Peter

BIBLE CHARACTER RESEARCH GUIDE

Peter in the Bible

Apostle of Jesus · Also called Simon and Cephas · Leading witness in Acts

Peter, originally named Simon, is one of Jesus’ twelve apostles and one of the most prominent disciples in the Gospels and Acts. Jesus gives him the name Peter, and the New Testament also uses the Aramaic form Cephas.

AT A GLANCE

Peter at a Glance

TestamentNew Testament
Nationality / PeopleJewish / Galilean
First AppearanceMatthew 4:18
Last Appearance2 Peter 1:18
Known ForFollowing Jesus as one of the Twelve, confessing Jesus as the Christ, denying Jesus during the arrest and trial, witnessing the risen Jesus, and serving as a leading apostolic witness in Acts.
PRIMARY PASSAGES

Key Bible Passages About Peter

KEY PASSAGE

Matthew 16:13–23

Peter confesses Jesus as the Christ and then objects to Jesus’ prediction of suffering.

Luke 22:31–34

Jesus warns Peter about coming testing and Peter’s denial.

KEY PASSAGE

Luke 22:54–62

Peter denies knowing Jesus three times and weeps after remembering Jesus’ words.

KEY PASSAGE

John 21:15–19

The risen Jesus questions Peter three times and commissions him to care for his sheep.

KEY PASSAGE

Acts 2:14–41

Peter addresses the crowd at Pentecost and calls hearers to respond.

KEY PASSAGE

Acts 10:1–48

Peter’s vision and visit to Cornelius become a major moment in the mission to Gentiles.

Galatians 2:7–14

Paul discusses Peter, also called Cephas, in relation to apostolic mission and the Antioch confrontation.

BIOGRAPHY

The Story of Peter

Peter is introduced as Simon, a fisherman and brother of Andrew. Jesus calls the brothers to follow him. Peter becomes one of the most visible disciples and often speaks for the group. He confesses Jesus as the Christ, appears with James and John at major moments, and witnesses the transfiguration.

During Jesus’ arrest and trial, Peter denies knowing him three times. The resurrection narratives restore Peter to a central place among the witnesses; John 21 includes Jesus’ threefold commission to Peter to care for his sheep. In Acts, Peter preaches at Pentecost, participates in healings and church leadership, and plays a decisive role in the Cornelius episode concerning Gentile inclusion.

WHERE TO READ

Where Does Peter Appear in the Bible?

Matthew 4–26MAJOR APPEARANCE

Peter follows Jesus, appears repeatedly among the disciples, confesses Jesus as Christ, witnesses key events, and struggles to understand Jesus’ mission.

Matthew 26MAJOR APPEARANCE

Peter promises loyalty, fails to remain watchful, follows after Jesus’ arrest, and denies him three times.

Mark 1–14MAJOR APPEARANCE

Mark presents Peter as a prominent disciple from his calling through the final night before the crucifixion.

Luke 5–22MAJOR APPEARANCE

Luke narrates Peter’s call, discipleship, confession, transfiguration experience, and denial.

Luke 24MAJOR APPEARANCE

Peter is named in the resurrection narrative and investigates the empty tomb.

John 1–21MAJOR APPEARANCE

John traces Peter from his introduction and naming through the passion, empty tomb, resurrection appearances, and final commission.

Acts 1–12MAJOR APPEARANCE

Peter is a leading apostolic witness in Jerusalem, Samaria-related developments, healings, the Cornelius episode, and persecution.

Acts 15MAJOR APPEARANCE

Peter speaks during the Jerusalem council discussion.

Galatians 1–2

Paul refers to Cephas/Peter in recounting early contacts and the Antioch confrontation.

1 Corinthians 1–15

Paul refers several times to Cephas, including in discussions of factions, apostolic rights, and resurrection witnesses.

BACKGROUND

Historical & Cultural Context

Peter’s background as a Galilean fisherman places him within the economic and social world around the Sea of Galilee. The Gospels and Acts also place him in synagogues, homes, the Jerusalem temple, courts, and interactions with both Jewish authorities and Roman-connected households.

READING THE TEXT

Literary Role

Peter often functions narratively as a representative disciple: he can voice recognition of Jesus’ identity, resist Jesus’ teaching, display boldness, fail under pressure, and later become a prominent witness. His portrayal therefore helps the Gospels and Acts explore discipleship as well as leadership.

WHY PETER MATTERS

Character & Significance

Peter is significant as a leading disciple whose story includes calling, insight, misunderstanding, failure, restoration, and public witness. Acts portrays him prominently in the earliest chapters of the Jerusalem church and in the expansion of the mission beyond its initial Jewish setting.

RELATIONSHIPS

Important People in Peter’s Life

Andrew

Brother and fellow apostle

Andrew is Peter’s brother and is called alongside him in the Synoptic Gospels.

Jesus

Teacher and Lord

Peter follows Jesus, confesses him as Christ, denies him, and is restored and commissioned after the resurrection.

John the Apostle

Fellow apostle

John appears with Peter in the Gospels and in early Acts.

Paul

Fellow apostle

Paul meets Peter/Cephas and later recounts confronting him at Antioch.

Cornelius

Gentile centurion

Peter visits Cornelius after a vision, a major episode in Acts 10.

TIMELINE

The Life and Story of Peter

Transfiguration

Matthew 17:1–8

Peter witnesses Jesus’ transfiguration with James and John.

Resurrection Witness and Commission

John 20–21

Peter sees the empty tomb and later receives a pastoral commission from the risen Jesus.

Pentecost

Acts 2

Peter publicly proclaims Jesus to the Jerusalem crowd.

Cornelius

Acts 10

Peter enters a Gentile household and witnesses the Holy Spirit given there.

Jerusalem Council

Acts 15

Peter speaks in the church’s deliberation concerning Gentile believers.

FOR STUDENTS

Research Questions About Peter

How does Peter change across the Gospels and Acts?

Compare his calling, confession, misunderstandings, denial, restoration, and public leadership.

Why are the names Simon, Peter, and Cephas all used?

Track the naming scenes and note that Peter is Greek while Cephas reflects an Aramaic form.

What is Peter’s role in Acts?

Focus on Acts 1–12 and 15, noting preaching, healing, leadership, persecution, and the Cornelius episode.

What happened between Peter and Paul at Antioch?

Read Galatians 2:11–14 in Paul’s argument and distinguish Paul’s account from later reconstructions.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Frequently Asked Questions About Peter

Who was Peter in the Bible?

Peter was one of Jesus’ twelve apostles and a leading disciple in the Gospels and early Acts.

Was Peter also called Simon?

Yes. The New Testament frequently calls him Simon or Simon Peter.

Is Cephas the same person as Peter?

Yes. Cephas is an Aramaic name used for Peter in several New Testament passages.

Did Peter deny Jesus?

Yes. The Gospels record Peter denying Jesus three times during the events leading to the crucifixion.

What did Peter do at Pentecost?

Acts 2 presents Peter delivering a major public speech about Jesus and calling the crowd to respond.

What happened with Peter and Cornelius?

Acts 10 records Peter visiting the Gentile centurion Cornelius after a vision and witnessing the Holy Spirit come upon the household.

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“Peter: Life, Story, Bible Verses & Significance.” BibleVerses.com, https://www.bibleverses.com/bible/people/peter/. Accessed September 30, 2026.
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