“Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!” John 21:18-19
Peter the Apostle (c.64)
Destined to be a Martyr
Peter, who is traditionally honoured on this day, was a simple fisherman called Simon when Jesus called him and his brother Andrew to “fish for people” (Matthew 4:18-19). He went on to become a central figure in the spread of the Gospel and the formation of the Church. Indeed, it was his testimony about Jesus’ identity, “the Messiah, the Son of the living God”, that Jesus described as the rock upon which He would build His Church (Matthew 16:15-18). When Jesus was arrested, a fearful Peter denied that he knew him three times, as predicted by his Lord (Luke 22:54-62). But Peter was graciously and wonderfully restored by Jesus in an encounter following the resurrection that has encouraged faltering believers throughout the generations.
Peter was transformed by the Holy Spirit, and throughout Acts he is recorded as speaking boldly for the Lord he previously disowned. It was through Peter that the Gentiles first heard the Gospel (Acts 15:7), but he was principally called to reach the Jews while the apostle Paul went to the Gentiles (Galatians 2:7). After King Herod had James killed and saw that this pleased the Jews, he resolved to “seize Peter also” (Acts 12:3). Peter was apprehended and jailed but miraculously freed by an angel.
He spent his final part of his life in Rome, where he was martyred under Emperor Nero. Detained with the apostle Paul, the pair converted two captains of the guard and 47 others to Christianity during their time in prison. After nine months, Peter was brought for execution, and after being severely flogged, he was crucified with his head downwards. He had been prepared for his martyrdom by the risen Lord in their final meeting, in which Jesus restored Peter and put him in charge of tending the flock (John 21:18-19).
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.
Peter the Apostle (1 Peter 4:12-16)