Meaning of the Name Peter
From the Greek 'petros', meaning 'stone, rock'. It is the Greek rendering of the Aramaic name Cephas (rock) that Jesus gave to Simon; John 1:42 explains the two names side by side.
Origin
The name Peter is of Greek (translation of the Aramaic Cephas) origin.
Who is Peter in the Bible?
Peter, a Galilean fisherman, becomes one of Jesus' first disciples and the spokesman of the Twelve. He denies Jesus three times, yet after the resurrection is restored to his task; it is he who preaches the first sermon at Pentecost.
The story of Peter in the Bible
Peter's original name is Simon, a fisherman on the Sea of Galilee. When his brother Andrew brings him to Jesus, Jesus gives him a new name: Cephas in Aramaic, Petros in Greek — the rock. He becomes the first-named and the spokesman of the Twelve: when Jesus asks who he is, Peter openly confesses him as the Messiah, the Son of the living God, and Jesus responds that on this rock he will build his church. Yet Peter's story is woven of falls as much as shining moments: he sinks when he tries to walk on water, and on the most critical night he denies Jesus three times and weeps bitterly. After the resurrection, by the lakeshore, Jesus asks him three times whether he loves him, healing three denials with three commissions: Peter is to feed his sheep. At Pentecost, Peter preaches the first sermon and thousands believe. Acts shows him leading the early church, and two New Testament letters bear his name. A fragile man becoming a rock is one of the gospel's most human stories.
Is Peter mentioned in the Quran?
The name Peter does not appear in the Quran, which speaks of Jesus' disciples collectively without naming them. In the Bible, Peter is Jesus' leading apostle in the Gospels and the book of Acts.
Verses where Peter appears
- John 1:42 —
He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him, and said, “You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas” (which is by interpretation, Peter).
- Matthew 16:16-18 —
Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. I also…
- John 21:15-17 —
So when they had eaten their breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I have affection for you.” He said to him, “Feed my…