Celebrate St Peter's Day on 29th June
Brief History of the Life of St Peter, First Leader of the Apostles
May 10, 2009
Saint Peter was a fisherman and one of the disciples of Jesus, and many say he was one of the most important and best remembered of the disciples. His given name was Simon, and in the Gospel of John it says he was born in Bethsaida, a city east of the river Jordan.
As an adult, St. Peter lived on the banks of Lake Galilee in the village of Capernaum with his family. At this time Galilee was part of the Roman Empire and life would have been hard for a fisherman, however Capernaum was a thriving centre and he would possibly have owned his own boat and hired people to help with selling the fish.
When Jesus came to Simon and asked him to join his ministry, he agreed immediately. His name was changed by Jesus, to Peter which means "rock." This is taken to be the foundation or stability of faith.
Peter Denies Jesus
St. Peter is best known for the time he denied knowledge of Jesus. This was foretold by Jesus but the story says that St. Peter stated that he would remain loyal. Within 24 hours, Jesus was held on trial in a courtyard. Peter was recognised by three people as being a follower of Jesus. Each time the accusation was made, Peter denied it. And each time he denied it, a cockerel crowed.
Jesus Walks on Water
St. Peter’s loyalty and faith had been tested previously. He and other disciples had seen Jesus walking on the stormy waters of the lake one night. Jesus called to them to come out of the boat and walk with him. St. Peter stepped out onto the waves and sank into the water. His fear and doubt made him sink, and for this he is also remembered.
Peter Falls Asleep
Perhaps the most damning story of St. Peter was the evening before the episode with the cockerel crowing. Jesus had asked his friends to pray with him in the garden of Gethsemane. Instead of keeping watch, Peter fell asleep. This was the famous moment when Judas arrived with the men from the temple to arrest Jesus.
St Peter Becomes the Leader of the Apostles
One might speculate that Jesus knew that each of these events would happen and that Peter was part of the unfolding story. After the crucifixion, the first person Jesus appeared to was Mary Magdalen, the second person was Peter.
This experience seems to awaken St. Peter to his true potential. The Acts of the Apostles tell of the new life of St Peter. His miracles, his courageous preaching and his leadership of the apostles.
Peter travelled and preached as did the other apostles, and ended his life as a martyr in Rome. The ancient historian Origen writes in Church History II.1 : "Peter was crucified at Rome with his head downwards, as he himself had desired to suffer."
St. Peter’s day could be celebrated by remembering his vulnerability and his humanity. From this he transformed his life and he did indeed become the rock of the church when he took on the leadership.
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