Peter, the disciple

The son of Jonas or John, he was called Simon until Jesus Christ gave him the name Peter meaning “rock”.

Peter's background and family

He lived in Capernaum

Matthew 8:14 parallels Mark 1:29, Luke 4:38; John 1:44 He originally came from Bethsaida.

He was a fisherman by trade

Luke 5:10

Peter as Jesus Christ's disciple

He was called by Jesus Christ

Matthew 4:18–20 parallel Mark 1:16–20; Luke 5:10; John 1:40–42

He witnessed Jesus Christ perform many miracles

Matthew 8:14–15 parallels Mark 1:30–31, Luke 4:38–39; Matthew 17:24–27; Luke 5:4–8; John 21:2–6

He was chosen to be with Jesus Christ on certain occasions

Matthew 17:1–2 parallels Mark 9:2, Luke 9:28–29 at the transfiguration of Jesus Christ; Matthew 26:36–37 parallel Mark 14:32–33 in the Garden of Gethsemane; Mark 5:37 parallel Luke 8:51

He sometimes acted as spokesman for the other disciples

He asked Jesus Christ to teach them: Matthew 15:15, Matthew 18:21; Matthew 16:15–16 parallels Mark 8:29, Luke 9:20; John 6:69; Matthew 17:4 parallels Mark 9:5, Luke 9:33 He asked Jesus Christ to prolong the transfiguration experience; Matthew 19:27 parallels Mark 10:28, Luke 18:28; Mark 1:36–37; Luke 5:4–5; John 6:68

His impetuous nature interacted with his devotion to Jesus Christ

Matthew 14:28–29 He wanted to walk to Jesus Christ on the water; Matthew 16:22 parallel Mark 8:32 He tried to prevent Jesus Christ from going to his death; Matthew 26:35 parallels Mark 14:31, Luke 22:33, John 13:37 He vowed that he was willing to die for Jesus Christ; John 13:6–8, John 18:10

He was the subject of both special commendation and rebuke

Matthew 16:17–19 He was commended for his confession of faith in Jesus Christ; Matthew 16:23 parallel Mark 8:33 He was rebuked for his opposition to Jesus Christ's prediction of his suffering; Matthew 26:34 parallels Mark 14:30, Luke 22:34, John 13:38 He was warned that he would disown Jesus Christ; Matthew 26:40–41 parallel Mark 14:37–38 He was rebuked for falling asleep in the Garden of Gethsemane; John 18:10–11, John 21:20–22

Peter's denial of Jesus Christ and his reinstatement

He denied that he knew Jesus Christ

Matthew 26:69–74 parallels Mark 14:66–71, Luke 22:54–60, John 18:15–18, John 18:25–27

He repented of his denial

Matthew 26:75 parallels Mark 14:72, Luke 22:61–62

The risen Christ appeared to him on his own

Luke 24:33–34; 1 Corinthians 15:4–5

He was reinstated by Jesus Christ in front of other disciples

John 21:15–17