Peter's House
Jump to: SubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
Location and Historical Context:
Peter's house, traditionally identified in Capernaum, holds significant importance in the New Testament narrative. Capernaum, a fishing village on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee, served as a central hub for Jesus' ministry. The house is believed to have been the residence of Simon Peter, one of Jesus' closest disciples, and his brother Andrew. Archaeological excavations in Capernaum have uncovered a site that many scholars and tradition hold to be Peter's house, marked by its transformation into a place of Christian worship in the early centuries.

Biblical References:
The Gospels provide several accounts of events that took place at Peter's house. In the Gospel of Mark, it is recorded: "As soon as Jesus and His disciples had left the synagogue, they went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew" (Mark 1:29). This passage highlights the house as a place of gathering and hospitality for Jesus and His followers.

One of the most notable miracles associated with Peter's house is the healing of his mother-in-law. The Gospel of Matthew recounts: "When Jesus arrived at Peter’s house, He saw Peter’s mother-in-law sick in bed with a fever. So He touched her hand, and the fever left her, and she got up and began to serve them" (Matthew 8:14-15). This miracle underscores Jesus' compassion and authority over illness, as well as the immediate response of service from those healed by Him.

Significance in Jesus' Ministry:
Peter's house served as a base for Jesus' ministry in Galilee. It was a place where Jesus taught, healed, and performed miracles, drawing large crowds. Mark 2:1-2 describes an instance when Jesus returned to Capernaum, and "it was reported that He was at home. So many people gathered that there was no more room, not even at the door, and He preached the word to them." This passage illustrates the house as a focal point for Jesus' teaching and the growing interest in His message.

Archaeological Insights:
The site traditionally identified as Peter's house has been a subject of archaeological interest. Excavations have revealed a complex of structures, including a first-century house that was later expanded and modified into a church. The presence of Christian symbols and inscriptions suggests that the site was venerated by early Christians as a place of significant religious importance.

Theological Implications:
Peter's house symbolizes the intersection of the ordinary and the divine. It was a humble dwelling that became a center for divine activity, reflecting the transformative power of Jesus' presence. The events that took place there highlight themes of healing, service, and the proclamation of the Gospel. The house also represents the early Christian community's reverence for the places associated with Jesus and His apostles, serving as a tangible link to the foundational events of the Christian faith.

Conclusion:
While the physical structure of Peter's house may no longer stand as it once did, its legacy endures through the biblical accounts and the faith of countless believers who have drawn inspiration from the events that transpired within its walls.
Subtopics

Peter

Peter of the Law of Defilement

Peter of the Law of Forgiveness

Peter of the Parable of the Steward

Peter of the Prophecy of Jesus Concerning his Second Coming

Peter: A Fisherman

Peter: Accused by the Council; his Defense

Peter: Advocates the Preaching of the Gospel to the Gentiles in the Hearing of the Apostles and Elders

Peter: Also Called Simon Bar-Jona and Cephas

Peter: An Apostle

Peter: An Evangelist

Peter: Call of

Peter: Calls Attention to the Withered Fig Tree

Peter: Confesses Jesus to be the Messiah

Peter: Cuts off the Ear of Malchus

Peter: Follows Jesus to the High Priest's Palace

Peter: Foretells the Death of Ananias and Sapphira

Peter: Goes to Samaria

Peter: Has a Vision of a Sheet Containing Ceremonially Clean and Unclean Animals

Peter: Heals the Immobile Man in the Portico of the Temple

Peter: His Denial of Jesus, and his Repentance

Peter: His Mother-In-Law Healed

Peter: His Presumption in Rebuking Jesus

Peter: His Presumption in Refusing to Let Jesus Wash Peter's Feet

Peter: His Presumption: when the Throng Was Pressing Jesus and the Woman With the Blood Disorder Touched Him

Peter: His Statement in Front of the Disciples Concerning the Death of Judas

Peter: His Treachery Foretold by Jesus, and his Profession of Fidelity

Peter: Imprisoned and Delivered by an Angel

Peter: Imprisoned and Scourged; his Defense Before the Council

Peter: Jesus Appears To

Peter: Jesus Sends Message To, After the Resurrection

Peter: Lives in Jerusalem

Peter: Prays for the Reception of the Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit

Peter: Preaches on Pentecost Day

Peter: Present at Lake Tiberias when Jesus Appeared to his Disciples

Peter: Present in the Garden of Gethsemane

Peter: Present: At the Healing of Jairus' Daughter

Peter: Present: At the Transfiguration

Peter: Rebukes Simon, the Sorcerer, Who Desires to Purchase This Power

Peter: Receives Paul

Peter: Receives the Servant of the Centurion

Peter: Returns to Jerusalem

Peter: Sent With John to Prepare the Passover Meal

Peter: Visits Joppa; Stays With Simon, the Tanner; Raises Dorcas from the Dead

Peter: Visits Lydda; Heals Aeneas

Peter: Visits the Gravesite of Jesus

Peter: Walks Upon the Water of Lake Galilee

Peter: Writes Two Epistles

Select Readings: Peter on the Day of Pentecost

Related Terms

Appoint (114 Occurrences)

Elect (32 Occurrences)

Pick (37 Occurrences)

Selected (23 Occurrences)

Choose (116 Occurrences)

Apocrypha

Unanimously (1 Occurrence)

Journey (214 Occurrences)

Living (3112 Occurrences)

Wail (50 Occurrences)

Fittest (1 Occurrence)

Try (84 Occurrences)

Task (37 Occurrences)

Reputation (12 Occurrences)

Responsibility (17 Occurrences)

Esther (48 Occurrences)

Elite (2 Occurrences)

Exclusive (1 Occurrence)

Eagle (27 Occurrences)

Draw (212 Occurrences)

Duke (14 Occurrences)

Day's (19 Occurrences)

Decided (54 Occurrences)

Marriage (74 Occurrences)

Popular (1 Occurrence)

Party (47 Occurrences)

Berothah (1 Occurrence)

Berothai (1 Occurrence)

Creature (73 Occurrences)

Clean (298 Occurrences)

Choice (113 Occurrences)

Abi (2 Occurrences)

Adopt (4 Occurrences)

Acceptable (48 Occurrences)

Acceptation (2 Occurrences)

Assign (22 Occurrences)

Army (401 Occurrences)

Accept (106 Occurrences)

Single (65 Occurrences)

Separate (115 Occurrences)

Swim (8 Occurrences)

Seldom (1 Occurrence)

Sort (143 Occurrences)

Partridge (2 Occurrences)

Dictionaries

Dear (120 Occurrences)

Night (3322 Occurrences)

Business (147 Occurrences)

Hawk (6 Occurrences)

Report (127 Occurrences)

Jesus (10891 Occurrences)

Prophets (270 Occurrences)

Attitudes (1 Occurrence)

Septuagint

Chosen (197 Occurrences)

Friends (152 Occurrences)

Seven (404 Occurrences)

Brothers (574 Occurrences)

Company (287 Occurrences)

Prophecy (37 Occurrences)

Master's (52 Occurrences)

Scribes (85 Occurrences)

Deluge (17 Occurrences)

Charge (379 Occurrences)

Turn (963 Occurrences)

Noah (55 Occurrences)

Worthy (92 Occurrences)

Judaeus

Philo

Text (5 Occurrences)

Manuscripts

Malefactor (2 Occurrences)

Throne (181 Occurrences)

Mark (182 Occurrences)

According (7613 Occurrences)

Ethics

Regeneration (2 Occurrences)

Sabbath (126 Occurrences)

Peter's First Denial
Top of Page
Top of Page