Who was Peter?

Who was Peter?

Peter was a fisherman who left his trade to become a disciple of Jesus. He was one of Jesus’s closest friends and followed him as he traveled around teaching and working miracles – eventually going to Jerusalem to his death.

Peter swore he would never abandon his friend Jesus. But when he was taken into custody, Peter denied three times that he even knew him.

But after meeting with the risen Jesus, Peter was never the same again.

Like Jesus, he was also killed by people who did not understand the kingdom of God. According to tradition, he was martyred by upside-down crucifixion in 64AD. He chose this saying he wasn’t worthy of dying in the same way as Jesus.

What do we find out about him in the Gospel accounts?

In Luke 5:4-5 Jesus met Peter and other fishermen in the morning after they had been working all night. They had returned with no fish and Jesus said to Simon. “Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.” Simon answered “Master, we worked hard all night and caught nothing, but I will do as You say and let down the nets.” When he did as Jesus said, they pulled in so many fish their boats were hardly able to stay afloat.

In Matthew 14:28-29 Jesus walked on the water towards the disciples in the midst of a storm. Peter said to Him, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” And He said, “Come!” And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus.

In John 6:68 Peter said to Jesus “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life.”

You can find out more about Peter’s story in the free, live performances of the Easter story. Today’s passion plays are a dramatic portrayal of the Bible story, a story which is often called the greatest story ever told. It is the story of Jesus’ life, his timeless teaching and his last days.