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From CreationWiki, the encyclopedia of creation science

Saint Peter (Greek: Πετρος, "Rock"), whose original name was Simon (Hebrew: שמעון, Shimon;‎ "hearing"), is considered the first Pope by the Catholic Church. He was a contemporary eyewitness, disciple of Jesus Christ, the son of Jonah (Johannes)^[1] and born in Bethsaida in Galilee (John 1:42, 44). Near the end of his life he worked for and in Rome, which led up to his martyrdom for the sake of his Savior.

Life

According to the New Testament, before becoming a disciple of Jesus, Peter (then Simon) was a fisherman along with his brother, Andrew. The synoptic gospels all recount how his mother-in-law was healed by Jesus at their home in Capernaum (Matthew 8:14-17; Mark 1:29-31; Luke 4:38) — implying that Peter was married.

While fishing in the Lake of Gennesaret, Simon and his brother Andrew were called by Jesus to be his followers, with the words, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men" (Matthew 4:18-19; Mark 1:16-17).

Peter is frequently mentioned in the Gospels as forming, with James the Elder and John, a special group within the Twelve Apostles, present at incidents, such as the Transfiguration of Jesus, that the others were not party to. Peter is also often depicted in the Gospels as spokesman of all the apostles, and as one to whom Jesus gave special authority.

And I say to thee: That thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give to thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven. And whatsoever thou shalt bind upon earth, it shall be bound also in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose upon earth, it shall be loosed also in heaven. Matthew 16:18-19

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See Also

• Bible
• Bible Characters

References