Peter's Ascetic Message Of Celibacy

Peter, one of the most important disciples in the Gospels of Matthew and Mark, is portrayed as Jesus’ acquaintance and pupil; as well as one of Jesus’ most important followers. Both of the Gospels seem to portray Peter in similar ways, yet they draw different images of the disciple. In the Gospel of Matthew, Peter has a much larger appearance in the teachings of Jesus and becomes more significant to Jesus throughout the Christian doctrine. However, in Mark, the author portrays Peter as a much lesser character in the life of Jesus and even leaves Peter out of some of the stories till the end of the book. Each Gospel portrays a slightly different picture of Peter’s personality and role.

The stories of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection in the gospels Mark and Peter differ greatly. Each author has his own plot, descriptive language, audience and characterization of Jesus. What we know about Jesus and how he is portrayed changes between the gospels. For example, the Gospel of Mark uses many Jewish references and makes parallels to the Old Testament which was most likely for the benefit of a Jewish audience. Also, the Jesus in Mark’s gospel is characterized to be more divine, befitting the expectations of the Jewish community. However, The Gospel of Peter seems to entertain both a pagan and Jewish audience, using language that either group could relate to. The Jesus of Peter is oddly portrayed and is more akin to what we

Yet only in Matthew does Peter have a role in the story. Upon seeing Jesus on the water, he calls out, "'Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water'"(Mt. 14.28). He almost succeeds, yet he suddenly gives in to fear and begins sinking. Jesus scolds him by saying, " 'You of little faith, why do you doubt?'"(14.31). This draws a strange picture of Peter. He no longer simply listens to Jesus, but tries to become actively involved in his teacher's lessons. This idea is again shown in Matthew 15.15. After the parable of the blind leading the blind, Peter asks, " "Explain this parable to us." Jesus replies with a rather impatient remark, but dives a little further into the meaning. He often comes to Jesus with questions throughout Matthew and these questions always ask for clear definitions of stories or truths about some spiritual detail. Many times Jesus snaps a little at him, but Peter obviously is not swayed by any impatience his teacher bestows. This seems to paint a closer relationship between the two men, where Peter is not afraid of Jesus and Jesus is not simply polite to Peter, as teachers tend to be. Jesus' obvious favoritism of Peter, shown in the transfiguration and throughout the gospel, leads one to believe that the two are indeed close friends with trust and mutual respect, which allows them to be freer with their words to one another. Friends tend to be less polite and more open with

• Writes about Christ suffering extreme penalty during the reign of Tiberius at the hands of Pontius Pilatus. Refers to an immense multitude of Christ followers willing to die for their beliefs. Pg. 82

He [Simon Magus] undertook a great journey from the East across the sea and fled to the West, thinking that this was the only way for him to live according to his mind. Entering the city of Rome, by the cooperation of that malignant spirit which had fixed its seat there, his attempts were soon so far successful as to be honored as a god with the erection of a statue by the inhabitants of that city. This, however, did not continue long; immediately under the reign of Claudius, by the benign and gracious providence of God, Peter, that powerful and great apostle, who by his courage took the lead of all the rest, was conducted to Rome against this pest of mankind. He, like a noble commander of God fortified with the divine armor, bore the precious merchandise of the revealed light from the East to those in the West, announcing the light itself and salutary doctrine of the soul the proclamation of the kingdom of God.

According to the Bible, after Jesus was arrested by religious leaders, the apostles, his closest followers, fled his side. The apostle Peter was later recognized as one of Jesus' companions by the people who helped arrest him. Peter, however, denied even knowing Jesus three times. Peter believed that, should he remain faithful, he would be granted eternal life by God, and he knew that denying Jesus was a grave sin. However, his fear of his accusers caused him to err, and to stray from what he believed to be right. Today, many of us have been told to "do what you believe is right, no matter what the cost." However, human weakness often causes one to falter, as Peter did, in an attempt to protect oneself. While many people advise others with

St. Peter not only set his foot within the heart of Rome, but he was granted the right to step his foot anywhere he pleased when spreading the word, it is our land because we devote ourselves—and like He has appointed St. Peter, he has appointed us to continue the work of the disciple: “…so also they have regarded the others who after him have been elected to the pontificate, and so has it been continued even till now, and will continue till the end of the world” (par. 3)

In Jesus of Nazareth, Paula Fredriksen seeks to answer one pressing question about the historical Jesus: Why was Jesus crucified? Through an exploration of written sources, including the Gospels, Paul’s letters, works by pagan authors, works by Jewish authors like Josephus, and Second Temple Judaism sources, as well as archeological evidence, Fredriksen attempts to pull different understandings of Jesus, the society in which he lives, and the Christian movement that followed him into an historical image of Jesus. His message, journey, and impact are all topics of Fredriksen’s discussion, but her emphasis is on the information we know for certain: Jesus was crucified and none of his followers experienced the same fate. Fredriksen introduces the book with background information about historical Jesus research. She is careful to outline significant amounts of disagreement among scholars because there are so many different research methods, sources, and interpretations involved in the process.

Peter then recalls how he denied Jesus three times before he "felt the rooster's crow flail" him (lines 12-13).  All he could then do was "weep" (line 16).  Not only is this an interesting poetic account of what is in the Gospels of the Bible, but it contains dilemmas that many Christians face - failure to be alert to Christ's call, selfish motives in serving Him, and denial of the faith.  Christians can better identify with Peter through this poem.

Peter was supposedly crucified upside down in Rome, although there is no clear evidence that points directly to these details all being correct. However, there are many sources that imply or mention something along the lines of a death in Rome, through martyrdom. These sources include Tertullian, Apocryphal Acts of Peter, Clement, and more. Much of the story is by oral tradition. The known facts is that at the time of Peter’s death, Nero was the leader of Rome. Christians were facing tough persecution, but the Holy Spirit spread quicker than ever

“‘Would you like an adventure now’, he casually said to John”(44; ch 4) He made her more independent and he introduced her to a new adventurous life. Peter was the reason she lived in a whole new

Our source of knowledge of the apostolic work of Paul comes first from the Book of Acts. The epistles written by Paul serve to further our knowledge of his mission. These letters were written to churches that he had founded or churches that were known to him. Luke’s account of Paul introduces us to the basic facts about this important biblical figure. A more complete understanding of Paul’s journeys can be gleaned from his letters. These epistles were written almost at the time they occurred and they comprise some of the earliest works contained in the New Testament.

When Jesus first called him to be his disciple, he dropped all his fishing gear and followed Jesus, without a doubt. What makes Saint Peter stand out is the fact that he crucified himself of shame and regret because he denied Jesus three times, just as Jesus had predicted. Peter is considered by the Roman Catholic church to be the first of the unbroken chain of popes. He is also known as the leader of the twelve disciples.

Matthew 16: 13- 23 is the confession of Peter of Jesus true identity and the Prophecy of Jesus’ death and resurrection.

Peter baptized the Roman pagan Cornelius and at the council of Jerusalem he gave his support to preaching to gentiles. He was imprisoned by King Herod Agrippa and escaped with the help of an angel. Peter died in Rome during the reign of Emperor Nero. It is said that Peter was crucified on the Vatican Hill upside down because her declared himself