In our last articles we introduced Simon Peter who was the most prominent of the 12 disciples. We saw the significant role he played in the gospels, and how, after denying Jesus, he was later restored by him following the resurrection. In this article we will look at the part Peter played after Jesus had ascended into heaven. In fact the first half of the book of Acts predominantly follows the life of Peter.
Following the ascension, it was Peter who led the remaining disciples. The first thing he oversaw was the appointment of a replacement for Judas Iscariot. Then when the feast of Pentecost came he, and those gathered with him, were filled with the Holy Spirit and with power. Peter then stood up amongst the eleven and preached a sermon to those gathered in Jerusalem for the feast. Peter unpacked the gospel in light of the recent events that all had witnessed. Such was the force of Peter’s message that about 3,000 people responded. The disciples proceeded to baptise them and the church of Jerusalem was born. Following this a community was formed where the apostles discipled the new believers where people cared for one another and there was no unmet need.
Peter became the defacto leader of the early church and God would use him mightily. An early event occurred when Peter and John entered the temple by the gate called beautiful. Seeing a man in his forties, who had been lame since birth, Peter healed him in the sight of all. This led to Peter preaching to the crowd and resulted in the two of them being arrested by the Jewish leaders. The two were later interrogated but refused to deny the name of Jesus. The authorities were shocked as they were uneducated men but realised they had been with Jesus. Out of fear for the crowd Peter and John were let go. At this point the church grew to over 5,000 and continued in fellowship.
As time went on God did extraordinary miracles through Peter, even healing people by his shadow. Peter and the apostles would again be imprisoned and beaten by the authorities before being set free. Rather than being discouraged they were all the more bold. Later following the stoning of Stephen the church of Jerusalem was scattered and in the process spread the gospel wherever they went. This resulted in the gospel being preached in Samaria. Peter and John were then sent to Samaria that they might receive the Holy Spirit.
Later Peter travelled through the country preaching the gospel in Lydda and Sharon. It was here Peter healed Aeneas a man bedridden for 8 years. Next in nearby Joppa a woman Tabitha (also Dorcas) died. Hearing that Peter was nearby the disciples sent for Peter. Peter came and following the example of Jesus called to Tabitha raised her from the dead.
Significantly for the church Peter was involved in the gospel going to the Gentiles. A Roman Centurion Cornelius, who resided in Caesarea, was a god fearing man. He had an angelic vision where he was instructed to call for Peter who resided in Joppa. Peter after himself receiving a vision came to Cornelius and shared the gospel with his household. As he preached the forgiveness the Holy Spirit fell upon them. Peter recognising salvation was also for the gentiles proceeded to baptise them. Back in Jerusalem Peter explained what happened to the church. They accepted that God had granted the Gentiles repentance to eternal life.
In 44AD following the death of James the son of Zebedee, Herod Agrippa had Peter arrested with the aim of having him executed. Though in chains and surrounded by soldiers, an angel of the Lord miraculously freed him and led him out. After finding the disciples and explaining what had happened, Peter departed for Caesarea. From here Peter almost passes out of the narrative of Acts but bits can be pieced together from the New Testament. Peter would spend some time in Antioch where he would be confronted by Paul over him withdrawing from associating with Gentiles (Galatians 2:11-14). Peter would repent of this and in 50AD at the council of Jerusalem, Peter would side with Paul recounting the story of Cornelius. The Church of Jerusalem then officially accepted that Gentiles did not need to become Jews in order to be a part of the Church.
From here Peter seems to go off the grid but likely travelled and continued spreading the gospel. The people of Corinth seem to know of Peter and that he travelled with his wife (1 Corinthians 1:12, 3:22, 9:5, 15:5). It is possible that Peter had visited Corinth although he may simply have been known by reputation.
On his eventual way to Rome Peter possibly passed through the areas of Cappadocia, Northern Galatia, Pontus, Bithynia and Asia Minor. When Peter is living in Rome he writes 1 Peter which is addressed to these communities. It is likely that Peter was responsible for bringing the gospel to these areas and interestingly these were areas that the Holy Spirit forbid Paul from going into (Acts 16:6-7). When Peter arrived in Rome isn’t clear though it was likely after Paul. Peter isn’t mentioned in Paul’s letter to the Romans in 57AD nor when Paul arrived in 60AD.
In Rome Peter preached the gospel and strengthened the church. A disciples of Peter was John Mark who would write the gospel of Mark based on the testimony of Peter. Peter was present in 64AD when the great fire of Rome broke out with Nero blaming the Christian community. It was around this time that Peter wrote 2 Peter in full awareness of his coming death. In the Neronian persecution, Peter would be arrested by the Romans and martyred for his faith. Peter was crucified on Vatican Hill outside the city where he was subsequently buried. Jesus himself had already indicated the manner in which Peter would die, and Peter was happy to embrace his fate (John 21:18-19). In doing so he fulfilled, albeit late, his commitment to Jesus that he would die for him.
Peter’s ministry was essential for shaping the early Christian church. Having been restored by Jesus he took seriously his commission. Though not perfect, and still prone to mistakes, Peter was faithful to the call of God. He preached mightily, was used to do great miracles, stood up to rulers and authorities and was responsible for thousands coming to Christ. Ultimately he followed Jesus to the end giving his life for the one who had given his life for him. The site of Peter’s burial was Vatican Hill a place that would be revered by Christians. Later the Emperor Constantine, who converted to Christianity, would build St Peter’s Basilica on the very site.