Peter-From Fisherman to Dynamic Apostle

Peter is identified by five names in the Bible. He is known as Symeon in Hebrew and its Greek equivalent, Simon, and as Peter and its Semitic equivalent, Cephas. The apostle is also identified as Simon Peter, a combination of two names. Peter was married and shared his home with his mother-in-law and brother. He was a fisherman from Bethsaida, a town on the north side of the Sea of Galilee. He later lived nearby in Capernaum. It was Peter’s boat that Jesus sat in addressing a multitude that gathered on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. Immediately afterward, at Jesus’ direction, Peter hauled in a miraculous catch of fish. Peter fell to his knees in fear, but Jesus said to him “Stop being afraid. From now on you will be catching men alive.”
Peter fished with his brother Andrew, as well as with James and John. All four abandoned their fishing business when they accepted Jesus’ invitation to become his followers. About a year later, Peter was among the 12 whom Jesus chose to be his “apostles” meaning sent-forth ones. Jesus selected Peter, James, and John to accompany him on special occasions. They witnessed Jesus’ transfiguration and saw him resurrect Jairus’ daughter.
Peter was forthright, dynamic, and sometimes impulsive. It seems that he often spoke up before his fellows did. The Gospels record his words more often than those of the other 11 apostles combined. Peter raised questions while the others remained silent. He was the one who objected to Jesus’ washing his feet and then, on being provoked, asked Jesus to wash also his hands and head. Strong feelings moved Peter to try to persuade Jesus that he would not have to suffer and be killed. During Jesus’ trial night on earth, Peter declared that even though all the other apostles might abandon Jesus, he never would. When Jesus’ enemies arrested him, courage moved Peter to defend Jesus with the sword and later to follow him right into the courtyard of the high priest. However, not long afterward, Peter denied his Master three times and then wept when he