Peter the Apostle

Peter, also called Simon Peter or Saint Peter, was one of the apostles of Jesus Christ. He is listed first in the Bible among the twelve apostles, and is often depicted as their spokesman. Peter first met Jesus when he was fishing in Bethsaida, and no fish were in sight. Jesus offered him help and told him, "Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish" (Luke 5:4). Hundreds of fish were soon caught in his nets, and Jesus definitely had Peter's attention. He, along with James and John immediately followed Jesus.

Seeing the constant miracles and hearing the teachings of their newly found Messiah, Peter, along with all the other apostles began to grow immensely in their belief of Jesus. Christ even began to describe Peter as, "a fisher of men" , depicting his uncanny ability to publicly speak and spread the gospel to all. Peter constantly seemed unafraid and full of faith, but he did waver occasionally  however. In the book of Matthew, the ever-famous story of Jesus walking on water depicted this. Jesus calls to Peter, and Peter begins to walk out on the water without a hint of doubt. "But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"" (Matthew 14:30). Peter may have been doubtful here, but as Jesus caught his hand, his doubts were quenched, and he became even stronger though he wavered in the moment.

The ultimate test for Peter came at the Last Supper. Jesus began to speak of his coming demise and resurrection, then turned to Peter and informed him that, "I tell you the truth, Peter--this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me" (Matthew 26:34). Peter was drastically shocked and informed Jesus that there was no way he would ever do that. Ultimately though, the prediction reigned true as Christ was unfairly accused of blasphemy, and soldiers began targeting his followers. Peter, out of pure fear, denied that he was associated or even knew Jesus. He felt overwhelmingly guilty for faltering in his faith and bravery, but was forgiven by Jesus when he happily reunited with him following the resurrection. Jesus informed his remaining apostles to, "Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone" (Mark 16:15). Peter, realizing this to be his purpose, ventured out and began planting the Church of Christ along with John.

Peter built the Church of Christ beginning on the same spot that Jesus first returned to his apostles following his resurrection. Peter travelled all over spreading the gospel, and eventually went on to claim the papacy in 30 A.D. although he never actually claimed the title of "Pope". He was the first to be considered the head of the Catholic Church, and in remembrance of him, all succeeding popes have worn a ring depicting a fisherman, as that was Peter's occupation prior to and while he followed Jesus. Peter later went on to be known as a saint, and is still today remembered for his immense powers of healing, and his immense passion and drive for the church. He died as a martyr for his love of Christ and the gospel.

Peter is a perfect representation of a truly human holy man. He had his fears, worries, and doubts, but he always found his way back to Jesus. That's the important part. No matter how far he strayed, he always found the route back to Christ. I began hearing about Peter when I started going to church a few years back, and I always related to Peter in many ways. I doubted God through hard times, but I always found that when I found my way back, and grew in my faith, things got better. I hope to be like him in the future and devote my life to God, and also develop my healing powers through medical education. He devoted his life to healing and spreading the gospel, something many Christians so greatly desire to do. He always wanted to help people and do the right thing, no matter what the cost. With each mistake he made and worry he had, Peter's faith became that much stronger each step of the way. He was not vain, arrogant, or boastful. He truly wanted to learn all that Jesus Christ had to teach. Peter is a  relatable model to all because through his trials and misdoings, he discovered the most amazing way to be both human and remain immensely devoted.