

Peter’s Imprisonment

After James was martyred by Herod (Acts 12:2), Peter was arrested in Jerusalem by Agrippa I (AD 43–44). The Lord sent an angel to release him miraculously (Acts 12:1-18).

The Bias of Peter

Peter’s Jewish pride initially made it difficult for him to accept Gentiles as equals in salvation. Though dynamic and zealous, he was at times self-interested, impulsive, boastful, and overconfident (Luke 9:46; John 18:10; Matthew 26:33).

1. Cornelius: God gave Peter a vision to correct his prejudice (Acts 10:9-22). When Peter visited Cornelius, he acknowledged: “God has shown me that I should not call any person common or unclean” (Acts 10:28).
2. Circumcision Party: Paul rebuked Peter for separating himself from Gentile believers to please Jewish Christians (Galatians 2:11-12).

The Mission of Peter

Peter’s missionary work took him to Lydda, Joppa, and Caesarea (Acts 9:32-10:2). He likely visited Corinth, as there was a faction known as “the party of Cephas.” He evangelized primarily among Jews, traveling as far as Babylon.

The Epistles of Peter

Peter wrote two epistles. Once proud and impetuous, he now described himself as a servant of Christ (Philippians 2:3-7; Romans 6:16; Matthew 6:24). He affirmed that all believers share the same precious faith (2 Peter 1:1), for salvation is by grace, through faith, and is a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8-9).

The Death of Peter

Tradition holds that Peter was crucified upside down in Rome, deeming himself unworthy to die in the same manner as his Lord.

Challenge

Peter was a dynamic personality who became a devoted follower of Jesus Christ. Though impulsive at times, he grew into a steadfast “rock.” His denial was not final — Christ restored him, and he emerged as a powerful leader, empowered by the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Peter’s life challenges us to become dynamic disciples of our Lord.