A martyr is someone who has laid their life down to hold on to their faith. Examples of martyrs are the twelve disciples, but I chose to research the mouthiest of the disciples, Peter. Peter was the odd disciple out in every story. Who tried to follow Jesus’ lead by walking on the water? Who refused the feet washing, then asked for a whole body washing? Who denied Jesus 3 times? The answer to all of these is Peter. I chose Peter because he has obviously been at fault before, but he knows that it is not about what he has done, but what God has done. I know that I am not perfect, but I want my life to be focused on God’s strength and not my weakness. Peter grew up in Bethsaida with his brother, Andrew. Originally, Peter’s name was Simon, but Jesus changed it to be Peter, which means rock. Being a son of a fisherman, he followed his father’s footsteps and also became a fisherman. …show more content…
Peter received a vision where he was told to take an unclean animal and eat it, which is similar to what God wanted him to do next: bring the message to gentiles. Peter changed much from the time that Jesus was on earth until the day that he died. He was not a man quick to say the wrong thing, but now the wise rock that Jesus had wanted him to be. He even wrote a couple of books to show the power of the Holy Spirit (Mowczko).
Peter was supposedly crucified upside down in Rome, although there is no clear evidence that points directly to these details all being correct. However, there are many sources that imply or mention something along the lines of a death in Rome, through martyrdom. These sources include Tertullian, Apocryphal Acts of Peter, Clement, and more. Much of the story is by oral tradition. The known facts is that at the time of Peter’s death, Nero was the leader of Rome. Christians were facing tough persecution, but the Holy Spirit spread quicker than ever
He was the one who stepped off the boat and walked on water. In the book of Mathew Peter is asked by Jesus “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” While the other disciples answered with John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah or other prophets Peter said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus revealed that Peter did not learn that of any earthly man but by the Father who is in Heaven. Jesus went on to say that he would build his church on that truth. But Peter did have his fears as any man would; he was also the man who let fear into his heart when he stepped of that boat and began to sink into the water. He is the same man who let anger take hold of him when Jesus was being arrested, at which point he tried to kill a Roman soldier. And, like I said before, he also denied Jesus, but not only did he deny him once but three times. In Mark 14 Jesus says to Peter you will deny me three separate times before the rooster crows twice. In verses sixty-six through seventy-two we see this happen, as he denied Jesus the third time the rooster crows for the second time and Peter fell to the ground weeping because he remembered what Jesus had said to him earlier that day. So from this we can see that Peter was a man who had his faults as any of us do but he was still a man of great faith as we all strive to be through
Peter, one of the most important disciples in the Gospels of Matthew and Mark, is portrayed as Jesus’ acquaintance and pupil; as well as one of Jesus’ most important followers. Both of the Gospels seem to portray Peter in similar ways, yet they draw different images of the disciple. In the Gospel of Matthew, Peter has a much larger appearance in the teachings of Jesus and becomes more significant to Jesus throughout the Christian doctrine. However, in Mark, the author portrays Peter as a much lesser character in the life of Jesus and even leaves Peter out of some of the stories till the end of the book. Each Gospel portrays a slightly different picture of Peter’s personality and role.
Yet only in Matthew does Peter have a role in the story. Upon seeing Jesus on the water, he calls out, "'Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water'"(Mt. 14.28). He almost succeeds, yet he suddenly gives in to fear and begins sinking. Jesus scolds him by saying, " 'You of little faith, why do you doubt?'"(14.31). This draws a strange picture of Peter. He no longer simply listens to Jesus, but tries to become actively involved in his teacher's lessons. This idea is again shown in Matthew 15.15. After the parable of the blind leading the blind, Peter asks, " "Explain this parable to us." Jesus replies with a rather impatient remark, but dives a little further into the meaning. He often comes to Jesus with questions throughout Matthew and these questions always ask for clear definitions of stories or truths about some spiritual detail. Many times Jesus snaps a little at him, but Peter obviously is not swayed by any impatience his teacher bestows. This seems to paint a closer relationship between the two men, where Peter is not afraid of Jesus and Jesus is not simply polite to Peter, as teachers tend to be. Jesus' obvious favoritism of Peter, shown in the transfiguration and throughout the gospel, leads one to believe that the two are indeed close friends with trust and mutual respect, which allows them to be freer with their words to one another. Friends tend to be less polite and more open with
He started his journey with extreme faith by leaving behind his career, friends, and even his wife, to follow the Messiah. Peter’s importance to Jesus was recognized early in instances such as when Jesus used Peter’s boat to show that he was truly the Messiah . Peter also made himself stand out from the rest of the Disciples when he showed his extreme intellect by confessing that Jesus was the Son of God thus strengthening the faith of the rest of the Apostles. Peter was also the Disciple who was present at the crucifixion of Christ, and even after he denied him three times, knew he had made a mistake and was extremely sorrowful for it. Peter was the Disciple who Jesus first showed himself to after his Resurrection, further adding on to the reasons why Peter is the most essential Apostle. Peter is the “rock” that the Church is built upon. He is the man who took over leading the Apostles after Jesus ascended into heaven. He made sure that the word of Christ would be spread to all sides of the world, so that all people may be saved. Not only was Simon Peter a saint, but he was also a martyr. St. Peter had great qualities that helped him achieve things that, to us, seem
Peter was on of the 12 Apostles and a friend to Jesus. He baptized many people into Christians on the day of Pentecost. Acts 2:38 NKJV, “Then Peter said to
The New Testament is characterized by the existence of imperative Biblical figures, with the likes of Jesus Christ, the Apostles, among many others. Peter was among Jesus’ first disciples. From his turning point, as manifested in the book of John 21, to his progress as a dedicated leader as manifested in Acts, to his final emergence as a co-elder as manifested in the Epistles of 1st and 2nd Peter, Peter exhibited traits of a transformational and charismatic biblical figure (Neil & William 409).
Tradition held that Peter visited Rome during his lifetime and, more importantly, was martyred there (his remains are believed to reside beneath St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City). St. Paul was believed to have been martyred in Rome as well.” Church tradition claims that Peter was crucified upside down in
He [Simon Magus] undertook a great journey from the East across the sea and fled to the West, thinking that this was the only way for him to live according to his mind. Entering the city of Rome, by the cooperation of that malignant spirit which had fixed its seat there, his attempts were soon so far successful as to be honored as a god with the erection of a statue by the inhabitants of that city. This, however, did not continue long; immediately under the reign of Claudius, by the benign and gracious providence of God, Peter, that powerful and great apostle, who by his courage took the lead of all the rest, was conducted to Rome against this pest of mankind. He, like a noble commander of God fortified with the divine armor, bore the precious merchandise of the revealed light from the East to those in
Therefore, Peter flees town due to all the threats; whereupon, Jesus then appears to him and gives the impression He wants Peter to return. Specifically, the importance of Jesus appearance to Peter is crucial; since due to Jesus, the crucifixion of Peter takes place. Plausibly, with Jesus acknowledgement, Peter is put to death for his belief in celibacy. This startling occurrence is mind-boggling and dramatic! Jesus noticeably inspires Peter to die for this belief; for indeed, Peter goes back to Rome ‘rejoicing,’ and then is crucified. In the end, there is no adequate reason why Peter would go through the dreadful act of crucifixion, for the extreme idea of total chastity/celibacy; unless this teaching came directly from Jesus that taught Peter the real significance of
Peter, some call him a backstabber and others call him the gatekeeper to heaven, some don’t really care who he is. In short St Peter was one of Christ’s first followers, one of the most outspoken and enthusiastic disciples, a best friend to Jesus and an apostle. The life of Peter is an example of human weakness being transformed by the power and love of God.
Peter whose name means “Rock” is a true definition of denying self and running into the fire for the cause of Christ. Simone Peter is the author of 2nd Peter. He wrote this book and was a servant and Apostle of Jesus Christ. The Epistle of Peter, also known as 2nd Peter was written somewhere between 64 A.D and 66 AD. Peter believed his death was near and inevitable during the time of his writings. 2nd Peter is different from 1st epistle that was written. Peters communication was to strengthen the church in his first letters. His second epistle was dedicated to warning of false teachers, and those who were in the church as well. It is believed that these writings were written near the end of Peters life. The intended audience for Peter was Asia Minor. The purpose of 2nd Peter was to call to Christian growth, condemnation of false teachers, the persecution and sufferings and having confidence in Christ return. There are similarities between the book of Jude. (Jude 4 – 18 and 2nd Peter 2).
At this point in the narrative, Jesus has elevated Peter, and signified that his earthly ministry was ending. There is no doubt that Peter was a hot bed of emotion. He was empowered after the event of his confession, yet fearful of the possibility of losing his master, and filled with a sense of anxiety for the future of himself and the movement started by Jesus. The Peter of the Transfiguration isn’t the same man he was at Caesarea Philippi. Yet in seeing Jesus in his glorified form, Peter was filled with a sense of hope and conviction. In vividly displaying Jesus in his glorified form, the author of Matthew prefigures the glory of the resurrected Jesus.
The book of first Peter is one that is most prevalent in today’s society. First Peter isn’t just a book, but and Epistle. Peter is writing a letter to suffering saint, to Gods people who are suffering. Who but Peter could relate to Jesus and his calling to his people. Peter deliberates to Gods people though there may be suffering, you must put your trust in the Living Hope, Jesus. First Peter is full of wisdom and encouragement for Gods people so that they may put their life in God’s hands.
In a summation worthy of a courtroom, Peter says, “Therefore let the entire house of Israel know with certainty that God has made him both Lord and Messiah, this Jesus whom you crucified” Acts 2:36. The truth was irrefutable. Peter had connected the dots for those present. “When they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, ‘Brother, what should we do?’ Peter responded, ‘Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit’” Acts 2:37-38.
He said, “Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but My Father which is in heaven. And I say unto thee, thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matt. 16:17-18).