St. Peter the Apostle’s Glorification | تمجيد القديس بطرس الرسول

Summary on the Relationship of the Apostle Peter with the Church of Rome

Church tradition, both Eastern and Western, almost unanimously agrees that the Apostle Peter was martyred in Rome around 67 A.D., during the reign of Nero. Many historians mention that he was first arrested elsewhere as a leader of the Christians and was brought to Rome for trial, similar to what happened with Saint Ignatius, the martyr bishop of Antioch, who was brought from Antioch to Rome to face the beasts in 107 A.D. This aligns with the account of Eusebius, citing Origen, who said about Peter: “And when he finally came to Rome, he was crucified with his head down.”

Saint Peter:
He is Simon son of Jonah, whose name means “rock” or “stone.” He was born in the village of Bethsaida on the Sea of Galilee a few years before Christ’s birth, possibly around ten years prior. He worked as a fisherman, like many in his village, and probably, along with his brother Andrew, was a disciple of John the Baptist. His first encounter with Jesus came after Andrew informed him—following John’s guidance—“We have found the Messiah” and brought him to Christ. In that meeting, Jesus said to him: “You are Simon son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas (Peter)” (John 1:35-42).

Peter’s call to discipleship followed the miracle of the great catch of fish, when Jesus reassured him, saying: “Do not be afraid; from now on you will catch men.” Upon landing, he left everything and followed Jesus along with his brother and the sons of Zebedee (Luke 5:1-11). Jesus honored him with apostleship, naming him “Peter.”

Peter was one of the two disciples sent to prepare the Passover, one of the three who witnessed the raising of Jairus’ daughter, the Transfiguration on Mount Tabor, and Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane, and one of the four who heard His prophecy about the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple. He had deep love for his Master but was impulsive and rash. He was the first to confess Christ’s divinity and the first to preach about Him on the Day of Pentecost. Yet in his zeal, he tried to prevent Christ’s death (Mark 8:31-33), and when Jesus foretold his triple denial before the rooster crowed, Peter confidently said he would die with Him rather than deny Him. At Jesus’ arrest, Peter drew his sword to defend Him, showing his need for a humbling experience to recognize his weakness.

Peter denied his Master, but he quickly repented, wept bitterly, and visited the tomb early on the day of the Resurrection. The Lord accepted his repentance, appearing to him on the Sea of Tiberias, addressing him by his original name: “Simon son of Jonah, do you love Me?” He repeated this three times, reminding Peter of his triple denial and restoring him to apostolic rank with the command: “Feed My sheep.”

After the foundation of the Church on the Day of Pentecost, Peter ministered primarily to the Jews in Judea, Galilee, and Samaria. The Lord confirmed His work through miracles: healing the lame at the Beautiful Gate (Acts 3), curing Aeneas in Lydda, and raising Tabitha from the dead in Joppa (Acts 9). He also opened the door of faith to the Gentiles through Cornelius, the centurion, following a vision (Acts 10).

Despite opposition from Jerusalem Jews over the inclusion of Gentiles, Peter explained: “In truth, I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation, whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him” (Acts 10:34-35). Nevertheless, his primary ministry remained preaching to the Jews (Galatians 2:7-9). Peter’s role in the early Church was significant, and Paul mentioned him alongside James and John as pillars of the Church. He traveled widely to spread the Gospel in various regions, including Antioch, Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Bithynia, and parts of Asia Minor. Accounts of Peter preaching in Greece, Egypt, Rome, and elsewhere likely come from Jewish-Christian traditions aiming to depict him as the apostle to the whole world.

It is almost certain that Saint Peter ended his life in Rome, being sentenced to death by crucifixion during Nero’s reign. His trip to Rome occurred shortly before his martyrdom, as confirmed by the Church Fathers, early teachers, and historical timelines. Contrary to Catholic claims, he did not found the Church of Rome nor serve as its first bishop for twenty-five years. His journey there was likely a prelude to his martyrdom or to confront Simon the Magician in Samaria, as some apocryphal texts suggest.

Regarding Christ’s words: When He asked His disciples about the belief of the people, Peter confessed His divinity: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Christ replied: “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build My Church” (Matthew 16:13-18). The misunderstanding arises from the association of “Peter” with “rock.” “Peter” is Greek, “Cephas” is Aramaic, and “Safa” is Arabic. All three names refer to the same person but in different languages. “Petros” (Peter) is masculine and means a stone cut from a rock, whereas “Petra” (rock) is feminine.

Christ did not found His Church on Peter personally, but on the faith confessed: “Jesus Christ is the Son of the living God.” Peter, like the other apostles, was a foundational stone of the Church. As John stated in Revelation, “The wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.” Paul also writes: “Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone” (Ephesians 2:20) and “For no one can lay any foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:11). Augustine, in his tenth sermon on the interpretation of 1 John, supports this understanding.