Here’s a comprehensive profile of Apostle Peter, one of the most prominent figures in the New Testament and early Christianity. This includes his name, background, conversion, ministry, achievements, miracles, martyrdom, and more.
FULL PROFILE OF APOSTLE PETER
Full Name
- Hebrew Name: Shimon bar Yonah (Simon son of Jonah)
- Greek Name: Simon
- Given Name by Jesus: Peter (Greek: Petros meaning “rock”; Aramaic: Cephas)
📖 “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which, when translated, is Peter). — John 1:42
Place of Birth
- Likely Born in: Bethsaida, a fishing village on the northeastern shore of the Sea of Galilee
- Later resided in Capernaum (Mark 1:29)
Tribe of Israel
- Likely from the tribe of Zebulun or Naphtali, though not explicitly stated in Scripture. These were the regions around Galilee.
📖 Galilee was primarily inhabited by these tribes, but the Bible doesn’t specify Peter’s tribal lineage.
Occupation Before Apostleship
- Fisherman by trade, working with his brother Andrew
- Partnered with James and John, sons of Zebedee (Luke 5:10)
READ MORE: Apostle Peter vs Apostle Paul: Side-by-Side Comparison
Conversion and Call
- Brought to Jesus by his brother Andrew (John 1:40–42)
- Official call came when Jesus told him to follow Him, promising to make him a “fisher of men” (Matthew 4:18–20)
📖 “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” — Matthew 4:19
Marital Status
- Married
- Jesus healed Peter’s mother-in-law (Matthew 8:14–15)
- Paul later referenced that Peter traveled with his wife (1 Corinthians 9:5)
Role in the Early Church
Peter played a foundational role in the establishment and leadership of the early Christian Church:
- Spokesman for the apostles (Acts 2, 3, 4)
- Delivered the first sermon after Pentecost (Acts 2)
- Opened the door of the gospel to:
- Jews (Acts 2)
- Samaritans (Acts 8)
- Gentiles (Acts 10)
- Confronted Ananias and Sapphira about deceit (Acts 5)
- Performed signs and wonders among the people
- Played a key role in the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15)
- Wrote two epistles: 1 Peter and 2 Peter
READ ALSO: 8 Miracles of Apostle Paul in the Bible: Signs of God’s Power in the Early Church
Miracles Performed by Peter
(See previous message for full list and verses)
- Healed the lame man at the Beautiful Gate – Acts 3:1–10
- Death of Ananias and Sapphira – Acts 5:1–11
- Healings through Peter’s shadow – Acts 5:15
- Healed Aeneas – Acts 9:32–35
- Raised Tabitha (Dorcas) – Acts 9:36–43
- Miraculous escape from prison – Acts 12:1–11
Personality and Character
- Bold and impulsive, often spoke first (e.g., Matthew 16:16, John 13:8)
- Loved Jesus deeply, but denied Him three times (Luke 22:54–62)
- Later restored by Jesus after the resurrection (John 21:15–19)
- Was rebuked by Paul for hypocrisy (Galatians 2:11–14)
Writings in the New Testament
- 1 Peter: Encouragement to suffering Christians, focus on holiness and submission
- 2 Peter: Warning against false teachers and reminder of Christ’s return
Achievements and Legacy
- Leader of the Twelve Apostles
- Instrumental in spreading the gospel beyond Jewish communities
- His confession of Jesus as the Christ became a foundation of the church (Matthew 16:16–18)
- Recognized as a pillar of the church (Galatians 2:9)
- Seen as the first Pope by the Roman Catholic Church (though this is not accepted by all denominations)
READ MORE: 7 Miracles of Apostle Peter in the Bible: A Powerful Legacy of Faith
Martyrdom
- Died in Rome, around 64–68 AD under Emperor Nero
- According to tradition, he was crucified upside down because he felt unworthy to die like Jesus
- Not recorded in the Bible but affirmed by Church Fathers such as Origen, Eusebius, and others
Tradition and Relics
- St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City is said to be built over his burial site
- Considered the patron saint of fishermen and many Christian denominations honor his legacy
Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Simon Peter / Cephas / Shimon bar Jonah |
| Tribe | Possibly Zebulun or Naphtali (not explicitly stated) |
| Place of Birth | Bethsaida |
| Residence | Capernaum |
| Occupation | Fisherman |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Call to Discipleship | Called by Jesus, became a “fisher of men” (Matt. 4:19) |
| Key Role | Leader in the early church, missionary, teacher |
| Epistles Written | 1 Peter, 2 Peter |
| Major Miracles | Healing, raising the dead, shadow healing, angelic deliverance |
| Death | Crucified upside down in Rome (tradition) |
