Simon Peter
Carousel of images for this Bible Exhibit
The Baptism of Jesus
Jesus’ baptism is depicted in the 19th-century painting. John the Baptist is wearing traditional robes made of camel hair, pouring water over Jesus, who stands before him. The dove from heaven has descended on Jesus, representing the Holy Spirit's presence.
The Spirit Descending on Jesus
This painting from 1895 shows John the Baptist pouring water over Jesus, whose head is illuminated, representing his divine nature. The Holy Spirit, represented by the dove, is descending on Jesus.
The Baptism of Christ
This Renaissance painting from 1591 imagines the scene at the Jordan River where John the Baptizer is pouring water over Jesus as the dove descends from God the Father, pictured in the clouds.
The Baptism of Christ
This Baroque period painting from 1622-1623 imagines the scene of John pouring water over Jesus while the Spirit descends in the form of a dove.
The Baptism of Christ
This 19th-century painting depicts God’s light shining down on Jesus as he rises up out of the water.
Bethany Beyond the Jordan
The baptism site known as “Bethany Beyond the Jordan” ruins on the eastern side of the Jordan River across from Jericho. This location has been preserved as the place where John the Baptist baptized Jesus.
The Baptism Site of Jesus
This is a side view of Jesus’ baptism site, known as “Bethany Beyond the Jordan,” on the eastern side of the Jordan River, across from Jericho.
The Modern Jordan River
This picture is of the modern Jordan River near the traditional baptismal site. In Jesus' day, the river would have been significantly wider with a greater water flow.
A Monument Marking Jesus’ Baptism
A cross marking the area of Jesus' baptism site overlooking the Jordan River.
St. John The Baptist Greek Orthodox Church
This is one of several churches or chapels rebuilt in this area, marking Jesus’ baptism.
Listen to this Bible Exhibit
Peter was one of Jesus’ twelve disciples who became their outspoken leader during Jesus’ ministry. Originally known as Simon, Jesus gave him the name Peter or Cephas in Aramaic, meaning ‘rock’ Mark 3:16, Luke 6:14, John 1:42. Like his dad John, Peter and his brother Andrew were fishermen from Bethsaida John 1:44.
While living in Capernaum, Peter and Andrew were the first disciples called by Jesus, immediately leaving everything to follow him and become a fisher of men. Peter, along with James and John, became Jesus’ close inner circle and witnessed some exclusive events, including their master’s Transfiguration Matthew 17:1–8, Mark 9:2–8, Luke 9:28–36. As a married man, Peter experienced Jesus’ healing within his own family, and his home in Capernaum may have served as the Galilean headquarters for Jesus’ ministry Matthew 8:14-15, Mark 1:29-31. Through divine revelation, Peter correctly identified Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God, and in turn would play a prominent role in establishing the church Matthew 16:13-20.
Peter was one of Jesus’ most outspoken and passionate followers, though at times, that enthusiasm was misplaced and needed a word of correction from Jesus Matthew 16:21–23, Matthew 19:27–30. This was most profoundly illustrated in the events leading to Jesus’ crucifixion when Peter fell asleep during prayer in the garden Matthew 26:36–46, Mark 14:32–42 and then denied knowing Jesus three times at his trial Matthew 26:31–35. However, after Jesus’ resurrection, he graciously restored the fallen disciple three times, calling him to “feed my sheep” John 21:15-17.
Boldly proclaiming the message at Pentecost with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit Acts 2:14–40, Peter obediently embraced God’s call to expand the gospel’s reach to the Gentiles Acts 10:1–48. He was arrested and imprisoned multiple times for preaching in the name of Jesus but remained faithful Acts 12:1–19. Peter built a relationship and ultimately supported the ministry of the Apostle Paul, even while serving as one of the pillars of the Jerusalem church Galatians 2:8-9.
Peter wrote the two New Testament letters that bear his name, which were meant to encourage the suffering church in Asia Minor. These letters are believed to have been penned from Rome, where he eventually died a martyr under Nero around AD 67. While scripture does not record Peter’s death, the first-century writing of First Clement recounts Peter’s martyrdom. Later details from Origen recorded by the church historian Eusebius state that Peter, when facing Roman crucifixion, requested to be crucified upside down because he was not worthy to die in the same manner as his Lord.
