Peter the Apostolic Everyman
By Meg Hurdman, Family Minister
“And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” Matthew 16:18
In April we will be looking at Easter through the eyes of Peter, often referred to as the apostolic everyman, because ordinary people can relate to his words and his actions.
Jesus had many disciples, certainly hundreds, and probably thousands. The word disciple means “one who learns” so that word still applies to us today. But Jesus selected 12 to become his inner circle so they would be prepared to become leaders in the early church. Later, they were called apostles, which means “those who are sent,” and indeed they were sent into the world to spread the good news.
Within the circle of 12, there was an even smaller circle that included Peter, James and John. We do not know much about the disciples, but we know a little about Peter. His birth name was Simon. He was renamed Peter
“rock” by Jesus. Peter was a fisherman from Galilee. He was married and lived in Capernaum. He owned a boat which Jesus used. He became the spokesman of the group but often opened his mouth before thinking. He exhibited a range of emotions that endear him to ordinary people. He was usually enthusiastic and passionate, but sometimes he waffled. He was capable of great love and extremely dedicated to Jesus.
However, on the night of the trial, Peter denied ever knowing Jesus, which Jesus had predicted. Then Peter remembered the words Jesus had spoken: “Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly. (Matthew 26:75). Why did Peter deny Jesus?
Have you been afraid to support a friend? Have you ever been fearful of doing what is right in the face of opposition?
When Peter realized what he had done, he was filled with shame and remorse. But the wonderful part of this story is that Peter was later forgiven by Jesus. The symbol of the rooster reminds us not to deny Jesus, which is why we have one on top of our church building.
Peter eventually became a leader in the early church. He was martyred in Rome by the emperor Nero about 64 CE. Peter is mentioned 109 times in the four Gospels, and he is likely the source of information behind Mark’s Gospel.