Peter the Apostle

Peter the Apostle (died c.66 CE) was an apostle who was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus. He wrote two epistles in the New Testament, 1 and 2 Peter. According to tradition, he was martyred in Rome under Emperor Nero, crucified upside down, reflecting his deep commitment to his faith and mission.

Being originally named Simon, Peter was one of Jesus Christ’s closest disciples and a key figure in the early Christian church. He was a fisherman by trade before being called by Jesus to become a "fisher of men," a pivotal moment that marked the beginning of his leadership in spreading Christ's message. Peter is often depicted as a passionate and impulsive character, exemplified by his bold declaration of Jesus as the Messiah and his subsequent denial of Christ during the Passion. Despite his flaws, Peter was chosen by Jesus to have a crucial role in establishing and guiding the early Christian community.

Peter's influence extended beyond the Gospels into the formative years of the church. After Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, Peter emerged as a prominent leader, delivering powerful sermons and performing miracles, which helped to expand the Christian movement. His leadership is highlighted in the Acts of the Apostles, where he plays a central role in pivotal events such as the conversion of Cornelius, which signifies the opening of the church to Gentiles.