A-Z » Peter
Definition
One of the twelve apostles. Originally called Simon but given the name Cephas by Jesus (the Greek equivalent being 'Peter', meaning 'rock'). His declaration of faith in Jesus evoked the promise 'you are Peter; and on this rock I will build my church' I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven' (Matthew 16:13-20) . His later denial of Jesus was followed by repentance and a fresh commission to care for Christ's followers. In Acts, he emerges as a leader of the Early Church. Early traditions describe him as the first bishop of Rome who was crucified head downwards during the reign of Nero. Often portrayed as the gate-keeper of heaven, holding the keys promised by Christ.
Translation
Aramaic: Cephas, Greek: Petros, 'rock'.
- Today's New International Version
- 13When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, 'Who do people say the Son of Man is?' 14They replied, 'Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.' 15'But what about you?' he asked. 'Who do you say I am?' 16Simon Peter answered, 'You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.' 17Jesus replied, 'Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. 18And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of death will not overcome it. 19I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.' 20Then he ordered his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.
- King James Version
- 13When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? 14And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. 15He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? 16And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 17And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. 18And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 20Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.
The twelve disciples chosen and commissioned by Jesus to share his mission.
The name given to the man believed by Christians to be the Son of God. Also given the title Christ, meaning 'anointed one' or Messiah. His life is recorded most fully in the Four Gospels.
The act of turning away, or turning around from, one's sins, which includes feeling genuinely sorry for them, asking for the forgiveness of God and being willing to live in a different way in the future.
Title (eventually used as name) given to Jesus, refering to an anointed person set apart for a special task such as a king.
Term used to describe the first centuries of the growth of the Christian church, initially in Jerusalem and then across the Roman Empire.
In certain Christian denominations leader of the Christian community within a geographical area.
Executed by nailing or binding a person to a cross.
In many religions, the place where God dwells, and to which believers aspire after their death. Sometimes known as Paradise.
Acts was written by the same author as Luke's gospel, and tells the story of the growth of the Christian church from its origins in Jerusalem to its establishment in Rome, the capital of the Roman Empire, concentrating mainly on the mission work of Peter and Paul.