St. Peter's true and original name was Simon, sometimes occurring in the form Symeon. (Acts 15:14; 2 Peter 1:1). He was the son of Jona (Johannes) and was born in Bethsaida (John 1:42, 44), a town on Lake Genesareth, the position of which cannot be established with certainty, although it is usually sought at the northern end of the lake. The Apostle Andrew was his brother, and the Apostle Philip came from the same town.
Simon settled in Capharnaum, where he was living with his mother-in-law in his own house (Matthew 8:14; Luke 4:38) at the beginning of Christ's public ministry (about A.D. 26-28). Simon was thus married, and, according to Clement of Alexandria (Stromata, III, vi, ed. Dindorf, II, 276), had children. The same writer relates the tradition that Peter's wife suffered martyrdom (ibid., VII, xi ed. cit., III, 306). Concerning these facts, adopted by Eusebius (Church History III.31) from Clement, the ancient Christian literature which has come down to us is silent. Simon pursued in Capharnaum the profitable occupation of fisherman in Lake Genesareth, possessing his own boat (Luke 5:3).
Like so many of his Jewish contemporaries, he was attracted by the Baptist's preaching of penance and was, with his brother Andrew, among John's associates in Bethania on the eastern bank of the Jordan. When, after the High Council had sent envoys for the second time to the Baptist, the latter pointed to Jesus who was passing, saying, "Behold the Lamb of God", Andrew and another disciple followed the Saviour to his residence and remained with Him one day.
Later, meeting his brother Simon, Andrew said "We have found the Messias", and brought him to Jesus, who, looking upon him, said: "Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is interpreted Peter". Already, at this first meeting, the Saviour foretold the change of Simon's name to Cephas (Kephas; Aramaic Kipha, rock), which is translated Petros (Latin, Petrus) a proof that Christ had already special views with regard to Simon. Later, probably at the time of his definitive call to the Apostolate with the eleven other Apostles, Jesus actually gave Simon the name of Cephas (Petrus), after which he was usually called Peter, especially by Christ on the solemn occasion after Peter's profession of faith (Matthew 16:18; cf. below). The Evangelists often combine the two names, while St. Paul uses the name Cephas.
After the first meeting Peter with the other early disciples remained with Jesus for some time, accompanying Him to Galilee (Marriage at Cana), Judaea, and Jerusalem, and through Samaria back to Galilee (John 2-4). Here Peter resumed his occupation of fisherman for a short time, but soon received the definitive call of the Saviour to become one of His permanent disciples. Peter and Andrew were engaged at their calling when Jesus met and addressed them: "Come ye after me, and I will make you to be fishers of men". On the same occasion the sons of Zebedee were called (Matthew 4:18-22; Mark 1:16-20; Luke 5:1-11; it is here assumed that Luke refers to the same occasion as the other Evangelists). Thenceforth Peter remained always in the immediate neighbourhood of Our Lord. After preaching the Sermon on the Mount and curing the son of the centurion in Capharnaum, Jesus came to Peter's house and cured his wife's mother, who was sick of a fever (Matthew 8:14-15; Mark 1:29-31). A little later Christ chose His Twelve Apostles as His constant associates in preaching the kingdom of God.
Among the Twelve Peter soon became conspicuous. Though of irresolute character, he clings with the greatest fidelity, firmness of faith, and inward love to the Saviour; rash alike in word and act, he is full of zeal and enthusiasm, though momentarily easily accessible to external influences and intimidated by difficulties. The more prominent the Apostles become in the Evangelical narrative, the more conspicuous does Peter appear as the first among them. In the list of the Twelve on the occasion of their solemn call to the Apostolate, not only does Peter stand always at their head, but the surname Petrus given him by Christ is especially emphasized (Matthew 10:2): "Duodecim autem Apostolorum nomina haec: Primus Simon qui dicitur Petrus. . ."; Mark 3:14-16: "Et fecit ut essent duodecim cum illo, et ut mitteret eos praedicare . . . et imposuit Simoni nomen Petrus"; Luke 6:13-14: "Et cum dies factus esset, vocavit discipulos suos, et elegit duodecim ex ipsis (quos et Apostolos nominavit): Simonem, quem cognominavit Petrum . . ." On various occasions Peter speaks in the name of the other Apostles (Matthew 15:15; 19:27; Luke 12:41, etc.). When Christ's words are addressed to all the Apostles, Peter answers in their name (e.g., Matthew 16:16). Frequently the Saviour turns specially to Peter (Matthew 26:40; Luke 22:31, etc.).
Very characteristic is the expression of true fidelity to Jesus, which Peter addressed to Him in the name of the other Apostles. Christ, after He had spoken of the mystery of the reception of His Body and Blood (John 6:22 sqq.) and many of His disciples had left Him, asked the Twelve if they too should leave Him; Peter's answer comes immediately: "Lord to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternallife. And we have believed and have known, that thou art the Holy One of God" (Vulgate "thou art the Christ, the Son of God"). Christ Himself unmistakably accords Peter a special precedence and the first place among the Apostles, and designates him for such on various occasions. Peter was one of the three Apostles (with James and John) who were with Christ on certain special occasions the raising of the daughter of Jairus from the dead (Mark 5:37; Luke 8:51); the Transfiguration of Christ (Matthew 17:1; Mark 9:1; Luke 9:28), the Agony in the Garden of Gethsemani (Matthew 26:37; Mark 14:33). On several occasions also Christ favoured him above all the others; He enters Peter's boat on Lake Genesareth to preach to the multitude on the shore (Luke 5:3); when He was miraculously walking upon the waters, He called Peter to come to Him across the lake (Matthew 14:28 sqq.); He sent him to the lake to catch the fish in whose mouth Peter found the stater to pay as tribute (Matthew 17:24 sqq.).
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Originally Posted by bbbbbbb
Okay, ladies and gentlemen, here is a new thread.
I am looking for only facts, not opinions, about Pope Peter I.
I will toss out a couple, as follow:
1. Peter never had the title of Pope given to him in his lifetime.
2. Peter was married.
The very term "pope" was not always used exclusively in reference to the Bishop of Rome. It was applied to other bishops until the 11th century, when Pope Gregory VII issued an order that the title Pope should be reserved for the successor to St. Peter.
__________________ All that I have read seems to me like so much straw compared to what I have seen and what has been revealed to me"!
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As I was praying for Poland, I heard the words: I bear a special love for Poland, and if she will be obedient to My will, I will exalt her in might and holiness. From her will come the spark To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
that will prepare the world for My final coming. (1732) Saint Faustina AD 1938
I am looking for only facts, not opinions, about Pope Peter I.
I will toss out a couple, as follow:
1. Peter never had the title of Pope given to him in his lifetime.
2. Peter was married.
Well, it's a fact that he was first Pope whether or not he used that monicker. But that fact is probably disqualified in this re-tread-thread by another name... Irony.
The very term "pope" was not always used exclusively in reference to the Bishop of Rome. It was applied to other bishops
Yes.
The term "Pope" was used especially for the Bishop of Rome and the Bishop of Alexandria.
I can tell that (being a cradle Catholic) it was a bit of a shock for me when I first read this paragraph from Pope John Paul II's Ut Unam Sint(emphasis added):
The return of fraternal relations with the Ancient Churches of the East witnesses to the Christian faith in situations which are often hostile and tragic. This is a concrete sign of how we are united in Christ in spite of historical, political, social and cultural barriers. And precisely in relation to Christology, we have been able to join the Patriarchs of some of these Churches in declaring our common faith in Jesus Christ, true God and true man. Pope Paul VI of venerable memory signed declarations to this effect with His Holiness Shenouda III, the Coptic Orthodox Pope and Patriarch, and with His Beatitude Jacoub III, the Syrian Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch. I myself have been able to confirm this Christological agreement and draw on it for the development of dialogue with Pope Shenouda, and for pastoral cooperation with the Syrian Patriarch of Antioch Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas.
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Agreed...Peter was no Pope, didn't think of himself as one, wasn't seen by any other people in his day as one, and had no idea of what a Pope might be.
But him being married or unmarried isn't in any way relevant to this subject.
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Originally Posted by bbbbbbb
Okay, ladies and gentlemen, here is a new thread.
I am looking for only facts, not opinions, about Pope Peter I.
I will toss out a couple, as follow:
1. Peter never had the title of Pope given to him in his lifetime.
2. Peter was married.
If you study some Roman history you will find in Leon I, Vol XI, col 637 that Emperors Theodosius and Valentinian III write about "the primacy of the Apostolic See made firm on account of the merits of Peter, Chief of the Corona of Bishops"
__________________ All that I have read seems to me like so much straw compared to what I have seen and what has been revealed to me"!
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As I was praying for Poland, I heard the words: I bear a special love for Poland, and if she will be obedient to My will, I will exalt her in might and holiness. From her will come the spark To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
that will prepare the world for My final coming. (1732) Saint Faustina AD 1938
Agreed...Peter was no Pope, didn't think of himself as one, wasn't seen by any other people in his day as one, and had no idea of what a Pope might be.
But him being married or unmarried isn't in any way relevant to this subject.
he did not see himself as a bishop of Rome? how odd
__________________ VIVA CRISTO REY
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