Biography
Simon bar-Jonah was a fisherman from Bethsaida, working with his brother Andrew when Jesus called them. Jesus renamed him Cephas (Aramaic) / Petros (Greek) — meaning Rock. Despite his impetuous nature and three denials of Christ during the Passion, Peter was the first to profess Jesus as 'the Christ, the Son of the Living God' (Matthew 16:16), for which Christ declared him the Rock upon which He would build His Church. After the Resurrection, the Risen Christ restored Peter three times: 'Feed my lambs... Feed my sheep.' Peter presided over the Jerusalem community, performed miracles, and eventually established his See in Rome. During the Neronian persecution, Peter was crucified — reportedly upside down, at his own request, feeling unworthy to die as his Lord had. His tomb is beneath the high altar of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.
Miracles & Signs
- ✦Healing of the lame man at the Beautiful Gate of the Temple (Acts 3)
- ✦Raising Tabitha (Dorcas) from the dead (Acts 9:40)
- ✦His shadow healing the sick in Jerusalem (Acts 5:15)
- ✦Miraculous escape from prison by an angel (Acts 12)
Wisdom & Quotes
“Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you.”
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”