Saint Peter
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Saint Peter (Greek: Πέτρος, Pétros “Rock”)[1] (c.1–AD 64) was a leader of the early Christian church, who features prominently in the New Testament Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles. According to Biblical accounts, he was one of Twelve Apostles, chosen by Jesus from his first disciples. He was a Galilean fisherman assigned a leadership role by Jesus (Matthew 16:18), and was with Jesus during events witnessed by only a few apostles, such as the Transfiguration.[2] Early Christian writers provided more details about his life. Catholic tradition claims that he was the first Pope, the author of two canonical epistles, and a martyr under Nero, crucified head down, and buried in Rome.[2] His memoirs are traditionally cited as the source of the Gospel of Mark. | Saint Peter (Greek: Πέτρος, Pétros “Rock”)[1] (c.1–AD 64) was a leader of the early Christian church, who features prominently in the New Testament Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles. According to Biblical accounts, he was one of Twelve Apostles, chosen by Jesus from his first disciples. He was a Galilean fisherman assigned a leadership role by Jesus (Matthew 16:18), and was with Jesus during events witnessed by only a few apostles, such as the Transfiguration.[2] Early Christian writers provided more details about his life. Catholic tradition claims that he was the first Pope, the author of two canonical epistles, and a martyr under Nero, crucified head down, and buried in Rome.[2] His memoirs are traditionally cited as the source of the Gospel of Mark. | ||
+ | ==Popular culture== | ||
+ | Over the years "St. Peter" has evolved into a [[stock character]] that is now widely used in [[joke]]s, [[cartoon]]s, [[comedy|comedies]], [[drama]]s, and [[Play (theatre)|plays]]. Such caricatures almost all play upon Peter's role as the "keeper of the keys of the [[Kingdom of God|kingdom of heaven]]" in {{Bibleref2|Matthew|16:19}}, on the basis of which he is often depicted as an elderly, bearded man who sits at the [[pearly gates]] that serve as heaven's main entrance, often portrayed as a sort of hotel-style [[doorman (profession)|doorman]] / [[bouncer (doorman)|bouncer]] who personally interviews prospective entrants into Heaven, often seated behind a desk, or standing at a lectern. He usually has a big book in which the names of the saved are written. | ||
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+ | In traditional Medieval [[iconography]], Peter is a bald man with a long beard. He usually has one or more large keys in his hand or hanging from his belt. | ||
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Revision as of 10:52, 11 December 2011
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Saint Peter (Greek: Πέτρος, Pétros “Rock”)[1] (c.1–AD 64) was a leader of the early Christian church, who features prominently in the New Testament Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles. According to Biblical accounts, he was one of Twelve Apostles, chosen by Jesus from his first disciples. He was a Galilean fisherman assigned a leadership role by Jesus (Matthew 16:18), and was with Jesus during events witnessed by only a few apostles, such as the Transfiguration.[2] Early Christian writers provided more details about his life. Catholic tradition claims that he was the first Pope, the author of two canonical epistles, and a martyr under Nero, crucified head down, and buried in Rome.[2] His memoirs are traditionally cited as the source of the Gospel of Mark.
Popular culture
Over the years "St. Peter" has evolved into a stock character that is now widely used in jokes, cartoons, comedies, dramas, and plays. Such caricatures almost all play upon Peter's role as the "keeper of the keys of the kingdom of heaven" in Template:Bibleref2, on the basis of which he is often depicted as an elderly, bearded man who sits at the pearly gates that serve as heaven's main entrance, often portrayed as a sort of hotel-style doorman / bouncer who personally interviews prospective entrants into Heaven, often seated behind a desk, or standing at a lectern. He usually has a big book in which the names of the saved are written.
In traditional Medieval iconography, Peter is a bald man with a long beard. He usually has one or more large keys in his hand or hanging from his belt.