Simon? or is it Peter? The Rock (not Dwayne Johnson)

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!  Jesu Jevu!

   Well we have read about the apostles: Andrew, Bartholomew, James (Elder), James (Lesser), John, Judas, Jude, Matthew - now what about Peter?

    First, who is Peter?  His original name was Simon (meaning "hearer") and he lived in Bethsaida and Capernaum.  He is the son of Jonah or John and he was married. He resided mainly in Capernaum, of where Jesus did teach and minister and probably stayed with Peter when there (speculation). Simon was a fisherman and a Galilean.

   It was said of the Galilean's of this time that they were quick tempered, yet very chivalrous men.  They were more anxious for honor than for gain; impulsive, emotional, easily aroused by adventure, and loyal to the end.

   Simon ( his Greek name), in Hebrew, his name was Cephas (1 Corinthians 1:12; 3:22; 9:5 and Galatians 2:9). The Greek meaning of Simon is rock. The Arabic meaning of Cephas is also rock.

    Of the 12 Apostles, Peter did tend to be the leader and stand out.  You see this in some of Paul's writings as well. Simon and Andrew were brothers and were partners with John and James.  He was not a poor man living in a shack by the sea, but had a rather large house with his mother-in-law and did entertain Jesus and the disciples in his home. Simon, or Peter - was probably between 30-40 when Jesus called him to ministry.

    The interesting thing here is Peter (Simon) and his brother Andrew were being prepared for their call by God prior to Jesus.  How?  They were followers of John the Baptist, UNTIL, the LORD Jesus Christ called them. How cool is that?!?

     They did not become disciples on Jesus' first calling, During the first calling, Peter and the other disciples just thought the LORD was their teacher, BUT, on the second calling, Mark3:13-19, they were called into service as Jesus' apostles.  Please read this account slowly and absorb what it is really saying.  Jesus picked 12, and Simon he surnamed Peter (the Rock).

   Peter was one of the first to:  who asked how often he must forgive.
                                                  inquired about the reward for all of those who follow Jesus,
                                                  confessed Jesus and declared Him as the Son of the Living God,

                                                  Mount of Transfiguration (if you are not sure of what this is, click the link)
                                                  saw Jairus' daughter raised to life,
                                                  who denied Christ before a maiden,

                                                  be told "get thee behind me Satan" (Matthew 16:22-24)

     However, He was an Apostle and a missionary who laid down his life for his Lord. He was loyal to the end and was martyred by crucifixion. He requested to be crucified upside down as he said he was not worthy to die as his LORD had died.

   Peter, the Rock, was a loyalist to Jesus Christ and did make errors in his zeal. However, the was a leader and trust worthy man of God. May we all have his zeal and commitment.  Love you all.

Deo Soli Gloria

Johnny