Simon Peter, the Holy Apostle, in the Year 69

Simon Jona, afterwards called Cephas in Syriac, but Petros or Petrus in Greek, was the brother of Andrew, a native of Bethsaida in Galilee, and a fisherman by occupation. He lived at Capernaum, with his wife's mother. His brother Andrew, who was a disciple of John, first brought him to Christ, and shortly afterwards he and his brother were called away from the fishery, to become fishers of men. Matthew 16, verse 17; Mark 3, verse 16; John 1, verse 42; Matthew 4, verse 18; John 1, verse 44; Luke 4, verses 31 and 38; John 1, verses 41 and 42; Matthew 4, verses 18 and 19.

He was diligently instructed by Christ, his Savior, and made such progress in it that he became the spokesman of all the apostles, being generally the most frank in asking and answering, as well as the most zealous for Christ, in order to prove to Him his love and faithfulness, although at times he showed a certain rashness in it; on those occasions the Lord, like a father with his child, faithfully instructed him, and, whenever it was necessary, kindly reproved him. Matthew 16, verse 16; John 6, verse 68; Matthew 18, verse 21; Matthew 14, verse 31; John 18, verses 10 and 11.

The Lord loved him in a special way, and permitted him, together with James and John, to witness His glory on Mount Tabor; of which He afterwards made mention to the chosen scattered strangers, saying, We were eyewitnesses of his majesty. Matthew 17, verses 1 to 3; Second Peter 1, verses 16 and 17. [n107-2]

He was the boldest in offering to suffer with Christ, but the weakest when the conflict began. The Lord chose him and the two sons of Zebedee to watch and pray with Him in the garden; but his eyes, like those of the others, were heavy with sleep; which showed that though he was specially loved by Christ, he was nothing more than a weak mortal. Matthew 26, verses 33 and 36.

About his denying Christ we shall not mention anything, as this is not the proper place for it, since we intend to speak only of his faithfulness and steadfastness until death.

After the denial just mentioned, the Lord forgave him his sin, and commanded him three times to feed His sheep and lambs; which he afterwards faithfully did to the full extent of his ability. John 21, verses 15 and 16; First Peter 5, verses 1 to 3.

In one day about three thousand souls were converted to the faith by his preaching; all of whom were baptized, and continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. Acts 2, verses 41 and 42.

He confirmed his doctrine through the power of God by signs that accompanied it, according to the promise of Christ, as is shown in the case of the lame man, Ananias, Sapphira, Eneas, Tabitha, and others. Acts 3, verse 7; Acts 5, verses 5 and 10; Acts 9, verses 34 and 40.

The calling of the Gentiles was revealed to him in a vision from heaven; but since he was properly an apostle of the Jews, his ministry was most effectual among the circumcision. Acts 10, verses 10 to 12; Galatians 2, verse 8.

But since he was so excellent and worthy a man in his ministry, it pleased the Lord that he should also be one of His martyrs, to seal the truth of His doctrine not only with the mouth, but also with his blood, indeed, even with his death. This the Lord showed him shortly before His departure from this world, saying, "Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you girded yourself, and walked where you wanted: but when you are old, you shall stretch out your hands, and another shall gird you, and carry you where you do not want to go. This he spoke, signifying by what death he should glorify God" (John 21, verses 18 and 19).

This was fulfilled in him, for shortly afterwards he and John, his fellow helper, were brought before the Jewish council in Jerusalem, and severely threatened, that they should stop preaching in the name of Jesus; to which they both boldly replied, "Whether it be right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, judge for yourselves" (Acts 4, verse 19).

Afterwards he was arrested again, together with the other apostles, but by night was miraculously delivered out of prison by an angel. Acts 5, verse 19.

After that he was not only arrested, but, together with the other apostles, scourged and commanded that they should absolutely not preach in the name of the Lord Jesus; but they went away from the Council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. Acts 5, verses 40 to 42.

Afterwards King Herod stretched out his hands to trouble certain members of the church. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. And when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he went further and arrested Peter also, and put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers, intending after Easter to bring him out to the people. [n107-3] But in the night the angel of the Lord led him out, through the midst of the soldiers, so that he returned to the believers, who rejoiced greatly on account of him. Acts 12, verse 1.

Finally there was fulfilled, according to the testimony of history, the prediction of Christ that he should glorify God by his death; for while he was at Rome, he was sentenced by the Emperor Nero to be crucified. But, considering himself unworthy to be crucified with his head upward, like his Savior, he asked to be crucified with his head downward; which he easily obtained, for the tyrants were at once willing and ready to increase his pain.

This happened, as is stated, after Peter had preached the Gospel for thirty-seven years, and when he was seventy years old.* Eusebius, book 2, chapter 25, and book 3, chapter 2, from the writings of Origen. Egesippus, History of the miserable Destruction of the City of Jerusalem, book 3, chapter 2. [n107-4] Also, Konsttooneel van veertig heerlijke afbeeldingen Christi en sijner Apostelen, by N. D. C., printed in the year 1609, in the Life of Peter. Also, W. Baudart, Apophthegmata Christiana, book 1, super Petrum, from Jerome, De Viris Illustribus. Johan. Strac., in Festo Joh. Evang. Ambr. ad Aux. [n107-5]