Peter

In the New Testament "Peter" is derived from the Greek translation of the Aramaic Cepha(s) meaning "stone, rock." A married fisherman of the poorer class, Peter (formerly Simon) and his brother Andrew were among the first of the Twelve Apostles called. Though prominent among the disciples, at the time of Jesus' arrest he denied his Master. Fallible Peter is often portrayed as stumbling, impetuous, intense, and uncouth. Yet, so faithful and committed, he was the first male disciple to see the risen Jesus and quickly became one of the leaders of the emerging Church. He briefly attended the Council of the Jerusalem Church presided over by James, the brother of Jesus. (Acts 15:7ff). Peter may have visited Rome shortly before his death. Tradition outside the Bible says that he was martyred when Nero persecuted Christians in Rome about 64 AD.

With regard to Jesus' statement to Peter "..... upon this rock I build my church ...," whether Peter himself or his confession that Jesus is the Messiah is the rock on which the Church is built remains an unresolved matter. Roman Catholic tradition holds that Peter himself is the rock. Most other Christians understand the rock as Peter's confession that Jesus is the Messiah. [Sources: Oxford Companion to the Bible and Lesser Feasts and Fasts]