# Simon Peter, The Holy Apostle, Crucified With His Head Downward, Under Emperor Nero, A. D. 69. · Page 1 of 2

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PETER CRUCIFIED AT ROME.

Simon Jona, afterwards called Cephas in Syriac,
but Petros or Petrus in Greek, was the brother of
Andrew, a native of Bethsaida in Galilee, and a fisherman
by occupation. He had his abode at Capernaum,
with his wife’s mother. His brother Andrew,
who was a disciple of John, first brought him
to Christ, and shortly afterwards he and his brother
were called away from the fishery, to become fishers
of men. Matt. 16:17; Mark 3:16; John 1:42; Matt.
4:18; John 1:44; Luke 4:31,38; John 1:41,42;
Matt. 4:18,19.

He was diligently instructed by Christ, his Savior,
and made such progress therein, that he became
the spokesman of all the apostles, being generally
the most frank in asking and answering, as well as
the most zealous for Christ, in order to prove to
him his love and fidelity, although at times he manifested
a certain rashness therein; on which occasions
the Lord, like a father his child, faithfully instructed,
and, whenever it was necessary, kindly
reproved him. Matt. 16:16; John 6:68; Matt.
18:21; 14:31; John 18:10,11.

The Lord loved him in a special manner, and
permitted him, together with James and John, to
witness his glory on Mount Tabor; of which he
afterwards made mention to the chosen scattered
strangers, saying, We were eye-witnesses of his
majesty. Matt. 17:1–3; 2 Pet. 1:16,17.

He was the boldest in offering to suffer with
Christ, but the weakest when the conflict began.
The Lord selected him and the two sons of Zebedee,
to watch and pray with him in the garden; but his
eyes as well as those of the others were heavy with
sleep; which showed that though he was specially
loved by Christ, he was nothing more than a weak
mortal. Matt. 26:33,36.

About his denying Christ we shall not mention
anything, as this is not the proper place for it, since
we purpose to speak only of his faithfulness and
steadfastness until death.

After the aforesaid denial, the Lord forgave him
his sin, and commanded him three times to feed his
sheep and lambs; which he subsequently faithfully
did to the full extent of his ability. John 21:15,16;
1 Pet. 5:1–3.

In one day there were converted to the faith, by
his preaching, about three thousand souls; all of
whom were baptized, and continued steadfastly in
the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking
of bread, and in prayers. Acts 2:41,42.

He confirmed his doctrine through the power of
God by signs accompanying the same, according to
78
the promise of Christ, as is evidenced in the case of
the lame man, Ananias, Sapphira, Eneas, Tabitha,
and others. Acts 3:7; 5:5,10; 9:34,40.

The calling of the Gentiles was revealed to him
in a vision from heaven; but as he was properly an
apostle of the Jews, his ministry was most effectual
among the circumcision. Acts 10:10–12; Gal. 2:8.

But since he was so excellent and worthy a man
in his ministry, it pleased the Lord, that he should
also be one of his martyrs, to seal the truth of his
doctrine not only with the mouth, but also with his
blood, yea, even with his death. This the Lord
showed to him shortly before his departure from
this world, saying, “Verily, verily, I say unto thee,
when thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and
walkedst whither thou wouldst: but when thou
shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and
another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou
wouldst not.” This spake he, signifying by what
death he should glorify God. John 21:18,19.

This was verified in him, for shortly afterwards
he and John, his fellow-helper, were brought before
the Jewish council in Jerusalem, and severely
threatened, to desist preaching in the name of Jesus;
to which they both boldly replied, Whether it be
right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more
than unto God, judge ye. Acts 4:19.

Afterwards he was again apprehended, together
with the other apostles, but by night, miraculously
delivered out of prison by an angel. Acts 5:19.

After that he was not only apprehended, but, together
with the other apostles, scourged and commanded,
that they should absolutely not preach in
the name of the Lord Jesus; but they went away
from the Council, rejoicing that they were counted
worthy to suffer shame for his name. Acts 5:40–42.

Afterwards King Herod stretched forth his hands
to vex certain of the church. And he killed James
the brother of John with the sword. And when he
saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further and
apprehended Peter also, and put him in prison, and
delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers; intending
after Easter to bring him forth to the people.
But in the night the angel of the Lord led him out,
through the midst of the soldiers, so that he returned
to the believers, who rejoiced greatly on
account of him. Acts 12:1.

![Illustration from Martyrs’ Mirror](/sources/martyrs-mirror/images/i0156.jpg)

## Original source

[Read this passage on Project Gutenberg](https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/65855/pg65855-images.html#i0156)

[Edition details](https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/65855)

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