Simon Peter

Simon Peter and Jonah

Is Jonah, from the whale account, Simon Peter's father?

I take it that your question is occasioned by Matthew 16:17. “Jesus replied, ‘Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.’” (The King James Version had rendered Peter’s identity as “Simon Barjona,” “Simon, son of Jonah.”) Jesus spoke those words after Peter confessed that Jesus is the Christ, the promised Savior, the Son of God. In that verse Jesus described Simon as “son of Jonah.” Elsewhere (John 1:42) Simon Peter is called “son of John.” “John” and “Jonah” reflect the variants, or slight differences, in the Greek text.Simon Peter’s father was “John” or “Jonah.” Let’s say his name was Jonah. He was not the one after whom the Old Testament book is named. Simon Peter’s father and that Jonah only shared a common name. They were separated in time by about nine centuries. Lastly, “whale” is not part of the Bible’s vocabulary regarding the Jonah of the Old Testament; “huge fish” is. But thanks for an interesting question.

Map of Apostle's Journeys

Timeline of Simon Peter

WikiBlitz: Saint Peter

Peter was a Jewish fisherman in Bethsaida (John 1:44).

He was named Simon, son of Jonah or John.

The three Synoptic Gospels recount how Peter's mother-in-law was healed by Jesus at their home in Capernaum (Matthew 8:14–17, Mark 1:29–31, Luke 4:38)

This passage clearly depicts Peter as being married or widowed. 1 Corinthians 9:5 has also been taken to imply that he was married.

John 1:44, KJV: Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.

Philip, Andrew, and Peter were all from Bethsaida, which was on the northeastern side of the Sea of Galilee. It would have been fairly close to Capernaum, which housed a synagogue. It's possible that this town was something of a miniature suburb of the larger Capernaum. The name "Bethsaida" literally means, "house of fishing," so it's safe to assume that almost everyone who lived there was a fisherman by trade. It's no accident that Jesus sought out fishermen for most of His disciples. The first requirement of a servant of God is a willingness to work. Knowledge and talents are important, but useless until a person submits to God's direction for his life. The region of Galilee curved around the north and west of the Sea of Galilee, which was west of the Jordan River. It was a unique setting in that area, since it had more rain and less heat than the surrounding land. Galilee was both beautiful and popular for travelers. -BibleRef

Matthew 8:14-17 - Jesus Heals Many

14 When Jesus came into Peter’s house, he saw Peter’s mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever. 15 He touched her hand and the fever left her, and she got up and began to wait on him.

16 When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick. 17 This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah:

“He took up our infirmities

and bore our diseases.”

1 Corinthians 9:5, KJV: Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas?

Chapter Summary

Paul encourages Christians to willingly give up their ''rights'' for the good of those who are weak in their faith. Paul shows that he, too, has given up his rights, including the right as an apostle to receive financial support from those he serves. Instead, he boasts that he serves the Corinthians without any compensation, even at great cost to himself. Paul describes himself as an athlete competing for the prize of a crown in eternity. His point is for believers to pursue godliness, and the good of others, with that kind of commitment.

Overview of 1st and 2nd Peter

Watch our overview video on 1 Peter, which breaks down the literary design of the book and its flow of thought. Peter offers hope to persecuted Christians and guides them with practical instruction on living life consistent with following Jesus.

Watch our overview video on 2 Peter, which breaks down the literary design of the book and its flow of thought. In 2 Peter, Peter calls for faithfulness and confronts corrupt teachers who distorted the message about Jesus and lead others astray.

Peter was the First Pope

Saint Peter died between AD 64 and 68 on the Vatican Hill

Also known as Simon Peter, Simeon, Simon or Peter the Apostle, was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ.

One of the first leaders of the early Church.

Based on contemporary historical data, his papacy is estimated to have spanned from AD 30 to his death, which would make him the longest-reigning pope, at anywhere from 34 to 38 years; however, the length of his reign was never verified.

According to Christian tradition, Peter was crucified in Rome under Emperor Nero.

He is traditionally counted as the first bishop of Rome‍—‌or pope‍—‌and also as the first bishop of Antioch.

The ancient Christian churches all venerate Peter as a major saint and as the founder of the Church of Antioch and the Church of Rome,

But differ in their attitudes regarding the authority of his successors. According to Catholic teaching, Jesus promised Peter a special position in the Church

He is the brother of Saint Andrew, and both were fishermen.

In the Synoptic Gospels, Peter (then Simon) was a fisherman along with his brother, Andrew, and the sons of Zebedee, James and John.

Books Written By Peter

Harrowing of Hell

In Christian theology, the Harrowing of Hell (Latin: Descensus Christi ad Inferos, "the descent of Christ into Hell" or Hades), is a period of time between his crucifixion and his resurrection. In triumphant descent, Christ brought salvation to the souls held captive there since the beginning of the world.[1]

Jesus Christ's descent into the world of the dead is referred to in the Apostles' Creed and the Athanasian Creed (Quicumque vult), which state that he "descended into the underworld" (descendit ad inferos), although neither mention that he liberated the dead. His descent to the underworld is alluded to in the New Testament in 1 Peter 4:6, which states that the "good tidings were proclaimed to the dead".[2] The Catechism of the Catholic Church notes Ephesians 4:9, which states that "[Christ] descended into the lower parts of the earth", as also supporting this interpretation.[3] These passages in the Bible have given rise to differing interpretations.[4] The Harrowing of Hell is commemorated in the liturgical calendar on Holy Saturday.[5]


Memes about Saint Peter

St Peter's Basilica

Quotes from Simon Peter