Character Catalog

A letter addressed to Christians scattered across Asia Minor, written to encourage them in the face of persecution. It is one of the earliest New Testament texts to develop a theology of Christian suffering as participation in the sufferings of Christ.

A letter warning against false prophets and asserting Peter's apostolic authority. Historians debate its authenticity, but it was ultimately included in the New Testament canon.

Catholic tradition attributes to Peter the founding and leadership of the first Christian community in Rome. This mission forms the historical basis for the legitimacy of the Roman papacy to this day.

The first major Christian sermon delivered publicly in Jerusalem. Peter proclaims the resurrection of Jesus and calls the crowd to conversion — a founding act of the Church's evangelizing mission.

Peter baptizes Cornelius, a non-Jewish Roman centurion, officially opening Christianity to the Gentiles (non-Jews). This act marks a decisive turning point in the universalization of the Christian message.

Simon, whom he named Peter… He said to them: 'Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.'

Peter, standing with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed them: 'Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you...'

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia.

I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas [Peter], and remained with him fifteen days.

To suppress this rumor, Nero fabricated scapegoats and inflicted the most exquisite punishments on a group hated for their abominations, whom the crowd called Christians.

Peter's hometown, on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. It was here that he lived as a fisherman before meeting Jesus and becoming his disciple.

A freshwater lake in Israel where Peter worked as a fisherman. It was on its shores that Jesus called him, and where several Gospel miracles are set.

The nerve center of early Christianity's first decades. Peter led the apostolic community there, delivered the Pentecost sermon, and took part in the Council of AD 49.

A great cosmopolitan city where one of the first Christian churches was founded. Peter stayed there and exercised his apostolic authority; it was here that the followers of Jesus were first called 'Christians.'

The site of Peter's martyrdom and burial according to Christian tradition. St. Peter's Basilica, built over his presumed tomb, is the center of the worldwide Catholic Church.