Of all the disciples of Jesus, the best known is Simon Peter. Across the New Testament there are over 200 references to Peter, which is substantially more than any other disciple. Peter is the most prominent of The Twelve, the earliest leader of the church, the eye-witness testimony behind the gospel of Mark, the writer of two epistles and a Martyr for the gospel.
Peter’s original name was Simeon ben Yohanan (Simon son of John). In Matthew’s gospel he is the son of Jonah whereas in versions of John’s gospel he is the son of John. This however is no contradiction as the Hebrew word for John is YoHaNaN which can be abbreviated to YoNa. It was Jesus who gave Simon the name Kepha (Cephas) which means rock in Aramaic with the Greek equivalent being Petros (Peter).
Now Peter, along with his brother Andrew, were originally from Bethsaida; however by the time of Jesus’ ministry, Peter was living in Capernaum with his wife, mother in law and brother. Interestingly Peter is the only one of the twelve that we know for certain was married. Some believe that this may have meant he was slightly older than the other disciples.
Peter was brought to Jesus by his brother Andrew who told Peter they had found the Messiah. It was at his first encounter that Jesus gave him the name of Cephas or Peter (John 1:40-42). Peter was around from the earliest days of Jesus’ ministry, and when the call came, he left all behind to follow Jesus. He was one of the 4 fisherman who Jesus called in Galilee. Peter first hand witnessed the miracles of Jesus. He received a boat sinking catch of fish and observed Jesus coming into his own house and healing his mother in law. Peter quickly became part of Jesus’ inner circle of three, but more than this, he became the spokesperson and de-facto chief of the twelve. When we look across the gospel’s it is Peter who often asks questions and who is quick both to step out and to speak out. Though all the disciples were afraid, and witnessed Jesus walking on water, Peter alone stepped out of the boat. Later when Jesus asks who the disciples thought he was, it was Peter who confessed that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the living God. It was also Peter who tried to rebuke Jesus for speaking of his death and was in turn rebuked for doing the work of Satan. What this shows is a great eagerness to follow God whilst at the same time a failure to grasp what Jesus was about. Another example is the foot washing at the last supper where Peter initially refuses Jesus not understanding the meaning.
What Peter is most famously known for is denying Jesus three times. Peter was quick to announce his faithfulness. He declared that he would never forsake Jesus but would even die. In fairness to him so zealous was he for Jesus that when the authorities came to arrest him, Peter drew his sword cutting off the ear of Malchus the High Priest’s servant. Jesus healed Malchus and rebuked Peter for once again not understanding his purposes. Whereas all the disciples fled, Peter and John followed after Jesus. However it was in the courtyard that Peter was recognised and calling down curses upon himself, he denied Jesus three times. Following this failure he fled devastated.
When the women came to the empty tomb, they ran back to tell Peter. It was Peter who with John ran to the tomb and went inside. Later women who saw the risen Jesus were told specifically by Jesus to go and tell Peter. Moreover though the encounter is not recorded, we know that Jesus personally appeared to Peter that very day. Peter was present for many of the resurrection appearances and Jesus made a point of restoring him. Most significantly is the fishing trip in John 21 where Jesus again appeared to them and had breakfast with them. At this time Jesus took the opportunity to recommission Peter. Three times Jesus asked him to take care of his flock. In doing so he was redeeming the one who had denied him three times. Moreover the one who had said he was willing to die for Jesus was told that one day he would indeed be crucified for his faith.
Much could be said about Peter, but what we glean from the gospels is a natural leader who was sincere, eager and practical. At the same time, like all the disciples, Peter was quick to talk and slow to understand. He believed Jesus was the Messiah but didn’t grasp what the Messiah had come to do. Unlike John who boasted of the Lord’s love for him, Peter boasted of his love for the Lord. This led to him trusting in himself and being humbled by his failure. Yet for his faults Peter was not disqualified, rather he firsthand experienced the grace of God in truth; and was used by Jesus to be the ultimate ambassador of Grace.