Peter the Rock

Who were the first missionaries on the earth? Moses 5:58 – angels who were unborn beings. Peter, James & John may have played a role in preaching to Adam and Eve.

Peter’s name was Simon Barjona. Simon was a very common name. Bar means son of; so his name was Simon, son of Jonah

Peter’s father, Jonah, was a fisherman. In the Holy Land you can still go in restaurants and order St’ Peter’s fish, which is tilapia.

We know Peter’s father was a good man because 2 of his sons were among the 12 apostles – Peter, and Andrew. Andrew was a devout follower of John the Baptist. He followed him and followed his teachings, so when Jesus came to him to be baptized, and John the Baptist declared him the Lamb of God, Andrew was quick to follow Jesus. He asked Jesus “Where do you live”; Jesus told him to come and see, so Andrew went and spent the day with Him. Then he told Simon, who told him, Andrew, to take him to see Jesus.

Jesus gave Simon the nickname of Simon Peter – Peter meaning “The rock” (Cefas). This was a great compliment. Peter was known as one of the pillars of the Church.

Sidenote: 1000 years after Jesus, people began to have surnames, but during Jesus’ time, people used nicknames like John the Baptist, John the beloved, Jesus of Nazareth, Virgin Mary, and Mary Magdalene (which is where she was from), etc., to distinguish one from another.

Also 2 of Peter’s cousins began to follow Jesus and became apostles, James and John who Jesus nicknamed the “Sons of thunder” because they wanted to call down lightening to punish people who rejected Jesus.

The first 4 apostles called were Peter and Andrew, and James and John who were Peter’s cousins.

Sidenote: Constantine started having the symbol of the cross for Christians. The apostles would never have used such a symbol as remembrance of Jesus. They used ichthus, which means fish. The IXOYE inside the shape of a fish means Jesus Christ Son of God Savior.

Those apostles lived in Caupernum on the Sea of Galilee.

Peter was probably prosperous because we know he had hired servants, a big beautiful home wher Jesus could teach. We also know that Peter was married – Matt 8:14.

Peter was bold, loyal, and outspoken. President Kimball in BYU 1971 wrote a discourse callee Peter, my brother. He called him one of the greatest men that ever lived.

In Jerusalem, a Galilean like Peter was always in danger. 

Sidenote: Prophets are prime targets on earth. For this reason, they are the only people mentioned specifically by name in the prayers in the temple.

After Christ’s death, Peter went home to fish and 6 apostles followed him. As once before, there were no fish and they heard a voice from the shore to cast their nets on the other side. The first time that happened, the nets broke. This time the nets held and overflowed. This is symbolic of the new converts and the strength of missionary work.

While the apostles taught before Christ’s death, the people didn’t stay strong; they didn’t have the Holy Ghost. After Jesus died and the apostles had the Holy Ghost the missionaries were more effective. The converts had the Holy Ghost and stayed stronger. John 20:20-22

Peter is named as the chief apostle in the scriptures

Matt 16:10 – Peter was given the keys of the kingdom – the right to the presidency.

Matt 1:15 Peter presided

The day of Pentecost, Peter taught.

Peter was involved in the 1^st miracle after Jesus died – healed a lame in front of the temple

Peter received revelation for the whole church in Acts 10 to take the gospel to the Gentiles.

Acts 5 has stories that show Peter’s character – he had the gift of discernment, gift of healing – people believed that if they could be where Peter’s shadow fell, they would be healed. 

Angels let Peter out of prison – he had the ministering of angels. He had courage. He was beaten and after went on his way rejoicing; he had the gift of patience.

After Christ’s death, Andrew went to Russia; Peter went to Rome and the British Isles. He was in prison 9 months, and while chained to a post he converted his jailers. He taught all over the world and converted gentiles, but in Jerusalem the Jews persecuted him.

The new emperor, Nero, upped the persecution. Peter’s wife was killed in front of him and as they killed her, he encouraged her to stay strong in the faith. 5 of the apostles were crucified; 3 of them, including Peter, demanded being crucified upside down.

Peter is the one who taught the sanctification ladder – 2^nd Peter. He taught that 1000 of our years is a day to the Lord – 2 Peter 3:8.

The book of Mark might have been written under the direction of Peter – Mark was the scribe for Peter.

Joseph Smith called 1^st and 2^nd Peter the most sublime of all gospels. Joseph Smith knew he would die soon, and so did Peter when he wrote them. They were both concerned with preparing the members. Peter told them to always be ready to give an answer. The Jews hated that the Christians would be killed with a smile on their faces, singing hymns. Peter taught people to obey the laws of the land. He taught that husbands and wives should love each other “so that your prayers are not hindered”.

Peter will help judge the righteous – bring the faithful to the veil to stand before the Lord.