Peter
A Galilean fisherman who became the leading apostle of the Jerusalem church.
What the sources say, and how sure we are
- The text says
Simon, called Peter or Cephas, is a fisherman from Bethsaida and Capernaum. He confesses Jesus as Messiah, denies him, is restored after the resurrection, preaches at Pentecost, and takes the gospel to Cornelius, a Gentile.John 1:42–44; Mark 8:29; John 21:15–19; Acts 2:14–41; Acts 10
- Outside evidence
Paul names Cephas as the first to whom the risen Jesus appeared and says he visited him in Jerusalem. An early church leader, Clement of Rome, writes that Peter suffered martyrdom. A first-century house in Capernaum, venerated as early as the 4th century, is traditionally identified as Peter’s.1 Cor 15:5; Gal 1:18; 1 Clement 5; Capernaum octagonal church
- Debated
Scholars debate how much of the traditions about Peter in Rome is historical, including the claim that he is buried beneath St. Peter’s Basilica. They also debate whether he wrote 1 and 2 Peter. See those books.1 Pet 5:13
- Christian conclusion
Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant Christians read Jesus’ words to Peter in Matthew 16:18 differently, as founding the papacy, as honoring Peter’s confession, or as referring to Peter’s faith.Matt 16:13–20