Peter

John i. 42, 43.PETER. St. Peter the chief of the Apostles was born at Bethsaida, Son of John, Jona, or Joanna, and Brother of Acts xxiv. 5.St. Andrew. His first Name was Simon or Simeon, but when our Saviour called him to the Apostleship, he changed his Name into Cephas, that is, in Syriac, a Stone or a Rock, in Latin, Petra, whence Peter. He was a marry’d Man, and had his House, his Mark i. 29. Matth. viii. 14. Luke iv. 38.Mother-in-Law, and his Wife at Capernaum, upon the Lake of Gennesareth. St. Andrew having been first call’d by Jesus Christ, met his Brother Simon and told him,¹ we have found the Messiah, and then brought him to Jesus. Jesus beholding him, said to him, You are Simon Son of John, henceforth you shall be call’d Cephas, that is, Stone or Rock. After having pass’d one Day with our Saviour, they return’d to their ordinary Occupation, which was Fishing. Yet it is thought they were present with him at the Marriage of Cana in Galilee.

Luke v. 1, 2, 3.Towards the End of the same Year, Jesus Christ being on the Shoar of the Lake of Gennesareth, saw Peter and Andrew busy about their Fishery, and were then washing their Nets. He enter’d into their Boat, and bid Peter throw out his Nets into the Sea, in order to fish. Peter obey’d him, tho’ he had already fish’d the whole Night without catching any thing. They took so many Fishes at this Draught, that their own Vessel, and that of James and John Sons of Zebedee, were fill’d with them. Then Peter threw himself at the Feet of Jesus, and said to him, Depart from me, Lord, for I am a Sinner. Then Jesus said to them, Follow me, and I will make you Fishers of Men. He said the same thing to James and John, and immediately they quitted their Boats and Nets, and follow’d our Saviour.

Some time after² Jesus coming to Capernaum, enter’d into the House of St. Peter, where his Mother-in-Law lay sick of a Fever. He immediately heal’d her, and she began to minister to him. A little while before the Feast of the Passover of the following Year, being the 32d of the vulgar Era, after Jesus return’d into Galilee, he made Matth. x. 2. Luke vi. 13.Choice of Twelve Apostles, among which St. Peter has always the first Place. One Night that Jesus Christ walked upon the Matth. xiv. 28, 29.Waters of the Lake of Gennesareth, St. Peter asked him Leave to come and meet him. Jesus gave him Leave, but he seeing a great Wave coming, was afraid, and therefore began to sink. Then Jesus held him up, and said to him; O Man of little Faith, why was you afraid? Afterwards landing on the other Side the Lake, and the Multitude that he had fed the Day before beyond the Lake, being come to him at Capernaum, he spoke to them of his Body and of his Blood, which he was to give to his Disciples to eat and drink; Matth. xvi. 13, 14.this so offended the Multitude, that several of them quitted him thereupon. He therefore asked his Apostles if they would leave him also; to which Peter reply’d, To whom shall we go, Lord? for thou hast the Words of John vi. 53, 54, &c.eternal Life.

One Day as our Saviour was near Cesarea Philippi, he asked his Apostles who Men took him to be. They answered him, that some said he was John the Baptist, others Elias, and others Jeremiah, or some one of the old Prophets. And you, says he, who do you say I am? Simon Peter answer’d him, You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God. Jesus then said to him, Happy are you, Simon Son of Jona, for ‘tis not Flesh or Blood that has reveal’d these things to you, but my Father which is in Heaven. And I say further to you, that as your Name is Peter, so upon this Rock I will build my Church, and the Gates of Hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give you the Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, and whatsoever you shall bind upon Earth shall be also bound in Heaven, and whatever you shall loose upon Earth shall be loosed in Heaven. About eight Days after, a our Saviour being transfigured upon the Mountain apart from the rest, took with him Peter, James, and Matt. xvii. 1, 2, 3, &c. Luke ix. 28.John, and shew’d them a Glimpse of his Glory. Then St. Peter being in an Ecstacy, and seeing Moses and Elias with Jesus, cry’d out to them, Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you please we will make three Tents, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elias.

Jesus returning from thence to Capernaum, upon the Road the Apostles disputed among themselves, which of them should be the greatest in the Kingdom of God, which Matt. xvii. 23, 24. Luke ix. 46. Mark ix. 32.they thought to be very near. Jesus and St. Peter came first to Capernaum, a pretty while before the rest; and those that gather’d the half Shekel a-head for the Use of the Temple, came and asked Peter if his Master would pay it then. Jesus bid Peter throw his Line into the Sea, and he should find wherewith to pay the Toll for them two, in the Mouth of the first Fish he should take. Peter obey’d; and found a Shekel in the Mouth of the Fish, which he gave to the Toll-gatherers for Jesus and himself. Then the Apostles came to them, and Jesus inquir’d of them about the Conversation they had had by the Way, and gave them good Instructions of Humility and Modesty; shewing plainly, that though absent, he knew very well what Discourse had passed among them.

One Day as Jesus was speaking concerning the Forgiveness of Injuries, St. Peter asked him how often they must forgive, and Matt. xviii. 21, 22.whether it was not sufficient to pardon an Offender Seven times. Jesus told him, I say, you must pardon not only as far as Seven times, but even Seventy times Seven. Upon another Occasion,³ as our Saviour was speaking of the Danger of Riches, Peter said to him; Lord, we have left all Things to follow thee; what Reward shall we have for it? Jesus answer’d him; I tell you in truth, that you who have left all Things to follow me, shall receive an hundred-fold, even in this World, and in the other Eternal Life; and at the last Day, when the Son of Man shall come to judge the World, you shall sit upon twelve Thrones, to judge the twelve Tribes of Israel.

Mark xi. 12—24.On the Tuesday before our Saviour’s Passion, Peter shewed him the Fig-tree he had cursed, the Evening before, which was now dry’d up and wither’d; and the Day following as they sat upon the Mountain of Olives, he, with the other Apostles, asked Jesus when the Temple was to be destroy’d. On Thursday he was sent with St. John to prepare all Things for the Mark xiv. 1, 2. Luke xxii.Passover; and at Evening, when Jesus was come into the City with his Apostles, and being sat down at Table, began to speak of him that should betray him, Peter made Signs to John to ask him who this should be. After Supper, the Disciples enter’d into John xiii. 24.a Dispute which should be the Greatest among them; whereupon Jesus Christ laying aside his Garments, betook himself to wash their Feet, to give them an Example of Humility in his own Person. St. Peter at first made some Difficulty, and would not suffer his Master to wash his Feet; but Jesus telling him, that if he did not wash his Feet, he could have no Part in him; St. Peter reply’d, Lord, wash not only my John xiii. 6- —10. Luke xxii. 31, 32, &c.Feet, but my Hands and Head also.

Some time after, Jesus said to him, Peter, Satan has desired you, and the other Apostles, to sift you as Men sift Wheat: But I have pray’d for you, that your Faith may not fail; and when you are converted, confirm your Brethren. By this he warn’d St. Peter of his Fall, that was just at hand, and of his renouncing him; from which, by the Assistance of God, he was afterwards to recover. St. Peter then asked him, where he was going, and said, he was ready to follow Luke xxii. 33.him every where, not only to Prison, but to Death itself. But Christ declared to him, that he would be so far from following him to Death, that he would abjure him three times that very Night, before the Cock should crow, or before Break of Day. When Supper was ended, he went to the Garden of Olives, where taking Peter, James and John, he⁴ went with them apart, that they might be Witnesses of his Agony. Peter, tho’ before he had shew’d so much Resolution, yet fell asleep with the rest, which occasioned Jesus to say to him; Do you sleep, Simon? Could Mark xiv. 37. Matth. xxvi. 40. &c.you not watch with me one Hour?

Judas being come with the Soldiers to seize Jesus, Peter drew his Sword, and cut off the right Ear of one called Malchus, who was Servant to the High Priest: But Jesus bid him put up his Sword into the Scabbard, and told him, that all those that fought with the Sword should perish by the Sword: And at the same time healed John xviii. 10, &c.Malchus’s Ear. Peter follow’d Jesus afar off, as far as the House of Caiaphas, and was let in by means of another Disciple, who was known in the Family. The Soldiers and Servants that had brought Jesus, having lighted a Fire in the Middle of the Hall, Peter mingled amongst them to warm himself John xviii. 15, 18.also; when a Maid Servant having look’d earnestly upon him, said, Surely this Man was with Jesus of Nazareth. But Peter made answer, I know not what you say, for I do not so much as know the Man. Presently after he went out into the Porch, when immediately the Cock crew. A little while after another Maid said to those that were present, This Man was with Jesus of Nazareth. But Peter deny’d it with an Oath. About an Hour after, one of the Company affirm’d, that Peter was a Disciple of Jesus. Others insisted upon the same thing, and said, that surely he was one of them, for his very Speech betray’d him to be a Galilean. Lastly, one of them, being a Kinsman to Malchus, whose Ear Peter had cut off, affirmed the same thing, and asked him, Did not I see you with him in the Garden? Peter again deny’d it with an Oath, protesting that he did not know the Man. And at the same time the Cock crow’d the second Time. Then Jesus being in the same Hall, and not far from Peter, look’d upon him; and Peter then remembring that Jesus had said to him, Before the Cock should crow Twice he should deny him Thrice, he went out of Caiaphas’s House, and wept Matt. xxvi. 73, 75. Mark xiv. 34, 72.bitterly.

Very probably he remain’d in Secret, and in Tears, all the Time of our Saviour’s Passion, that is, all Friday and Saturday following; but on Sunday Morning Jesus being risen, and Mary having been at the Tomb, and not finding the Body of Jesus, she came in haste into the City, to tell Peter and John that they had taken away their Master, and that she could not find where they had put him. Peter and John made haste thither, and John coming first, did not go into the Sepulchre. Peter then coming up to him, presently stoop’d down, and saw the Linen Cloths wherein the Body Vide Joan. xx. 1, 2, 3, &c. and Luc. xxiv. 12, &c. Mark xvi. 7. Luke xxiv. 34. Chrysost. in 1 Cor. hom. 38.had been wrapt. He went then into the Sepulchre, and John with him, after which they return’d to Jerusalem, not knowing what had come to pass. But soon after Jesus appeared to the Holy Women, who had come first to the Sepulchre, and bid them give his Apostles Notice of his Resurrection, and particularly St. Peter. And the same Day our Saviour also appeared to Peter, to comfort him, and assure him, that his Repentance had been acceptable to him.

Some Days after, St. Peter being return’d into Galilee, as Jesus had commanded him, and going to fish in the Sea of John xxi. 1, 2, &c.Galilee, or in the Lake of Gennesareth, with some other of the Apostles; Jesus appeared to them on the Shoar, and bid them throw out their Nets on the right Side of the Vessel. They threw them out, and took such a Multitude of Fishes, that they could not draw up their Nets again. Then St. John said to Peter, ‘Tis the Lord. Peter immediately girded up himself, for he was naked, and swimming to Shoar he came to Jesus; then drawing their Nets to Shoar, Jesus dined with them. After Dinner, Jesus said to Peter; Simon Son of Jona, do you love me more than these? He answered, yea, Lord, you know that I love you. Jesus says to him, Then feed my Lambs. He put the same Question to him again, and Peter making the same Answer, our Lord said to him again, Feed my Lambs. This he repeated a third Time, at which St. Peter was troubled and said, You know, Lord, that I love you. Jesus reply’d to him, ” Feed my Sheep. I tell you ” for a Truth, that when you were young, ” you girded your self and went where you ” pleas’d; but now you are old another shall ” gird you, and lead you where you would ” not go.” This he said to let him know what Death he was to dye. At the same time Peter seeing St. John the Evangelist, said to our Saviour, Lord, what must become of him? Jesus answered, ” If I will ” have him continue as he is, what does that ” concern you? Do you follow me.” Thus he refused to declare, in what manner St. John should end his Life.

After that Jesus Christ had ascended into Heaven, and that the Apostles had been Witnesses of his Ascension, they returned to Jerusalem, to wait there for the Holy Ghost, whom our Saviour had promised to send them; and being assembled together in a House, they continued there in Prayer, and in the Union of Charity, till the Time that the Holy Ghost descended upon them, in the Form of Tongues of Fire. During this Interval, St. Peter proposed to the Apostles, and to the rest of the Assembly, to fill up the Place that the Traitor Judas had left vacant in the Apostleship. The Proposal was agreed to by all, and two Persons were presented, Joseph Barsabas and Matthias. They all betook themselves to Prayer, to desire of God that he would declare his Pleasure in the Choice of one of these two Persons. The Lot was cast, which fell upon Matthias, who from that time was admitted as one of the Apostles.

The tenth Day after the Ascension of our Saviour, the Holy Ghost having descended upon the Apostles, and upon all the Faithful that were there assembled with them, and having replenished them with supernatural Gifts, and especially with the Gift of Tongues, all those that were Witnesses of this Miracle, express’d their Admiration at it: And it being the Day of Pentecost, and there being then at Jerusalem Jews from all the Provinces of the East; they could not comprehend by what means these People, who generally were Galileans, should speak the Languages of all these Pagan Nations. Some of them said, that the Apostles were full of Wine: Acts ii. 1, 2, 3, &c.But St. Peter standing up in their Defence, told them, That what they heard and saw, was not the Effect of Drunkenness, but it was the Completion of the Promise that the Holy Ghost had made by the Prophet Joel, Joel ii. 28.to send his Spirit upon all Flesh, and to give the Spirit of Prophecy to Young and Old, to Men and Women. He afterwards spoke to them of Jesus Christ, and told them, that he was the true Messiah, and that he was risen from the Dead, as the Scripture had foretold he should; declaring, that himself and the other Apostles were Witnesses of his Resurrection, of his Ascension into Heaven, and of the Mission of the Holy Ghost, the visible Effects of which they saw with their own Eyes, in the Gift of Languages wherewith they were replenish’d.

Then those that heard him were touched with Compunction, and asked the Apostles saying, Brethren, what shall we do? Peter answer’d them; Repent and be baptized, and you shall receive the Holy Ghost. Then he instructed them, baptized them, and that very Day Three thousand Persons were added to the Church. Some Days after St. Peter and St. John were going to Acts iii. 1, 2, 3.the Temple at the Hour of Prayers, and found at the Gate of the Temple a Man of more than forty Years of Age, who from his Birth had been a Cripple, so that he could not walk. This Man seeing Peter and John, asked an Alms of them. Then Peter said to him; I have neither Silver or Gold, but what I have I will give you. In the Name of Jesus of Nazareth, rise up and walk. Presently he got up, walked, and went into the Temple along with them, lifting up his Voice, and glorifying God. He held St. Peter, telling the People then assembled, all that happened unto him. Then St. Peter taking this Occasion, told the People, that it was not by his own Power, that he had performed the Miracle they wonder’d at so much, but it was by the Power of Jesus Christ that this Man was healed. He then laid before them the great Crime they had committed, in putting Jesus Christ to death, who was the Saviour of the World and the Messiah. And after he had shewn them by all the Prophecies that Christ was to dye thus, he exhorted them to Repentance, and to make a proper Use of the Death of Christ.

Acts iv. 1, 2, 3, &c.He was thus speaking to the People, when the Priests and Sadducees coming upon them, they laid hold on Peter and John, and put them in Prison till the Day following, for now it was late. But the Number of those that were converted this Day, at this second Preaching of St. Peter, was about Five thousand. The Day following, the Senate, the Magistrates, and the Chief of the Priests being assembled, they made the two Apostles appear before them, when they were asked, in whose Name they had performed the Miracle of healing the lame Man. St. Peter answered them, That it was in the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom they had crucified, and whom God had raised again from the Dead. This is he, said they, who is the Corner-stone whom you have rejected, but who is he alone in whom we can hope for Salvation. The Boldness of Peter and John surprized them all, and causing them to be taken out of the Assembly, that they might deliberate among themselves on what Resolution to take, they agreed to order them to speak no more in the Name of Jesus Christ; then making them to come in again, they strictly charged them to teach no more in this Name. But Peter and John told them; Judge your selves which is most just before God, whether to obey you or to obey God; for we cannot help speaking of what we have heard and seen. The Senate then dismissed them with great Threats, if they should persist in being disobedient to their Orders.

Acts v. 1, 2, 3. Acts iv. 23, 24, &c.The two Apostles returned then to their Brethren, and related to them all that had passed. Having heard this, they raised their Voices to Heaven, and begged of God to give them Strength and Courage to declare his Word with perfect Liberty, and having finished their Prayers, the Place shook wherein they were assembled, and they were again filled with the Holy Ghost. At this time many of the Faithful sold their Estates, and brought the Money, and laid it at the Feet of the Apostles. Of this Number was a Man called Ananias, with his Wife Sapphira, who, by a private Agreement between themselves, concealed a Part of the Money for which they had sold their Land, and brought the rest to Acts v. 15, 16,17, &c.to St. Peter as if it were the whole Sum. Ananias came first, and St. Peter said to him; Ananias, how came Satan to seduce you, and to prevail with you to lye to the Holy Ghost, by concealing part of the Price of your Land? ‘Tis not Men that you thought to impose on, but God. Immediately Ananias fell down dead, and they carried him out and buried him. About three Hours after his Wife Sapphira came in, and St. Peter said to her almost the same Things he had before said to her Husband, and immediately she fell down also, and gave up the Ghost. This Accident infused a great Awe in the whole Church, and amongst all those that heard of it.

Acts viii. 1,2, 3, &c.The Number of Believers considerably increased every Day, so that they even brought out the Sick into the Streets, and laid them where Peter was to pass, that at least his Shadow might cover some of them, by which means they were healed of their Distempers. Then the High-priest and his Associates, that is, the Pharisees, caused the Apostles to be apprehended and put into Prison. But an Angel brought them forth, and bid them go into the Temple, and there boldly declare all the Words of Life which God had taught them. This they perform’d, upon which the Princes and Priests caus’d them to be brought before them, and having demanded why they had disobey’d their Orders, in continuing to speak still in the Name of Jesus Christ; Peter and the Apostles answer’d, that it was more necessary to obey God than Man. This Answer provok’d them very much, and they were going to condemn them to death, when Gamaliel prevail’d with them to change their Resolution, by representing to ‘em, that if this Matter proceeded from God, ‘twas in vain for them to oppose it; but if otherwise, then it would soon vanish of itself. So they dismiss’d the Apostles, after giving them thirty-nine Stripes apiece, and charged them to speak no more in the Name of Jesus Christ.

After the Martyrdom of St. Stephen, a Persecution was carry’d on against the Faithful at Jerusalem, and they were obliged to take Shelter in several Places. The Apostles alone continued at Jerusalem; St. Philip the Deacon going to Samaria, the Samaritans received the Word of the Lord, and several of them were baptized. Then St. Peter and St. John repair’d thither also, to give them the Holy Ghost; which St. Philip, being only a Deacon, had not Power to do. Simon the Magician was also baptized among others, and admiring the Power that the Apostles had, of conferring the Holy Ghost, would have Era 35. bought the same Power of the Apostles, and accordingly offer’d Money to St. Peter. But Peter with Indignation reply’d to him, Thy Money and thou perish together, who thinkest the Gifts of God can be bought with Money! Thou hast no part with us, nor hast any Pretensions to this Ministry, for thy Heart is not right before God. Repent therefore of this Wickedness, and pray to God if perhaps he will pardon the wicked Thoughts of thy Heart. After this Peter and John return’d again to Jerusalem.

Acts x. 1, 2, 3.The Fire of Persecution being now pretty well extinguished, St. Peter departed from Jerusalem,⁵ and visiting the Disciples from City to City, he came also to see the Saints that dwelt at Lydda. Here he found a Man call’d Æneas, who had been paralytick for eight Years. St. Peter said to him, Æneas, rise up; Jesus Christ the Lord cures you. He presently got up, and all that dwelt at Lydda that saw the Miracle were converted to the Lord. There was also at Joppa a certain holy Woman named Tabitha, who happening to die while St. Peter was at Lydda, the Disciples sent to desire him to come to them. Whereupon St. Peter came, and entering into the Chamber where Tabitha lay dead, he caus’d every body to go out, and betook himself to Prayers. Then turning himself towards the Corps, he said, Tabitha arise. At which Instant she open’d her Eyes, and seeing St. Peter, she sat up. This Miracle was much fam’d at Joppa, and was the Occasion that many were converted. St. Peter stay’d there a good while, taking up his Lodging with one Simon a Tanner.

Now there was at Cesarea of Palestine a Centurion call’d Cornelius, a Man that fear’d God, and to whom it was reveal’d by an Angel, that he should send to Joppa to Peter, who should tell him what he had to do. Cornelius immediately sent two of his Servants, and while they were upon the Road, the Lord sent a Vision to Peter, to prepare him to go to this Man without any Scruple, although he was not a Jew. For as yet the Door of the Gospel had not been to open’d the Gentiles. St. Peter then being upon the Terrass of his Host Simon, was seized with an Ecstasy, and saw, as it were, a great Sheet of Linen let down from Heaven, which was full of all Kinds of Animals and Reptiles, both clean and unclean. He had this Vision three times, and heard a Voice, saying, Arise Peter, kill and eat. But Peter answered, Lord, I have never eaten any thing unclean. The Voice reply’d, Call not that unclean which God has purified. After which the Sheet was again taken up into Heaven. At the same Time the Men came in that had been sent by Cornelius. They acquainted him with what had happen’d to their Master, and desir’d him to go along with them to Cesarea. The Day following St. Peter went along with them, and some of the Brethren of Joppa accompany’d them also.

He found Cornelius with his Kindred and Friends in Expectation of him. When CorneliusActs x. 14, 15,16,&c. first saw him, he fell at his Feet as if to worship him. But Peter lifting him up, told him; I am but a Man as well as you. Coming into the House, Peter said to those that were assembled together, You know what Aversion the Jews have for those that are uncircumcis’d, and with what Caution they avoid all Correspondence with them, and will not so much as go into their Houses. But God has shew’d me, that I ought not to esteem any Man as unclean and defiled, whom he has sanctify’d; for which Reason I have made no Difficulty of coming to you. I pray you therefore to declare to me, for what Reason you have sent for me. Then Cornelius related to him what had happen’d; and Peter giving Thanks to God, who had no Respect to the different Circumstances of Persons, began to preach Jesus Christ to Cornelius, and to all those that were present. While he was yet speaking, the Holy Ghost descended upon all that heard him, and they spoke with Variety of Tongues. Then Peter said, Can any one refuse Baptism to those that have already receiv’d the Holy Ghost as well as ourselves? And he commanded that they should be baptized in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

When St. Peter was return’d to Jerusalem, the Faithful of the Circumcision said to him, Why have you gone unto those that are not circumcis’d, and why have you eat with them? But when Peter had related to ‘em all that had passed, they were satisfy’d, and glorify’d God, who had given the Gift of Repentance, leading to Life, to the Gentiles as well as to the Jews. ‘Tis thought that Peter went to Antioch a little Acts xi. 1, 2, 3, 4, &c.after this, a where he founded the Christian Church, of which he was first Bishop. St. Chrysostom says, he continued there a long while; ‘tis believed he was there seven Years, Chrysost. t. 1. homil. 42. p. 503. Greg. l. 6. Ep. 37. Euseb. l. 3. c. 1. Hist. Eccl.not continually, but at several Times. For during this Time he went to Jerusalem, into the Provinces of Asia Minor, to Bithynia, Cappadocia, and Pontus, as is concluded from the Epistle that afterwards he address’d to the Faithful of those Provinces. From thence he went to Rome, in the 42d Year of the vulgar Era, and the 2d Year of the Emperor Claudius, about five and twenty Years before his Martyrdom; which is the Time that the Church of Rome generally allows to the Bishoprick of St. Peter. ‘Tis thought that at his leaving Antioch, he there fix’d St. Ignatius in his Place.

‘Tis said,⁶ that while he was at Rome under Claudius, he there contracted an Acquaintance with Philo, the Alexandrian Jew, and had several Conversations with him. See the Article PHILO. ‘Tis thought also, that the chief Occasion of his Journey⁷ was to oppose Simon Magus, who by his Deceits had perverted a great Number of Persons, and was honour’d there almost as a God. The Presence of St. Peter, and the true Miracles that he opposed to the Tricks of Simon, ruin’d or much diminish’d the Reputation of this Impostor. If at this Time St. Peter did not continue long enough at Rome, to undeceive those that had been seduced by Simon, yet he did it effectually afterwards, at his Return, when he entirely defeated him, as we shall see in its Place.

Acts 12. 1, 2, 3, &c.St. Peter being come to Jerusalem, at the Passover of the 44th Year of the vulgar Era, Herod Agrippa began a Persecution against the Church. He put to the Sword St. James the Greater, Brother of John; and perceiving that his Death was acceptable to the Jews, he moreover caused Peter to be apprehended, and put him in Prison, with a Design of putting him to death publickly after the Passover. In the Interim Intercession was made for him continually to God, by the Church. But the very Night that Herod thought of putting him to death, as Peter loaded with Chains was sleeping between two Soldiers, the Angel of the Lord awakened him, broke his Chains, open’d the Door of the Prison to him, and brought him the Length of a Street. Then the Angel leaving him, he said, Now I find that the Lord has deliver’d me from the Hands of Herod, and from all the Expectation of the Jews. From thence he came to the House of Mary the Mother of John, where many of the Faithful were assembled at Prayers. He knock’d at the Door, and a Damsel call’d Rhode coming to open it, when she heard his Voice, instead of opening the Door to him, she run in a Transport of Joy to acquaint the Family, that Peter was at the Door. Those that heard her could not believe it, and said it was his Angel, and not himself. But he continuing to knock, they let him in, when he inform’d them of what had happen’d to him.⁸

He then left Jerusalem, but we are not told what became of him, ‘till the Time of the Council held at Jerusalem, in the Year 51. ‘Tis likely that before this Time he made his second Journey to Rome, from whence he writ his first Epistle, about the 50th Year of the vulgar Era. a It is dated from Babylon, that is, from Rome, as the Antients have explain’d it.⁹ ‘Tis thought that St. Mark, who was his Interpreter, was assisting to him in composing it, as to the Style. It is address’d to the Faithful of Bithynia, of Pontus, of Galatia, and of Cappadocia. It has a principal Regard to the converted Jews, though it speaks also of the Gentiles made Proselytes to the Church. It was sent by Silvanus, who is probably the same so famous in the Acts by the Name of Silas. It was written in Greek, and in it may be seen a Strength and Vigour not unworthy of the Prince of the Apostles.

St. Peter was obliged to leave Rome¹⁰ by Order of the Emperor Claudius, who had banish’d all Jews from thence, because of the Tumults they continually rais’d there, excited by one Chrestus, as Suetonius Sueton. l. 5. c. 25.says, meaning probably by this Name Jesus Christ. The Chief of the Apostles return’d into Judea, where was held the Council of Jerusalem, in which, after a strict Examination of the Matter proposed to Peter and the Apostles, he spoke to them with much Wisdom, saying, that God having given his Holy Ghost Acts xv. 7, 8, &c.and the Gift of Faith to the Gentiles as well as to the Jews, they ought not to impose the Yoke of the Legal Observances on the new Converts, which (as he says) neither we nor our Fathers have been able to bear. But we believe, that ‘tis through the Grace of Jesus Christ that both we and they shall be saved. St. James the Less, Bishop of Jerusalem, seconded this Opinion of St. Peter; and the Council came to this Conclusion, That no new Obligation should be imposed on the Gentiles, but only that they should be required to abstain from Fornication, from the Use of Blood, and from Meats offer’d to Idols. The Resolution of this Council was written to the Faithful of Antioch, because it was there this Question was first started.

Some Time after St. Peter coming to Antioch,¹¹ he eat and drank with the Gentiles, without regarding that Distinction of Meats enjoin’d by the Law. But after that, when some of the Faithful of Jerusalem came to Antioch, being converted Jews, St. Peter out of Fear to offend them separated himself from the converted Gentiles, and would no longer eat with them as before. St. Paul fearing, that what St. Peter did, might be interpreted, as if he had a Desire to oblige the Gentiles to Judaize, and to submit themselves to the Yoke of the Law, and so to revoke and annul what he himself had determined in the Council of Jerusalem: St. Paul, I say, withstood him to his Face, and openly expostulated with him, telling him, he was much in the wrong to endeavour to oblige the Gentiles, at least tacitly by his own Manner of acting, to live as the Jews do. St. Peter received this Reprehension with Silence and Humility, without having Recourse to his Primacy, to support what he had done; and the whole Church, says Pope PelagiusTom. 5. Concil. p. 622. b. c. d., reverences the Humility with which St. Peter submitted to the Reasons of St. Paul, and came into his Sentiments. Every body knows the Dispute heretofore agitated between St. Austin and St. Jerome, upon the Occasion of this Reproof of St. Peter by St. Paul. But as this does not belong to our Subject, we refer the Reader to the Letters of these two Fathers.

The Particulars of St. Peter’s Life are little known, from the 51st Year of the vulgar Era, in which the Council of Jerusalem was held, ‘till his last Journey to Rome, which was some Time before his Athanas. de fuga. Vide 2 Pet. i. 14.Death. Then being acquainted by Revelation, that the Time of his Death was not far off, he had a Mind to write to the Faithful that had been converted by him, to put them in mind of the Truths he had before taught them. He sent them therefore his second Epistle,¹² in which he exhorts them to persevere in the Doctrine of the Apostles, and in the Practice of good Works, without suffering themselves to be seduced by false Teachers. ‘Tis thought he means by those the Disciples of Simon Magus. He speaks with Commendation of the Epistles of St. Paul, of which even then some ignorant Pretenders began to make an ill Use. However, for some Time the Canonicalness of this Epistle was made a Question,¹³ because it was thought to have some Difference of Style from the former Epistle. But this Diversity may proceed from the several Interpreters; for Clem. Alex. l. 7. Stromat. p. 764.the Antients tell us, that besides St. Mark he had also Glaucias for an Interpreter, whom Basilides the Arch-heretick boasted to have for his Master. Our Preface may be seen to this Epistle.¹⁴

St. Peter and St. Paul came to Rome about the same Time, that is, about the Year of Christ 65, where they perform’d many Miracles, and made many Converts. Simon Magus, by his Tricks, continued to deceive the People, pretending himself to be the Messiah, and even attempting to ascend into Heaven. But he having caused himself to be carry’d up into the Air by his Demons, in a fiery Chariot,¹⁵ St. Peter and St. Paul betook themselves to their Prayers; and then the Impostor, being forsaken of his Demons, fell down upon the Ground, and died by his Fall; not indeed immediately, but having broken his Legs, he was carry’d to Brunda, where, through Rage and Shame, he threw himself headlong from the Top of his House. This Place call’d Brunda was probably in Rome, for several of the Antients expresly affirm, that he died at Rome. St. AmbroseAmbr. Serm. 68. relates, that the Pagans being provoked against St. Peter, because of what had happen’d to Simon Magus, were in search of him to kill him, and that the Believers were urgent with him to quit Rome, in order to secure himself from their Fury. He was got already to the Gates of Rome, when he saw Jesus Christ coming in at the same Gate. Peter said to him, Lord, whither are you going? to which our Saviour answer’d, I am coming to Rome to be crucify’d over again. St. Peter understood, by these Words, that our Lord would have him stay there, and glorify him by his Death. He return’d, and related to the Faithful what had happen’d to him; he was taken and put into Prison, where, ‘tis said, he continued for nine Months. Lastly, he was crucify’d at Rome in the Via Ostia, the 29th of June, on the same Day and in the same Place that St. Paul was beheaded. We are assured that he was fix’d to the Cross or Gibbet with his Head downwards, as he had desired himself of his Executioners.¹⁶ This he did out of a Sense of Humility, for fear it should be thought, as St. Ambrose says, b that he affected the Glory of Jesus Christ, and the more to augment Ambros. de interpell. Job. t. 2. l. 1. c. 1.the Pain of his Execution¹⁷.

‘Tis said, that the Body of St. Peter was at first buried in the Catacombs, two Miles Greg. Mag. l. 3. ep. 30.from Rome, from whence it was afterwards transported to the Vatican, where it has lain ever since. His Festival is celebrated with that of St. Paul, on the 29th of June. St. Peter died in the 66th Year of the vulgar Era, after having held the Primacy of Rome for about 24 or 25 Years. His Age might be about 74 or 75 Years. It is generally agreed, Niceph. l. 2. c. 37.that St. Linus was his Successor. This is the Pourtraiture that Nicephorus gives us of St. Peter, which he has probably taken from the antient Pictures that were preserved of this Apostle. He was not fat, but pretty tall and upright, having a fair and palish Countenance. The Hair of his Head and Beard was thick, frizzled, and not long. His Eyes were black, and blood-shot, his Eye-brows protuberant and lofty, his Nose something long, and rather flat than sharp.

Vide Aug. l. 13. c. 53. de Civit. Dei.Some of the Pagans heretofore accused St. Peter of Magick, and said he had committed several evil Practices; that he had even kill’d and cut in Pieces a Child of a Year old, that he might procure Jesus Christ to be adored for three hundred and sixty-five Years, after which the Christian Religion was to cease. The Ebionites imputed Epiphan. hæres. 20. c. 15. In Excerptis Clem. p. 807. Sozomen l. 7. c. 19. Origen. de Princip.several of their Superstitions to him, among others was their bathing every Day after eating, and their abstaining from the Flesh of Animals, and all Things that proceeded from Animals. All these Forgeries they had inserted in a Book intitled, The Voyages of St. Peter, which they ascribed to St. Clement. He has been made also the Author of several Books,¹⁸ such were his Acts, his Gospel, his Revelation, a Work about Preaching, and another about Judgment. We have still a large History of St. Peter, call’d the Recognitions, imputed to St. Clement. St. Clemens of Alexandria cited the Revelation of St. Peter in his Hypotyposes. They read this false Revelation in some Churches of Palestine on Good -Friday, in the fifth Age. Origen rejects the Book of St. Peter’s Preaching; but Clemens Alexandrinus often quotes it¹⁹. The Nazarene Hereticks made use of St. Peter’s Gospel. Origen relates something from it. The Orientals ascribe some Liturgies to him, but it is agreed that he had no Hand in ‘em. These Things may be seen more at large in Baronius, and M. de Tillemont, T. 1. Hist. Eccl. St. Peter, Art. 39, 40. and in M. Fabricius, Cod. Apocryph. N. T. p. 374, 761, 800, 801, 802, &c.

Euseb. l. 6. c. 12. Hist. Eccl.St. Serapion, who was Bishop of Antioch about the Year 200, for the Sake of Peace allow’d the Reading of St. Peter’s Gospel in the Church of Rhossos in Cilicia; but being inform’d afterwards that use was made of it to support the Heresy of the Docetes, he read it, and acknowledg’d the greatest Part of the Rules of this Book to be good, but that however there was a Mixture of such as were evil and false. He therefore made an Extract from it, and a Refua Refutation of it, which he sent to the Church of Rhossos, ‘till he could have Opportunity to go thither himself in Person.

We have already observed, that St. Peter was a marry’d Man. But the Fathers inform Clem. l. 7. Stromat. Chrysost. de Virgin. c. 82.us, that after his calling to the Apostleship he renounced the Use of Marriage, and regarded his Wife afterwards only as his Sister. Some pretend that the Wife of St. Peter, as also Vide S. Arit. t. 1. Miscel. Baluz. p. 357.those of the other Apostles that were marry’d, follow’d their Husbands, and assisted them in the Preaching of the Gospel, according to their Abilities, visiting and instructing those of their own Sex.

We are assured²⁰ that St. Peter’s Wife suffer’d Martyrdom, and that this holy Apostle seeing her led to be put to death, cry’d out to her with great Resolution, Wife, remember the Lord. ‘Tis said also, that he had a Daughter named Petronilla, or Petrina, whose Name is to be found in some Martyrologies on the 31st of May. Clem. Alex. l. 5. Strom. p. 445. Epiphan. hæres. 30. c. 22. Aug. in Adimant. c. 17.Clemens Alexandrinus and Epiphanius acknowledge, that St. Peter had Children, and St. Austin mentions a Daughter of this Apostle. The Acts of Nereus and Achilleus relate several Things concerning her. The Bollandists may be consulted on May 31.

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