Topical Bible: Peter: Also Called Simon Bar-Jona and Cephas

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Peter, originally named Simon, is one of the most prominent figures in the New Testament and a foundational leader in the early Christian Church. He is often referred to as Simon Bar-Jona, meaning "Simon, son of Jonah," and is also known by the Aramaic name Cephas, which translates to Peter in Greek, meaning "rock" (John 1:42).

Background and Calling

Peter was a native of Bethsaida (John 1:44) and lived in Capernaum, where he worked as a fisherman alongside his brother Andrew. It was Andrew who first introduced Peter to Jesus, declaring, "We have found the Messiah" (John 1:41). Jesus called Peter to be His disciple with the simple yet profound invitation, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19). Peter immediately left his nets and followed Jesus, marking the beginning of his journey as a key figure among the apostles.

Role Among the Apostles

Peter is frequently listed first among the apostles, indicating his leadership role (Matthew 10:2). He was part of Jesus' inner circle, along with James and John, witnessing significant events such as the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-9) and the raising of Jairus' daughter (Mark 5:37-43). Peter's boldness and impetuous nature often brought him to the forefront, as seen when he walked on water towards Jesus (Matthew 14:28-31) and when he declared Jesus as "the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matthew 16:16).

Confession and Commission

Peter's confession of Jesus as the Messiah led to a pivotal moment where Jesus responded, "You are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it" (Matthew 16:18). This statement has been interpreted as a foundational moment for the establishment of the Church, with Peter playing a crucial role in its early development.

Denial and Restoration

Despite his strong faith, Peter's human frailty was evident when he denied knowing Jesus three times during the events leading to the crucifixion (Matthew 26:69-75). However, following the resurrection, Jesus graciously restored Peter, asking him three times, "Do you love Me?" and commissioning him to "Feed My sheep" (John 21:15-17). This restoration reaffirmed Peter's leadership and responsibility within the early Church.

Leadership in the Early Church

In the Book of Acts, Peter emerges as a central figure in the early Christian community. He delivered the sermon at Pentecost, where about three thousand people were added to the Church (Acts 2:14-41). Peter also performed miracles, such as healing the lame man at the temple gate (Acts 3:1-10), and played a key role in the inclusion of Gentiles into the Church, as seen in his encounter with Cornelius (Acts 10).

Writings and Legacy

Peter is traditionally credited with authoring two epistles, 1 Peter and 2 Peter, which address themes of suffering, perseverance, and the hope of eternal glory. These letters continue to provide guidance and encouragement to Christians facing trials.

Peter's life and ministry exemplify the transformative power of Christ's call and the grace that enables believers to overcome their weaknesses. His journey from a simple fisherman to a foundational leader of the Church serves as a testament to the profound impact of faith and obedience to Jesus Christ.

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Matthew 16:16-19
And Simon Peter answered and said, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.
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Mark 3:16
And Simon he surnamed Peter;
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John 1:42
And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, You are Simon the son of Jona: you shall be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.
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Library

The Sleeping Apostle
... thine office; henceforth thou shalt be called "Cephas" as before ... he is a new creature';
but also, and precisely ... Peter is still Simon, and sometimes seems to be ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/the sleeping apostle.htm

John Chapter i. 34-51
... This He also praises in Nathanael, that guile was not in ... tree, I saw thee, before
that Philip called thee;" for ... were not dissimilar to those of Peter so long ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate vii john chapter i.htm

The Disciples of Jesus.
... ix.5; 1 Peter 5:13; Clem ... was the elder, and a younger son, John, who later was called
to play ... sought to attach her to themselves.[4] It was then, also, that the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/renan/the life of jesus/chapter ix the disciples of.htm

The Great Confession - the Great Commission - the Great ...
... is used in Greek for stone,' and also sometimes for ... Meantime we recall that, when
Peter first came to Christ ... said unto him: Thou shalt be called Cephas, which is ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxxvii the great confession.htm

Galatians Chapter I.
... last of the Apostles," and, "not meet to be called an Apostle ... did he consider the
very sight of Peter; and this appears from the Acts of the Apostles also. ...
/.../galatians chapter i.htm

Matt. xv. 21, 22
... no such thing, in this case He also signifies who ... in his soul; to inform thee that
Peter indeed spake ... son of Jonas; thou shalt be called Cephas." [2091] "Thus ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lii matt xv 21.htm

Extracts No. X.
... Peter says, "Repent, and be converted, that your sins may be ... from Miletus he sent
to Ephesus, and called the elders ... testifying both to the Jews and also to the ...
/.../ballou/a series of letters in defence of divine revelation/extracts no x.htm