St. Peter was the chief of the apostles, the first pope, and one of the most flip-floppiest people of the Bible (he was definitely a roller coaster). But, his humanity and leadership are inspiration and encouragement for us.
Powerhouse Peter
Peter was a fisherman with his brother, Andrew, when Christ called him to follow Him. Peter had some dynamite moments in the Gospels, like when he recognized Jesus as the Son of God, and Jesus made him the “Rock” of the Church in Matthew 16 (Peter’s name actually means rock!). He also walked on water at one point and attempted to protect Jesus from the his captors in the garden of Gethsemane.
However, he also was a bit rash, was called out by Jesus, and he also denied Jesus three times after Jesus was arrested. Yet, this flawed apostle became Pope?! St. Peter’s example of redemption should encourage believers. His denial was redeemed after Christ’s resurrection when he told the Lord that he loved Him three times. He became a powerhouse preacher, minister of healing, evangelist to the Gentiles, and first pope of the budding Catholic Church.
Like his brother, he didn’t feel worthy to die in the same manner as Christ, so he was crucified upside down. His bones are contained in a crypt of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican.
Read a ton more on St. Peter here.
Why a Key?
St. Peter was the first pope and received the “keys of the kingdom” from Christ in Matthew 16:19, signifying his leadership of the church on Earth.
Who would be friends with St. Peter?
- Fishermen
- Those struggling in their faith (seriously, Peter struggled!)
- Evangelists
- Popes
- Priests
- Preachers
Increase your devotion to the first Pope by shopping St. Peter’s collection in the shop.
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