In African churches during the late fifties and beyond most Christians bore two names- cultural names given by our parents and baptismal name given by a European priest for the convenience of pronunciation. The baptismal names were either biblical picked after a character in the scriptures [Peter, James, John, Andrew etc] or just European names like Stone, Hill, Brown, etc. Most times those who bore those names did not know their meaning and the imposed names could be less meaningful them the cultural names, yet people took pride in answering them. All in the name of religion and colonization of thoughts and minds. God Almighty had renamed some people in the bible. For example: Abram to Abraham, Sarai to Sarah, Jacob to Israel and Saul to Paul just to mention but a few. Even to date sportsmen and musicians change their names for various reasons. So it was not something strange that when Jesus saw Simeon, he called him first his cultural name (Simon son of Jonah) but also gave him a new prophetic name- Peter that means stone or little rock. Even till this moment, he is called Simeon Peter signifying his two natures- the natural and spiritual. This may be the portion of every mankind. Those two natures fight against each other.
As Simon, he was the son of Jonah and a superb fisherman. He was a hard worker, braggart known for making big time commitment. An author described him as someone who talked without thinking. When Jesus asked his disciples who they said he was. Peter was quick to identify Christ as the Son of the living God. He was popularly known for his three times denial of Jesus. Simon was among the three close companions and feisty disciples that fell asleep while praying with Jesus. He was also among those who deserted Jesus on the cross. He was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time “Do you love me”? Together with other disciples they disbelieved Jesus’ resurrection.
Before then, Simon Peter had walked on the water but sunk half way due to his little faith because he took his eyes off Jesus Christ. During the Passover dinner Jesus revealed that one of His disciples will betray him. Peter was one of the first to ask, Master is it me? Jesus also warned him of the impending trial by Satan. He assured strengthening him in prayers. He was the disciple who drew a sword and sliced off the high priests servant’s [Malchus] ear, one of those who came to arrest Jesus but the master detested the violence (Isaiah 53:9; John18:10) calmed him and put back Malchus’ ear. We cannot forget he rebuked Jesus for talking about his impending suffering and death. When Jesus was crucified, Peter quit and headed for what he knew how to do best- fishing. Yet Jesus restored him. Simon was a fearful person who withdrew from controversies and was comfortable with the Jewish crowd.
As Peter, Jesus recognized his potentials and abilities; He gave him a name that portrayed his strength and predestination. He changed him from fisherman to men-fisher. Peter filled with the Holy Spirit preached the most thought provoking sermon in the New Testament. Peter stood among the elders of Israel to address them about the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. He looked into their eyes and accused them of killing the Son of God; an act of murder against a righteous man and touching God’s anointed. He called for repentance. Peter revealed that God had put their works of iniquities, sinfulness, cruelty, and murder act into nothing. He reemphasized that by God’s great power, He raised Jesus from death; death had no power over him. Peter affirmed that Jesus is the only way to God and that salvation was found only through His name. By so doing those who had died are blessed with hope- hope of resurrection. They shall see Jesus in His kingdom; share in worship for eternity and hope of living again after death. The anointed disciple exposed their sins and condemned their wickedness. He was one of the first to run to the empty tomb after the two Mary’s announced Jesus resurrection to the disciples. He was supposing the acclaimed leader of the disciples and presided over their deliberations. He was filled with boldness and power. Peter rebuked Ananias and Sapphira for lying to the Holy Spirit and the disciples. The two were struck dead one after another. Holy fears gripped followers. Wherever he went signs and wonders followed his ministries. He healed the sick and raised the death, and even his shadow caused healing to many who were sick.
In spite of all his zeal and leadership spirit, Apostle Paul challenged him for pretending to alienate himself from the gentiles Christians before the Jewish lords. He was highly respected among his colleagues and wrote two episodes in the New Testament. Biblical literature had it that his faith carried him to make great exploit for Christ, was persecuted and died a shameful death just like the master. Simon Peter who was believed to have preached from Africa to Britain chose to be crucified upside down because he did not feel worthy to die in the same manner as His Lord and master Jesus Christ. Little surprised that the Roman Catholic doctrine proclaimed Peter as the first Pope and the foundation which Christ built his church.
Elder Ogbonnaya can be reached by email:gkapin53@yahoo.com