Why Was Simon Called Peter?
The transformation of Simon, son of Jonah, into Peter is a significant and symbolically rich moment in the New Testament. The act of renaming is never arbitrary in the biblical narrative; it signals a new identity, a new mission, and a new relationship with God. The question of why Simon was called Peter, and the circumstances surrounding this change, opens a window into the heart of Jesus’ ministry, the nature of discipleship, and the foundation of the church itself. This article will explore the scriptural testimony regarding Simon’s renaming, the theological meaning behind the name “Peter,” and the enduring significance of this transformation for the Christian faith.
Simon’s Background
Simon first appears in the Gospels as a fisherman from Bethsaida, living and working in Capernaum by the Sea of Galilee. He is introduced as the son of Jonah (or John, depending on the manuscript tradition), and as the brother of Andrew, who was also a disciple of Jesus. The Gospel of John provides the earliest account of Simon’s encounter with Jesus.
After Andrew, who had been a disciple of John the Baptist, meets Jesus and recognizes him as the Messiah, he brings his brother Simon to Jesus. The narrative reads: “He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, ‘You are Simon the son of John. You shall be called Cephas’ (which means Peter)” (John 1:42).
This moment is significant for several reasons. First, it is Jesus who initiates the renaming, indicating his authority and insight into Simon’s destiny. Second, the name given–Cephas in Aramaic, translated as Peter (Petros) in Greek–means “rock.” This is a prophetic declaration about Simon’s future role.
Timing and Context of the Name Change
The renaming of Simon occurs at the very outset of his relationship with Jesus, as recorded in John’s Gospel. However, the full significance of the name “Peter” unfolds gradually throughout the Gospel narratives. In the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke), Simon is often referred to as “Simon,” “Simon Peter,” or simply “Peter,” reflecting both his given name and his new identity.
The most theologically charged moment regarding Simon’s name comes in Matthew 16. After a period of ministry in Galilee, Jesus takes his disciples to the region of Caesarea Philippi and asks them, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” The disciples report various opinions, but Simon responds with a bold confession: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). Jesus replies: “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:17-18).
Here, Jesus explicitly connects Simon’s new name, Peter, with his confession of faith and his future role in the community of believers. The timing of this declaration–following Simon’s recognition of Jesus’ true identity–shows the link between revelation, faith, and vocation.
The Meaning and Symbolism of the Name “Peter”
The name “Peter” (Petros in Greek, Cephas in Aramaic) means “rock” or “stone.” In the ancient world, names carried deep significance, often reflecting character or divine purpose. By calling Simon “Peter,” Jesus is making a statement about the kind of person Simon is to become and the role he will play in the unfolding story of redemption.
The imagery of the rock is rich in biblical symbolism. In the Old Testament, God is frequently described as a rock–a symbol of strength, stability, and faithfulness (see Psalm 18:2: “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer”). The rock is also associated with the foundation of the temple and the place of God’s presence (Isaiah 28:16). By naming Simon “Peter,” Jesus is drawing on this tradition, indicating that Simon will be foundational in the new community Jesus is establishing.
This foundational role is further shown in Jesus’ words: “on this rock I will build my church.” The Greek text contains a play on words: “You are Peter (Petros), and on this rock (petra) I will build my church.” While there has been much debate among interpreters about whether “this rock” refers to Peter himself, his confession of faith, or Christ as the ultimate foundation, the immediate context suggests that Peter’s faith and leadership are integral to the church’s establishment.
Why Did Jesus Change Simon’s Name to Peter?
The act of renaming in the biblical tradition is always purposeful. In the Old Testament, God changes Abram’s name to Abraham (“father of many nations,” Genesis 17:5) and Jacob’s name to Israel (“he struggles with God,” Genesis 32:28) to signify a new covenantal relationship and mission. Jesus’ renaming of Simon signals a transformation of identity and purpose.
Jesus changes Simon’s name to Peter to mark him out as a leader among the apostles and as a foundational figure in the church. This is not because of Simon’s natural abilities or virtues– the Gospels portray Peter as impulsive, sometimes fearful, and prone to failure–but because of the grace and calling of Jesus. The new name is both a gift and a challenge: Peter is to become what his name signifies, through the power of God at work in him.
The renaming also serves as a continual reminder of both Peter’s calling and his dependence on God. Jesus occasionally refers to Peter as “Simon” when he acts according to his old nature, rather than his new identity. This dynamic is seen in Luke 22:31-32, where Jesus says, “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” Here, the use of “Simon” underscores Peter’s vulnerability, while the call to “strengthen your brothers” points to his future role.
Peter’s Journey: From Simon to Rock
The journey from Simon to Peter is a progress. The Gospels record Peter’s moments of insight and his failures. He is the first to confess Jesus as the Messiah, but he also rebukes Jesus for predicting his suffering, earning a sharp correction: “Get behind me, Satan!” (Matthew 16:23). He walks on water at Jesus’ invitation but begins to sink when he doubts (Matthew 14:28-31). Most notably, Peter denies Jesus three times during the trial before the crucifixion, only to be restored by the risen Christ on the shores of Galilee (John 21:15-19).
This process of transformation is central to the meaning of Peter’s name. The rock is not unyielding self-sufficiency but steadfastness born of grace and repentance. Jesus’ words to Peter after the resurrection–“Feed my sheep”–reaffirm his calling and commission him as a shepherd of the flock (John 21:17). Peter’s leadership in the early church, as recorded in Acts, demonstrates the fulfillment of Jesus’ prophetic naming. He preaches boldly at Pentecost (Acts 2:14-41), heals in Jesus’ name (Acts 3:1-10), and navigates the challenges of a growing and diverse community.
The Legacy of Peter’s Name in the Early Church
Peter’s name and role became emblematic of apostolic authority and the unity of the church. In his own writings, Peter reflects on the privilege and responsibility of his calling. In 1 Peter 2:4-5, he writes to believers, “As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house.” Peter extends the imagery of the rock to all believers, emphasizing that the church is built on Christ, the cornerstone, with each member playing a vital part.
The book of Acts and the epistles further attest to Peter’s foundational role. He is the first to proclaim the gospel to Jews and Gentiles, the first to recognize the inclusion of the Gentiles in God’s plan (Acts 10-11), and a key figure in the Jerusalem council (Acts 15). His leadership is marked not by domination but by humility and service, in keeping with Jesus’ teaching that “whoever would be great among you must be your servant” (Mark 10:43).
Conclusion - Why is Simon Called Peter?
Simon was called Peter because Jesus saw in him the potential to become a foundational leader in the new community of faith. The renaming was a declaration of identity and a call to mission, rooted in the revelation of Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of God. The journey from Simon to Peter was marked by both failure and restoration, underscoring the transformative power of grace. Jesus changed Simon’s name to Peter to signify his role as a “rock” upon which the church would be built–not by virtue of his own strength, but through faith in Christ and the work of the Spirit. The story of Peter invites all of us to embrace their new identity in Christ, to grow into the calling God has placed on our lives, and to participate in the building up of the church, the spiritual house founded on the living Stone.