c. 1 BC - 1 AD
Birth of Simon Peter
Born Simon Bar-Jonah (son of Jonah) in Bethsaida, Galilee. Likely from a fishing family.
John 1:42, 21:15-17; Matthew 16:17
c. 27 AD
First Encounter with Jesus (Age ~28)
Andrew brings Simon to Jesus. Jesus names him Cephas (Peter - "the rock"). Working as fisherman with brother Andrew in Capernaum.
John 1:40-42; Mark 1:16-18; Luke 5:1-11
The Miraculous Catch and Call to Discipleship
Jesus calls Peter and Andrew to become "fishers of men" after miraculous catch of fish. Peter's first recognition of Jesus' divine nature.
Luke 5:1-11; Matthew 4:18-22
28 AD
Appointed as One of the Twelve Apostles
Jesus formally appoints Peter among the twelve apostles. Listed first in all apostolic lists, indicating leadership role.
Matthew 10:2-4; Mark 3:13-19; Luke 6:12-16
Part of Inner Circle
Selected with James and John as part of Jesus' inner circle, witnessing private revelations and miracles.
Mark 5:37; 9:2; 14:33
29 AD
Walking on Water
Peter attempts to walk on water to Jesus but sinks due to doubt. Jesus saves him, teaching about faith.
Matthew 14:22-33; Mark 6:45-52
Great Confession at Caesarea Philippi
Peter declares Jesus as "the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus declares Peter blessed and speaks of building His church on this rock.
Matthew 16:13-20; Mark 8:27-30; Luke 9:18-21
The Transfiguration
Peter witnesses Jesus' transfiguration with Moses and Elijah. Suggests building three tabernacles.
Matthew 17:1-8; Mark 9:2-8; Luke 9:28-36
The Temple Tax Incident
Peter involved in discussion about temple tax. Jesus provides coin from fish's mouth.
Matthew 17:24-27
30 AD
Jesus Washes Peter's Feet
During the Last Supper, Peter initially refuses Jesus washing his feet, then requests his whole body be washed.
John 13:1-17
Peter's Denial Predicted
Jesus predicts Peter will deny Him three times before the rooster crows. Peter vehemently protests his loyalty.
Matthew 26:31-35; Mark 14:27-31; Luke 22:31-34; John 13:36-38
Garden of Gethsemane
Peter falls asleep while Jesus prays. Cuts off Malchus' ear during Jesus' arrest, rebuked by Jesus.
Matthew 26:36-56; Mark 14:32-52; Luke 22:39-53; John 18:1-11
Peter's Three Denials (Age ~31)
Peter denies knowing Jesus three times in the courtyard of the high priest. Rooster crows, Peter remembers Jesus' prediction and weeps bitterly.
Matthew 26:69-75; Mark 14:66-72; Luke 22:54-62; John 18:15-18, 25-27
The Crucifixion
Jesus is crucified. Peter likely present at distance, overwhelmed with grief and guilt.
Matthew 27:32-56; Mark 15:21-41; Luke 23:26-49; John 19:16-37
Discovery of Empty Tomb
Peter and John run to the tomb after Mary Magdalene's report. Peter enters first, sees grave clothes, begins to believe.
Luke 24:12; John 20:1-10
Private Appearance of Risen Christ
Christ appears privately to Peter, likely for restoration and forgiveness.
Luke 24:34; 1 Corinthians 15:5
Restoration by the Sea of Galilee
Jesus asks Peter three times if he loves Him, corresponding to the three denials. Commissions Peter to "feed my sheep."
John 21:1-19
The Great Commission and Ascension
Peter present at Jesus' final commission to the apostles and witnesses the Ascension.
Matthew 28:16-20; Mark 16:14-20; Luke 24:44-53; Acts 1:1-11
30 AD (Post-Ascension) -
Leadership in Upper Room
Peter leads the 120 disciples in prayer and the selection of Matthias to replace Judas.
Acts 1:12-26
Day of Pentecost - First Sermon
Peter preaches the first Christian sermon after receiving the Holy Spirit. 3,000 people are baptized.
Acts 2:1-47
Healing of the Lame Man
Peter and John heal a lame man at the Beautiful Gate. Peter preaches second sermon.
Acts 3:1-26
First Arrest and Trial
Peter and John arrested by the Sadducees, appear before the Sanhedrin. Peter's bold defense.
Acts 4:1-22
31-34 AD
Ananias and Sapphira Incident
Peter confronts Ananias and Sapphira about their deception regarding their donation. Both die.
Acts 5:1-11
Signs and Wonders Ministry
Peter's shadow heals the sick. Many miraculous healings performed.
Acts 5:12-16
Second Arrest and Miraculous Escape
All apostles imprisoned by high priest. Angel releases them. Peter speaks before Sanhedrin again.
Acts 5:17-42
35 AD
Ministry in Judea and Samaria
Peter and John sent to Samaria to pray for new converts to receive the Holy Spirit.
Acts 8:14-25
Confrontation with Simon Magus
Peter rebukes Simon the Sorcerer for trying to buy the power of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 8:18-24
36-38 AD
Meets Paul
Peter, together with James, meets Paul during his first visit to Jerusalem after Paul's conversion
Acts 9:26-30
Healing of Aeneas in Lydda
Peter heals Aeneas, who had been paralyzed for eight years. Many in Sharon turn to the Lord.
Acts 9:32-35
Raising of Tabitha (Dorcas) in Joppa
Peter raises Tabitha from the dead in Joppa. Stays with Simon the Tanner.
Acts 9:36-43
39 AD
Vision of the Sheet
Peter receives vision of unclean animals, learns God shows no partiality.
Acts 10:9-23
Preaches at the house of Cornelius
Goes to the house of Cornelius, a God-fearing Roman centurion, and preaches to him and "a large gathering of people", baptised the first Gentile converts.
Acts 10:1-48
Defense of Gentile Ministry
Peter defends his ministry to Gentiles before the Jerusalem church leaders.
Acts 11:1-18
42 AD
Martyrdom of James (Son of Zebedee)
Killed by sword under Herod Agrippa I
Acts 12:1-2
Imprisonment by Herod Agrippa
Execution of James met with approval from the Jews, encouraging Herod Agrippa I to arrest Peter during Passover.
Acts 12:1-3
Miraculous Prison Escape
Angel releases Peter from prison. Peter goes to Mary's house, then leaves Jerusalem.
Acts 12:4-19
43-48 AD
Ministry Outside Jerusalem
Peter likely engages in broader missionary activities. Possible travels to Asia Minor regions.
Early Church Traditions:
Various early sources suggest Peter ministered in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, and Asia during this period.
49 AD
Jerusalem Council (Age ~50)
Peter speaks at the Jerusalem Council, supporting Paul's ministry to Gentiles and arguing against requiring circumcision.
Acts 15:1-35
50-60 AD
Incident at Antioch
Paul confronts Peter for withdrawing from Gentile fellowship when James' associates arrive, showing favoritism to Jewish customs.
Galatians 2:11-14
Possible Visit to Corinth
Evidence suggests Peter may have visited Corinth during this period, as Paul references a "Cephas party."
1 Corinthians 1:12, 3:22
Clement of Alexandria (c. 150-215):
Suggests Mark wrote his Gospel based on Peter's preaching in Rome during this period.
60-62 AD
Writing of 1 Peter
Peter writes his first epistle from "Babylon" (likely Rome) to Christians in Asia Minor facing persecution. Emphasizes suffering, hope, and holy living.
1 Peter 1:1, 5:13
62-64 AD
Peter's final years of ministry in Rome, likely working alongside Paul at various times.
1 Clement (c. 96 AD):
Clement of Rome writes about Peter's martyrdom, indicating he was in Rome during Nero's persecution.
Great Fire of Rome and Persecution
Nero blames Christians for the fire. Severe persecution begins in Rome.
Tacitus (Annals 15.44):
Records Nero's persecution of Christians following the fire of Rome.
Writing of 2 Peter
Peter writes his second epistle, warning against false teachers and emphasizing the certainty of Christ's return. Mentions his impending death.
2 Peter 1:14, 3:1
Martyrdom of Peter (Age ~68)
Peter is crucified in Rome during Nero's persecution, traditionally upside down at his own request, feeling unworthy to die in the same manner as Christ.
Eusebius (Ecclesiastical History 2.25):
Confirms Peter's martyrdom in Rome under Nero, referencing earlier sources.
Origen (c. 185-254); Jerome (De Viris Illustribus 1):
Records the tradition that Peter was crucified head downward in Rome, having requested not to be crucified in the same manner as his Lord..
Peter's Writings in the New Testament
1 Peter (c. 60-62 AD)
Written to scattered Christians in Asia Minor facing persecution. Themes: suffering, hope, holy living, submission to authority, the priesthood of all believers.
2 Peter (c. 64-67 AD)
Written as Peter's final testament, warning against false teachers and emphasizing the certainty of Christ's return. Defends apostolic authority and Scripture's divine origin.
Influence on Mark's Gospel:
Early church fathers, including Papias and Clement of Alexandria, testify that Mark's Gospel largely reflects Peter's apostolic preaching and eyewitness testimony.
🕊️ Key Relationships and Interactions
🕊️ With Jesus Christ
Primary relationship - from disciple to apostle to church leader. Characterized by deep love, occasional misunderstanding, restoration, and ultimate faithfulness unto death.
🕊️ With Paul
Complex relationship involving mutual respect, occasional tension (Antioch incident), and ultimate partnership in Gospel ministry. Paul acknowledges Peter's authority while maintaining his own calling.
Galatians 2:7-8; 2 Peter 3:15-16
🕊️ With John
Close partnership in ministry, part of inner circle with James. Frequent companions in Gospel accounts and early Acts.
🕊️ With Mark (John Mark)
Spiritual father-son relationship. Mark likely recorded Peter's apostolic testimony in his Gospel.
1 Peter 5:13; Acts 12:12
🕊️ With Cornelius
Pivotal relationship that opened the door for Gentile inclusion in the church through divine vision and intervention.
