Jesus renamed Simon to Peter.
The Renaming of Simon to Peter
Simon, one of Jesus's twelve closest disciples, received a new and profound name directly from Jesus. This renaming was a significant moment, establishing his future role and identity. Simon was consistently referred to as Peter following this event, emphasizing his transformed purpose.
The table below summarizes this notable name change:
| Original Name | New Name | Implied Role/Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Simon | Peter | Rock, Foundation |
The Meaning Behind the Name Peter
The name Peter derives from the Greek word Petros, which literally translates to stone, boulder, or rock. This new name was not arbitrary; it symbolized Peter's future role as a steadfast and foundational figure in the early Christian church. Jesus's renaming of Simon signified a new calling, highlighting his importance as a reliable cornerstone upon whom the spiritual edifice of the church would begin to be built.
Biblical Accounts of the Renaming
The change of Simon's name to Peter is a prominent detail recorded in several key passages of the New Testament Gospels, affirming its historical and spiritual importance:
- Matthew 10:2: In the list of the twelve apostles, Matthew explicitly states, "first, Simon (who is called Peter)..."
- Mark 3:16: Mark's Gospel records, "He appointed the Twelve: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter)..."
- Luke 6:14: Luke similarly notes, "Simon, whom he named Peter..."
These consistent accounts across different Gospel narratives underscore the deliberate and significant act by Jesus to bestow this new identity upon Simon.
