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Saint Peter

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An ancient Byzantine icon from the 6th century showing Saint Peter, an important figure in early Christianity.

Who was Saint Peter?

Saint Peter, also called Simon Peter, was one of the important followers of Jesus. He was one of the Twelve Apostles and became a leader in the early Christian Church. People remember him as a strong and important friend of Jesus.

Life and Work

Before meeting Jesus, Peter was a fisherman with his brother, Andrew. Jesus gave Peter the name “Cephas,” which means “rock,” to show how important he was. Peter helped start the Church of Rome and the Church of Antioch. Many churches honor him as a major saint.

Stories About Peter

Peter is mentioned in all four New Testament gospels and in the Acts of the Apostles. There are letters called the First Peter and Second Peter that many people think he may have helped write. People still read stories about Peter today to learn about the early days of Christianity.

Images

A famous artwork by Caravaggio showing the moment Jesus calls Saints Peter and Andrew to follow him.
Historical ruins of Capernaum in Israel, where an Orthodox church stands on the traditional site of Saint Peter's house.
A medieval painting showing Jesus calling his first disciples, Peter and Andrew, to follow him. This artwork is part of an altar piece from Siena Cathedral.
A colorful and detailed painting from the 14th century showing an artistic scene from history.
The Church of the Primacy of St. Peter, a historic church located near the Sea of Galilee in Israel.
An unfinished 17th-century painting showing the angel freeing Saint Peter from prison, a peaceful religious moment from the Bible.
A classic painting of Saint Peter, the first Pope, shown in deep reflection and sorrow after having denied Jesus. This artwork by Bartolomé Esteban Murillo is a historical piece of religious art.
A classic painting of Saint Peter, an important figure in Christian history, shown holding the symbolic Keys to Heaven.
A 17th-century painting showing Saint Peter meeting Jesus, from the National Gallery in London.
A classic painting of Saint Peter, an important figure in Christian history.
A classical painting by El Greco showing Saint Peter in a moment of reflection, suitable for learning about art and history.
Historical artwork showing Saint Peter as a Pope from the Nuremberg Chronicle.

Related articles

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This article is a child-friendly adaptation of the Wikipedia article on Saint Peter, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

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