Apostle · Disciple · New Testament
The Story of Simon Peter
Also: Peter, Simon, Cephas, Petro (Kiswahili), Simoni Petro (Kiswahili), Petero (Gĩkũyũ)
Fisherman called by Jesus, leader among the twelve apostles, who denied Jesus, was restored, and preached at Pentecost.
Editorial text in English. Scripture is quoted from the version you choose; references stay the same in every version.
Introduction
Simon, son of John and brother of Andrew, was a fisherman from Bethsaida. Jesus named him Cephas, which means Peter, rock, and called him to follow. John 1:40–44Mark 1:16–18
He confessed Jesus as the Christ, saw the Transfiguration, and in Jesus' last night denied him three times. The risen Jesus restored him, telling him to feed his sheep. Matthew 16:16Mark 9:2Mark 14:66–72John 21:15–17
At Pentecost he preached to the crowds in Jerusalem. He led the early church, welcomed the Gentile Cornelius, and was delivered from prison. Acts 2:14–41Acts 10:34–48Acts 12:6–11
Life at a glance
- Family
- Son of John (Jonah); brother of Andrew; married John 1:42Matthew 16:17Mark 1:30
- Work
- Fisherman Mark 1:16
- Names
- Simon; Cephas (Aramaic) and Peter (Greek), both meaning rock John 1:42
Only what Scripture records. Where the Bible is silent, nothing is filled in.
Follow the life of Simon Peter
Events in the order Scripture presents them. Expand an event to read its passage here, or open the chapter in the reader.
Called to follow
Andrew brings Simon to Jesus, who names him Cephas. By the Sea of Galilee Jesus calls him to fish for people, and he leaves his nets.
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Parallel account: Matthew 4:18–20 · Luke 5:1–11
Places named: the Sea of Galilee
His mother-in-law healed
Jesus heals Simon's mother-in-law of a fever in his house at Capernaum.
Walks on the water
Peter steps out of the boat toward Jesus, begins to sink when he sees the wind, and Jesus catches him.
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People: Jesus
You have the words of eternal life
When many disciples leave, Peter says, Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words of eternal life.
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People: Jesus
You are the Christ
Peter confesses Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God. When Jesus speaks of his suffering, Peter rebukes him and is rebuked in turn.
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Parallel account: Mark 8:27–33 · Luke 9:18–22
People: Jesus
Places named: Caesarea Philippi
On the mountain of the Transfiguration
Peter sees Jesus transfigured with Moses and Elijah and offers to make three shelters.
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Parallel account: Matthew 17:1–8 · Luke 9:28–36
Later recollection of this event: 2 Peter 1:16–18
People: Jesus, James, son of Zebedee, John the apostle
Feet washed at the Last Supper
Peter first refuses to let Jesus wash his feet, then asks him to wash his hands and head too. Jesus foretells Peter's denial.
In Gethsemane
Peter falls asleep while Jesus prays; at the arrest he strikes the high priest's servant with a sword.
Peter denies Jesus
In the high priest's courtyard Peter denies knowing Jesus three times; the rooster crows, and he weeps bitterly.
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Parallel account: Matthew 26:69–75 · Luke 22:54–62 · John 18:15–27
People: Jesus
Running to the tomb
Told by Mary Magdalene, Peter runs to the tomb and sees the linen cloths lying there.
Restored by the risen Jesus
By the Sea of Galilee the risen Jesus asks Peter three times, Do you love me?, and tells him to feed his sheep.
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Supporting passage: 1 Corinthians 15:5 (He appeared to Cephas.) · Luke 24:34
People: Jesus
Preaching at Pentecost
When the Spirit comes at Pentecost, Peter stands with the eleven and proclaims Jesus crucified and raised; about three thousand are baptized.
The lame man healed and the council
At the temple gate Peter tells a lame man to walk in the name of Jesus. Arrested, Peter and John tell the council they cannot stop speaking.
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People: John the apostle
Peter and Cornelius
After a vision, Peter goes to the house of the centurion Cornelius, preaches, and the Holy Spirit falls on the Gentiles; they are baptized.
Freed from prison
Herod has James killed and Peter imprisoned; an angel leads Peter out, and he comes to the house where believers are praying.
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People: James, son of Zebedee, John Mark
At the Jerusalem council
Peter tells the apostles and elders that God gave the Spirit to Gentiles as to them, saving them by grace.
Opposed by Paul at Antioch
Paul writes that he opposed Cephas to his face at Antioch when he withdrew from eating with Gentile believers.
Mentioned across the Bible
Later passages that recall, mention or interpret Simon Peter. These are not new events in the person’s lifetime.
Later recollections of these events
- 2 Peter 1:16–18 recalls “On the mountain of the Transfiguration”
- Acts 11:1–18 recalls “Peter and Cornelius”
Later recollection
- Galatians 1:18 — Paul visits Cephas in Jerusalem.
- Galatians 2:7–9 — Cephas among the pillars; entrusted with the gospel to the circumcised.
Direct reference
- John 21:18–19 — Jesus indicates by what death Peter would glorify God.
- 1 Corinthians 1:12
- 1 Corinthians 9:5 — Cephas travelled with a believing wife.
Family and relationships
- AndrewBrotherJohn 1:40
- JesusTeacher and LordMark 1:17John 21:15–17
- John the apostleFellow apostleActs 3:1Acts 8:14
- James, son of ZebedeeFellow apostleMark 5:37Mark 9:2
- PaulFellow apostleGalatians 1:18Galatians 2:11
- John MarkPeter went to the house of Mark's mother; 1 Peter calls Mark his sonActs 12:121 Peter 5:13
- Silas1 Peter was written through Silvanus1 Peter 5:12
- CorneliusConnected: Peter preached in his house of Simon PeterActs 10:25–27
Books associated with Simon Peter
- Matthew Their story appears here
- Mark Their story appears here
- Luke Their story appears here
- John Their story appears here
- Acts Main narrative figure
Chapters 1–12. Acts 1:15
- 1 Peter Named as author in the text
The letter names Peter as its author and Silvanus as the one through whom it was written. Some scholars question Petrine authorship; this page records the letter's own claim. 1 Peter 1:11 Peter 5:12
- 2 Peter Named as author in the text
The letter names Simon Peter as its author. Its authorship is widely debated by scholars. 2 Peter 1:1
A book named after someone is not necessarily written by them. Authorship traditions are shown as traditions.
Themes and study
Study prompts written by BibleKenya editors. They are not Scripture.
DiscipleshipRestorationCourage
- What does Peter confess in Matthew 16:16?
- Why do you think Jesus asks Peter three times in John 21:15-17?
- What changes in Peter between Mark 14:66-72 and Acts 4:13-20?
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