The Twelve Disciples of Jesus Christ ( Part 2 )

Simon Peter

Simon Peter was the brother of Andrew. His Fathers name was Jonas. Peter was called Simon until Jesus Christ changed his name to Cephas or Peter, which means rock or "a stone" (John 1:42) He was married ( Matt 8:14, Mark 1:30) and had three children. He lived at Bethsaida, near Capernaum. His brother Andrew and his mother-in-law lived with him. Both Simon Peter and Andrew were fisher partners with James and John the sons of Zebedee. Simon Peter was a very impulsive person. He asked a lot of questions, perhaps more than all the rest of the disciples.
Simon Peter was around thirty years old when Jesus Christ called him to ministry. He was casting nets with his brother Andrew, when Jesus Christ saw him and called him to be "fishers of men" (Matt 4:18-19, Mark 1:16-17) In all the lists in the Bible Simon Peter is named first. Simon Peter was also the first besides Judas Iscariot to deny Jesus Christ. (Matt 26:69-75, Mark 14:66-72, Luke 22:54-62) He was also the first to acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord. (Matt 16:14-16) Simon Peter was the first to come to the tomb after Jesus Christ resurrection. Through these experiences in his life he learned to be the man that God wanted him to be.
Simon Peter was crucified in Rome. It is traditionally said that he was hung upside down. Because he felt that he was unworthy to be crucified like his Lord. On the same day that Simon Peter was crucified his wife was thrown to the wild beasts in a arena at Rome.