As popular as the name Peter is in our world, in the Bible it is assigned only once, namely to Simon "Barjona"; Peter, the apostle of Jesus. The feminine version Πετρα (Petra) - a very popular female name in certain parts of the world, the Netherlands for instance - doesn't occur at all in the Bible, although the name Sela may be the Semitic version of it.
Peter is a masculine name of Greek origin, derived from the word 'Petros' (Πέτρος), meaning 'rock' or 'stone'. Its ultimate etymology traces back to the Aramaic name 'Kepha' (Cephas), which Jesus bestowed upon Simon, one of his apostles, signifying his role as the foundation of the Church.
This biblical name was most notably given to one of Jesus's apostles, Simon. Jesus was said to bestow Simon with the name Petros-also known as Cephas in Aramaic-but he later became known as Saint Peter. He was thought to be Jesus's right-hand man and rock, making Peter a name synonymous with reliability. Peter is a classic name and a perfect choice for parents who want to raise baby in their faith.
Saint Peter. El Greco
Biblical Context and Significance
Originally called Simon (=Simeon ,i.e., "hearing"), a very common Jewish name in the New Testament. He was the son of Jona ( Matthew 16:17 ). His mother is nowhere named in Scripture. He had a younger brother called Andrew, who first brought him to Jesus ( John 1:40-42 ).
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His native town was Bethsaida, on the western coast of the Sea of Galilee, to which also Philip belonged. Here he was brought up by the shores of the Sea of Galilee, and was trained to the occupation of a fisher. His father had probably died while he was still young, and he and his brother were brought up under the care of Zebedee and his wife Salome ( Matthew 27:56 ; Mark 15:40 ; 16:1 ). There the four youths, Simon, Andrew, James, and John, spent their boyhood and early manhood in constant fellowship.
Simon and his brother doubtless enjoyed all the advantages of a religious training, and were early instructed in an acquaintance with the Scriptures and with the great prophecies regarding the coming of the Messiah. They did not probably enjoy, however, any special training in the study of the law under any of the rabbis. When Peter appeared before the Sanhedrin, he looked like an "unlearned man" ( Acts 4:13 ).
"Simon was a Galilean, and he was that out and out...The Galileans had a marked character of their own. They had a reputation for an independence and energy which often ran out into turbulence. They were at the same time of a franker and more transparent disposition than their brethren in the south. In all these respects, in bluntness, impetuosity, headiness, and simplicity, Simon was a genuine Galilean.
They spoke a peculiar dialect. They had a difficulty with the guttural sounds and some others, and their pronunciation was reckoned harsh in Judea. The Galilean accent stuck to Simon all through his career. It betrayed him as a follower of Christ when he stood within the judgment-hall ( Mark 14:70 ). It betrayed his own nationality and that of those conjoined with him on the day of Pentecost ( Acts 2:7 )."
It would seem that Simon was married before he became an apostle. His wife's mother is referred to ( Matthew 8:14 ; Mark 1:30 ; Luke 4:38 ). He was in all probability accompanied by his wife on his missionary journeys ( 1 Corinthians 9:5 ; Compare 1 Peter 5:13 ). He appears to have been settled at Capernaum when Christ entered on his public ministry, and may have reached beyond the age of thirty. His house was large enough to give a home to his brother Andrew, his wife's mother, and also to Christ, who seems to have lived with him ( Mark 1:29 Mark 1:36 ; 2:1 ), as well as to his own family. It was apparently two stories high ( 2:4 ).
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At Bethabara (RSV, John 1:28 , "Bethany"), beyond Jordan, John the Baptist had borne testimony concerning Jesus as the "Lamb of God" ( John 1:29-36 ). Andrew and John hearing it, followed Jesus, and abode with him where he was. They were convinced, by his gracious words and by the authority with which he spoke, that he was the Messiah ( Luke 4:22 ; Matthew 7:29 ); and Andrew went forth and found Simon and brought him to Jesus ( John 1:41 ). Jesus at once recognized Simon, and declared that hereafter he would be called Cephas, an Aramaic name corresponding to the Greek Petros, which means "a mass of rock detached from the living rock." The Aramaic name does not occur again, but the name Peter gradually displaces the old name Simon, though our Lord himself always uses the name Simon when addressing him ( Matthew 17:25 ; Mark 14:37 ; Luke 22:31 , comp 21:15-17 ).
We are not told what impression the first interview with Jesus produced on the mind of Simon. When we next meet him it is by the Sea of Galilee ( Matthew 4:18-22 ). There the four (Simon and Andrew, James and John) had had an unsuccessful night's fishing. Jesus appeared suddenly, and entering into Simon's boat, bade him launch forth and let down the nets. He did so, and enclosed a great multitude of fishes. This was plainly a miracle wrought before Simon's eyes. The awe-stricken disciple cast himself at the feet of Jesus, crying, "Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord" ( Luke 5:8 ). Jesus addressed him with the assuring words, "Fear not," and announced to him his life's work. Simon responded at once to the call to become a disciple, and after this we find him in constant attendance on our Lord. He is next called into the rank of the apostleship, and becomes a "fisher of men" ( Matthew 4:19 ) in the stormy seas of the world of human life ( Matthew 10:2-4 ; Mark 3:13-19 ; Luke 6:13-16 ), and takes a more and more prominent part in all the leading events of our Lord's life.
It is he who utters that notable profession of faith at Capernaum ( John 6:66-69 ), and again at Caesarea Philippi ( Matthew 16:13-20 ; Mark 8:27-30 ; Luke 9:18-20 ). This profession at Caesarea was one of supreme importance, and our Lord in response used these memorable words: "Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church." "From that time forth" Jesus began to speak of his sufferings. For this Peter rebuked him. But our Lord in return rebuked Peter, speaking to him in sterner words than he ever used to any other of his disciples ( Matthew 16:21-23 ; Mark 8:31-33 ).
At the close of his brief sojourn at Caesarea our Lord took Peter and James and John with him into "an high mountain apart," and was transfigured before them. Peter on that occasion, under the impression the scene produced on his mind, exclaimed, "Lord, it is good for us to be here: let us make three tabernacles" ( Matthew 17:1-9 ). On his return to Capernaum the collectors of the temple tax (a didrachma, half a sacred shekel), which every Israelite of twenty years old and upwards had to pay ( Exodus 30:15 ), came to Peter and reminded him that Jesus had not paid it ( Matthew 17:24-27 ). Our Lord instructed Peter to go and catch a fish in the lake and take from its mouth the exact amount needed for the tax, viz., a stater, or two half-shekels. "That take," said our Lord, "and give unto them for me and thee."
As the end was drawing nigh, our Lord sent Peter and John ( Luke 22:7-13 ) into the city to prepare a place where he should keep the feast with his disciples. There he was forewarned of the fearful sin into which he afterwards fell ( 22:31-34 ). He accompanied our Lord from the guest-chamber to the garden of Gethsemane ( Luke 22:39-46 ), which he and the other two who had been witnesses of the transfiguration were permitted to enter with our Lord, while the rest were left without. Here he passed through a strange experience. Under a sudden impulse he cut off the ear of Malchus (47-51), one of the band that had come forth to take Jesus. Then follow the scenes of the judgment-hall (54-61) and his bitter grief (62). He is found in John's company early on the morning of the resurrection. He boldly entered into the empty grave ( John 20:1-10 ), and saw the "linen clothes laid by themselves" ( Luke 24:9-12 ). To him, the first of the apostles, our risen Lord revealed himself, thus conferring on him a signal honour, and showing how fully he was restored to his favour ( Luke 24:34 ; 1 Corinthians 15:5 ).
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We next read of our Lord's singular interview with Peter on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, where he thrice asked him, "Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me?" ( John 21:1-19 ). (See LOVE .) After this scene at the lake we hear nothing of Peter till he again appears with the others at the ascension ( Acts 1:15-26 ). It was he who proposed that the vacancy caused by the apostasy of Judas should be filled up. He is prominent on the day of Pentecost ( 2:14-40 ).
The events of that day "completed the change in Peter himself which the painful discipline of his fall and all the lengthened process of previous training had been slowly making. He is now no more the unreliable, changeful, self-confident man, ever swaying between rash courage and weak timidity, but the stead-fast, trusted guide and director of the fellowship of believers, the intrepid preacher of Christ in Jerusalem and abroad. And now that he is become Cephas indeed, we hear almost nothing of the name Simon (only in Acts 10:5 Acts 10:32 ; 15:14 ), and he is known to us finally as Peter."
After the miracle at the temple gate ( Acts 3 ) persecution arose against the Christians, and Peter was cast into prison. He boldly defended himself and his companions at the bar of the council ( Acts 4:19 Acts 4:20 ). A fresh outburst of violence against the Christians ( 5:17-21 ) led to the whole body of the apostles being cast into prison; but during the night they were wonderfully delivered, and were found in the morning teaching in the temple. A second time Peter defended them before the council ( Acts 5:29-32 ), who, "when they had called the apostles and beaten them, let them go."
The time had come for Peter to leave Jerusalem. After labouring for some time in Samaria, he returned to Jerusalem, and reported to the church there the results of his work ( Acts 8:14-25 ). Here he remained for a period, during which he met Paul for the first time since his conversion ( 9:26-30 ; Galatians 1:18 ). Leaving Jerusalem again, he went forth on a missionary journey to Lydda and Joppa ( Acts 9:32-43 ). He is next called on to open the door of the Christian church to the Gentiles by the admission of Cornelius of Caesarea (ch. 10). After remaining for some time at Caesarea, he returned to Jerusalem ( Acts 11:1-18 ), where he defended his conduct with reference to the Gentiles.
Next we hear of his being cast into prison by Herod Agrippa ( 12:1-19 ); but in the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison gates, and he went forth and found refuge in the house of Mary. He took part in the deliberations of the council in Jerusalem ( Acts 15:1-31 ; Galatians 2:1-10 ) regarding the relation of the Gentiles to the church. This subject had awakened new interest at Antioch, and for its settlement was referred to the council of the apostles and elders at Jerusalem. Here Paul and Peter met again. We have no further mention of Peter in the Acts of the Apostles. He seems to have gone down to Antioch after the council at Jerusalem, and there to have been guilty of dissembling, for which he was severely reprimanded by Paul ( Galatians 2:11-16 ), who "rebuked him to his face." After this he appears to have carried the gospel to the east, and to have laboured for a while at Babylon, on the Euphrates ( 1 Peter 5:13 ). There is no satisfactory evidence that he was ever at Rome. Where or when he died is not certainly known.
According to Pope Clement of Rome (c 96 AD), Peter was martyred during the reign of emperor Nero. Tertulian (212 AD) adds that he was crucified. Origin (through Eusebius; 232 AD) tells us that Peter was crucified head-down, at his own request.
Probably he died between A.D. 64 and 67.
Peter (faith) was one of the first disciples that Jesus called. The leading characteristic of Peter (faith) before he is firmly established in spiritual consciousness is changeableness. Peter, the wavering, denying one, is in reality faith, a rock. Simon (hearing) represents the spiritual receptivity of the mind.
The spiritual import of Peter's repeated affirmations of love, as given in John 21:15-17, is that steadfastness of faith is developed through love. Peter wavered in his faith many times because he was not established in love. He cut off the ear of the servant of the high priest. Jesus had him affirm love three times, that is in spirit, soul, and body.
Faith is the central faculty in the consciousness of a master. If Peter (faith) had been allowed to continue to concentrate his energy on the limited ideas of carnality, would he ever have become more than a common fisherman? To walk on the water of troubled thought without sinking requires the established faith of Jesus in the saving power of Spirit.
Peter represents faith in its various stages of development (Matt.
The world is full of ambitious people who seem to have success before them. They start out bravely, but they disappear in the boisterous waves of adversity.
In the original Greek there is much metaphysical meaning hidden in Matthew 16:18. "Thou art Peter, and upon this rock," reads in the Greek, "Thou art Petros and upon this Petra." Petros is rock, masculine, and Petra is rock, feminine. The character of man must therefore be masculine and feminine in one.
The "keys" to this "kingdom of heaven" are in binding (affirmations) and loosing (denials). The "earth" represents the fixed, or concrete, state of consciousness resting in this rock substance of faith.
Get clearly into your understanding that you are not the faith-thinker, Peter. You are Jesus; Peter is one of your twelve powers. Before this truth dawns on you you are a carpenter, a builder in the realm of matter. When you realize that you are Mind, and that all things are originally generated in the laboratory of Mind, you leave your carpenter's bench and go forth proclaiming the Truth that is revealed to you. You find that your tools in this new field of labor are your untrained faculties.
That Peter today stands at the gate of heaven is no mere figure of speech; he always stands there when you have acknowledged the Christ, and he has the "keys of the kingdom of heaven." The keys are the thoughts that he forms, the words that he speaks. You can see readily why this faith-thinker, Peter, is the foundation; why the faith faculty should be guarded, directed, and trained. This is especially true of bodily conditions. Until faith is thoroughly identified with the Christ you will find that the Peter faculty in you is a regular weathercock. It will in all sincerity affirm its allegiance to Spirit, and then in the hour of adversity will deny that it ever knew Spirit. This, however, is in its probationary period.
How necessary it is that you know the important place in your consciousness that this faculty, Peter, occupies! You are the free will, the directive ego, Jesus. This is your "church." You are the high priest without beginning of years or end of days, the alpha and the omega; but you cannot do what the Father has set before you, without disciplining your powers. Your thinking faculty is the first to be considered. It is the inlet and the outlet of all your ideas. It is always active, zealous, impulsive, but not always wise. Its nature is to think, and think it will. Its food is ideas--symbolized in the Gospels as fishes--and it is forever casting its net on the right, or the left, for a draft. You alone can direct where its net shall be cast. You are he who says, "Cast the net on the right side." The "right side" is always on the side of Truth, the side of power.
You must stay very close to Peter--you must always be certain of his allegiance and love. Test him often. Say to him, "Lovest thou me more than these?" You want his undivided attention. He is inclined to wander; you say that your mind wanders. This is an error. Divine Mind never wanders. The faith-thinker, Peter, wanders; he looks in many directions. Peter looks within; he also looks without. This is his office, and it is right that he should look both ways; but he must be equalized, balanced. Keep your eye on Peter. Make him toe the mark every moment. Teach him to affirm Truth over and over again. Say to him "the third time, Simon, son of John, lovest thou me?" He may say, "Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee." This is a very common protest. Jesus Christ gave us many lessons on this point. He knew Peter like a book. He knew that a faculty whose office was so versatile was apt frequently to change its base.
You must teach Peter to concentrate. Teach him to center on true words. It is through him that you feed your sheep, your other faculties. Keep him right at his task. He is inquisitive, impulsive and dictatorial, when not firmly directed. When he questions your dominion and tries to dictate the movements of your other powers, put him into line with "What is that to thee?
Descartes said, "I think, therefore I am." This is precisely as if Jesus had said, "I am Peter, therefore I am." This is I AM losing itself in its own creation. Exactly the converse of this statement is true: I am, therefore I think. Thinking is a faculty of the Ego, the omnipotent I AM of each of us. The I AM does not think unless it wills to do so. You can stop all thought action when you have learned to separate your I AM from the thinking faculty. Be no longer a slave to the thinking faculty; command it to be still and know.
Peter's Character and Traits
Just how wobbly and easily movable that stone actually is, Peter readily demonstrates by forwarding the daftest proposals, by jumping overboard to walk on water while his faith remains in the boat (Matthew 14:28-33), and ultimately, by denying that he was ever associated with Jesus after his arrest (Matthew 26:69-75).
The Bible is unique in many ways but also because there's not a single perfect person in it. If salvation had been up to any one of the major players of the Bible, or even up to ourselves, we would be in deep trouble.
The name Petra means Rock and symbolizes stability. wealth in a big way. hard work rather than by luck or good fortune. word, such as journalism or publishing. heeled, Peter is blessed with high intelligence. to use his admirable analytical skills to make his personal fortune grow. continue to have a real thirst for knowledge well into his old age. rapport with people easily and has a good, chatty conversational style. name. to love deeply. Peter can be very tender. they are right. his own identity. But with what is he identifying? mission. be a very egocentric and self-centered human being. as a cofounder of the Christian Church.
6 Things You Didn't Know About Peter
Famous People Named Peter
Notable individuals named Peter include:
- Peter the Great (1672-1725), the reforming Tsar of Russia who modernized the country and expanded its territory.
- Peter Jackson (born 1961) is a renowned New Zealand filmmaker, famous for directing "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy and advancing cinematic special effects.
- Peter Sellers (1925-1980) was a highly influential British comedic actor, celebrated for his versatile performances in films like "The Pink Panther" series.
- Peter Princess Anne and Mark Philips
- Peter Benchley Novelist
- Peter Criss Drummer
- Peter Facinelli Actor
- Peter Gabriel Singer
- Peter Jennings TV Anchor
- Peter Mark Roget Inventor
- Peter Max Artist
- Peter Thiel Entrepreneur
- Peter Tosh Singer
Common Nicknames for Peter
What’s not to like about the name Peter? We love that it has super-sweet nicknames-and you can find them all below! Whether you’re searching for something soft or playful-or just plain adorable!-you’re going to love the nickname ideas we’ve rounded up for your little one.
Peter in Different Spiritual Contexts
Here are some examples of how the name Peter appears in different spiritual contexts:
Buddhism
- Peter found profound tranquility meditating amidst the ancient stupas of Borobudur, Indonesia.
- Seeking enlightenment, Peter studied the Sutras diligently with Master Kenji in a quiet Kyoto temple.
- The Dharma talk by Peter deeply resonated with the attendees at the serene Plum Village monastery.
- In Bhutan, Peter learned the intricate art of Thangka painting from a wise old Lama, Tenzin.
- Peter and his friend David discussed the impermanence of existence while circumambulating Boudhanath Stupa.
Context Information: Buddhism is a religion and philosophy based on the teachings of the Buddha, who lived in the northeastern Indian subcontinent between the 6th and 4th centuries BCE. His teachings aim to help individuals end suffering, achieve enlightenment (nirvana), and break free from the cycle of rebirth. Buddhism encompasses diverse traditions and practices, with two major branches: Theravada (“The School of the Elders”) and Mahayana (“The Great Vehicle”), each offering unique interpretations and paths toward spiritual liberation.
Hinduism
- Peter felt a spiritual awakening during the Ganga Aarti ceremony on the ghats of Varanasi.
- At the elaborate Meenakshi Amman Temple, Peter observed devotees offering fragrant jasmine garlands.
- Peter and his guru, Anand, discussed the concept of Atman during their morning walk in Rishikesh.
- Visiting the intricate caves of Ellora, Peter marveled at the ancient Hindu carvings and deities with Maya.
- While chanting Vedic hymns, Peter and his sister Priya experienced a deep sense of devotion in Chennai.
Context Information: Hinduism is often called the world’s oldest living religion-it has no single founder and is formed from diverse traditions originated from the Indian subcontinent. An important foundation of Hinduism is the ancient Vedic tradition. Its rich body of texts covers theology, philosophy, mythology, and provides guidance on dharma-righteous living. These and various other texts and traditions collectively shape Hinduism’s unique spiritual and cultural heritage.
Jainism
- Peter learned about the rigorous principles of Ahimsa at the ancient Jain temples of Ranakpur.
- Following a Jain diet, Peter carefully chose his meals with his companion, Lena, emphasizing non-violence.
- Peter and his friend Rohan discussed the concept of Anekantavada during their visit to Shravanabelagola.
- Meditating on the concept of Aparigraha, Peter found inner peace near the serene Dilwara Temples with Tara.
- During his pilgrimage to Mount Abu, Peter observed the meticulous rituals of Jain monks and nuns.
Context Information: Jainism is an ancient Indian religion centered on dharma and nonviolence (ahimsa) towards all living beings. Its two main branches, Digambara and Svetambara, emphasize self-control and self-reliance (shramana), guiding followers on a peaceful path of spiritual development. Through ethical living, meditation, and compassion, Jainism aims to help the soul progress toward liberation and ultimate bliss.
Christianity
- Peter knelt in solemn prayer within the ancient stone walls of Canterbury Cathedral.
- At the Vatican City, Peter felt the profound weight of history and enduring faith alongside Father Thomas.
- Sister Mary shared her testimony, deeply moving Peter during the Sunday service in Bethlehem.
- Peter volunteered at the local soup kitchen, living out his Christian faith through compassionate service.
- Reading scripture with his friend Michael, Peter discussed the parables of Jesus by Lake Galilee.
Context Information: Christianity is a monotheistic religion founded on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, believed to be the Son of God and the Messiah. Emerging in the 1st century AD, it rapidly spread throughout the Roman Empire and the world, becoming the largest global religion. Christianity is rooted in both the Old and New Testaments and includes major branches such as Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, and Protestantism. Simon Peter, son of Jonas, a disciple of Jesus Christ (Matt.