“Walking by the sea of Galilee, heTR reads “Jesus” instead of “he” saw two brothers: Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew, his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen.”
— Matthew 4:18 WEB
Explore Peter's journey of faith, from fisherman to foundational rock of the church, through key Bible verses like Matthew 16:18.
Verses sourced from the World English Bible (public domain). Selection follows our editorial policy. Last reviewed 2026-04-23. See all sources.
Peter, originally a fisherman, became one of Jesus' closest disciples and a foundational leader of the early church. His journey of faith is marked by significant events, including his confession of Christ (Matthew 16:18), which highlights his role as the "rock" upon which the church would be built.
“I also tell you that you are Peter,Peter’s name, Petros in Greek, is the word for a specific rock or stone. and on this rock Greek, petra, a rock mass or bedrock. I will build my assembly, and the gates of Hadesor, Hell will not prevail against it.”
Peter is a fisherman before he becomes a disciple of Jesus. Matthew 4:18 introduces Simon, called Peter, casting nets into the sea. His hands are familiar with the grit and labor of fishing. Yet, he is chosen for an extraordinary journey. Jesus calls him to leave his nets and follow, shaping his future far beyond the shores of Galilee.
Peter’s journey is marked by moments of profound faith and human frailty. He walks on water when Jesus invites him (Matthew 14:29). His faith allows him to step out, yet fear causes him to sink. Despite his imperfections, Peter’s declaration of Jesus as “the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16) shows his deep understanding and commitment. Jesus, recognizing Peter’s potential, calls him the rock upon which He will build His church (Matthew 16:18).
“Walking by the sea of Galilee, heTR reads “Jesus” instead of “he” saw two brothers: Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew, his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen.”
— Matthew 4:18 WEB
“Now the names of the twelve apostles are these. The first, Simon, who is called Peter; Andrew, his brother; James the son of Zebedee; John, his brother;”
— Matthew 10:2 WEB
“Simon the Canaanite; and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.”
— Matthew 10:4 WEB
“He said, “Come!” Peter stepped down from the boat, and walked on the waters to come to Jesus.”
— Matthew 14:29 WEB
“Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.””
— Matthew 16:16 WEB
“I also tell you that you are Peter,Peter’s name, Petros in Greek, is the word for a specific rock or stone. and on this rock Greek, petra, a rock mass or bedrock. I will build my assembly, and the gates of Hadesor, Hell will not prevail against it.”
— Matthew 16:18 WEB
“Peter took him aside, and began to rebuke him, saying, “Far be it from you, Lord! This will never be done to you.””
— Matthew 16:22 WEB
“Peter said to him, “Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you.” All of the disciples also said likewise.”
— Matthew 26:35 WEB
“He took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and severely troubled.”
— Matthew 26:37 WEB
“Peter remembered the word which Jesus had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” He went out and wept bitterly.”
— Matthew 26:75 WEB
“Passing along by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen.”
— Mark 1:16 WEB
“Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter);”
— Mark 3:16 WEB
“Andrew; Philip; Bartholomew; Matthew; Thomas; James, the son of Alphaeus; Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot;”
— Mark 3:18 WEB
“He spoke to them openly. Peter took him, and began to rebuke him.”
— Mark 8:32 WEB
“But he again denied it. After a little while again those who stood by said to Peter, “You truly are one of them, for you are a Galilean, and your speech shows it.””
— Mark 14:70 WEB
“The rooster crowed the second time. Peter remembered the word, how that Jesus said to him, “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” When he thought about that, he wept.”
— Mark 14:72 WEB
“But Simon Peter, when he saw it, fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, Lord.””
— Luke 5:8 WEB
“and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid. From now on you will be catching people alive.””
— Luke 5:10 WEB
“Simon, whom he also named Peter; Andrew, his brother; James; John; Philip; Bartholomew;”
— Luke 6:14 WEB
“Matthew; Thomas; James, the son of Alphaeus; Simon, who was called the Zealot;”
— Luke 6:15 WEB
“Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.” He said, “Teacher, say on.””
— Luke 7:40 WEB
“The Lord said, “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan asked to have all of you, that he might sift you as wheat,”
— Luke 22:31 WEB
“He said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will by no means crow today until you deny that you know me three times.””
— Luke 22:34 WEB
“The Lord turned, and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the Lord’s word, how he said to him, “Before the rooster crows you will deny me three times.””
— Luke 22:61 WEB
“He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him, and said, “You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas” (which is by interpretation, Peter).”
— John 1:42 WEB
“One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him,”
— John 6:8 WEB
“Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words of eternal life.”
— John 6:68 WEB
“Then he came to Simon Peter. He said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?””
— John 13:6 WEB
“Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head!””
— John 13:9 WEB
“Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, and said to him, “Tell us who it is of whom he speaks.””
— John 13:24 WEB
“Simon Peter therefore, having a sword, drew it, and struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus.”
— John 18:10 WEB
“Simon Peter followed Jesus, as did another disciple. Now that disciple was known to the high priest, and entered in with Jesus into the court of the high priest;”
— John 18:15 WEB
“Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. They said therefore to him, “You aren’t also one of his disciples, are you?” He denied it, and said, “I am not.””
— John 18:25 WEB
“Then Simon Peter came, following him, and entered into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying,”
— John 20:6 WEB
“So when they had eaten their breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I have affection for you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.””
— John 21:15 WEB
“He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I have affection for you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.””
— John 21:16 WEB
“He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you have affection for me?” Peter was grieved because he asked him the third time, “Do you have affection for me?” He said to him, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I have affection for you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.”
— John 21:17 WEB
“When they had come in, they went up into the upper room, where they were staying; that is Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James.”
— Acts 1:13 WEB
“In these days, Peter stood up in the middle of the disciples (and the number of names was about one hundred twenty), and said,”
— Acts 1:15 WEB
“But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and spoke out to them, “You men of Judea, and all you who dwell at Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to my words.”
— Acts 2:14 WEB
“But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.”
— Acts 5:29 WEB
“Peter sent them all out, and knelt down and prayed. Turning to the body, he said, “Tabitha, get up!” She opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up.”
— Acts 9:40 WEB
“Now send men to Joppa, and get Simon, who is also called Peter.”
— Acts 10:5 WEB
“Send therefore to Joppa, and summon Simon, who is also called Peter. He lodges in the house of a tanner named Simon, by the seaside. When he comes, he will speak to you.’”
— Acts 10:32 WEB
“He told us how he had seen the angel standing in his house, and saying to him, ‘Send to Joppa, and get Simon, who is called Peter,”
— Acts 11:13 WEB
“Peter therefore was kept in the prison, but constant prayer was made by the assembly to God for him.”
— Acts 12:5 WEB
“When there had been much discussion, Peter rose up and said to them, “Brothers, you know that a good while ago God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the nations should hear the word of the Good News, and believe.”
— Acts 15:7 WEB
“But when Peter came to Antioch, I resisted him to his face, because he stood condemned.”
— Galatians 2:11 WEB
“Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the chosen ones who are living as foreigners in the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,”
— 1 Peter 1:1 WEB
“Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have obtained a like precious faith with us in the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ:”
— 2 Peter 1:1 WEB
Reflect
Peter’s life is a testament to faith and transformation. Like Peter, we may face doubts but are called to step forward. His story shows that with faith, we can be strong.
Pray
Heavenly Father, grant us the courage to follow Your call, just as Peter did. Help us to stand firm in our faith, trusting in Your plans. Amen.
Apply
This week, read Matthew 16:13-20. Reflect on Peter's confession and what it means for your life. Consider writing down your own declaration of faith.
Peter, originally named Simon, was a fisherman by trade. He was introduced as a disciple in Matthew 4:18 when Jesus called him to follow. Peter is known for his impulsive nature, strong faith, and moments of doubt. He was one of Jesus' closest disciples and became a leader among the apostles (Matthew 10:2). His life reflects a journey of growth and transformation.
Jesus called Peter "the rock" in Matthew 16:18, stating, "You are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church." This declaration followed Peter's confession of Jesus as the Christ (Matthew 16:16). Jesus saw Peter's potential for leadership and foundational strength. Despite Peter's flaws, his faith and understanding made him pivotal in the early church's formation.
Peter became a leader in the early church after Jesus' resurrection. He preached boldly, as seen in Acts 2:14-41, where he addressed the crowd at Pentecost. Despite earlier denials of Jesus, Peter's strength grew. Tradition holds that he was martyred in Rome under Emperor Nero. His life and writings continue to inspire believers today.
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