The disciple Simon was given the new name Peter as a deliberate, symbolic act that redefined his identity and foreshadowed his future leadership role in the early Christian community. This renaming was not a casual nickname but a solemn declaration that connected Simon to a profound theological purpose. The shift from his birth name, Simon, to the new name, Peter, signifies a transition to his new spiritual vocation as an apostle and a foundational figure in the burgeoning church.
Simon’s Original Identity and Calling
Before his renaming, the man was known as Simon, or Simon Bar-Jona, an Aramaic patronymic meaning “Simon, son of Jonah” (or John). This was a common name in ancient Israel. Simon’s life centered on the profession of fishing, which he pursued on the Sea of Galilee alongside his brother, Andrew.
It was Andrew who first introduced Simon to Jesus. In the Gospel of John, Jesus immediately looked at Simon and pronounced, “You are Simon the son of John; you shall be called Cephas,” which is the Aramaic equivalent of Peter. Later, in the Synoptic Gospels, Jesus called Simon and Andrew away from their nets with the invitation to become “fishers of men,” symbolizing a change in their life’s purpose.
The Pivotal Event and Renaming
The formal renaming event occurred later in Jesus’ ministry near Caesarea Philippi. Jesus first asked his disciples who people thought he was, and after receiving various answers, he posed the direct question, “But who do you say that I am?”. Simon responded with the declaration, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
Jesus immediately blessed Simon, affirming that this profound insight was a divine revelation from God the Father. Following this confession, Jesus made the pronouncement: “And I tell you, you are Peter [Petros], and on this rock [petra] I will build my church.” This exchange in Matthew 16:13-19 is the moment where the name change is directly tied to an act of faith and the subsequent commission of authority, commissioning Simon for a unique future role.
The Meaning of the New Name
The name Peter is derived from the Greek word Petros, which translates directly to “rock” or “stone.” Jesus’ original language when speaking to Simon would have been Aramaic, where the corresponding name is Cephas, which also means “rock.” Both names signify the concept of a solid, unmoving foundation.
The theological significance of the name “Rock” lies in the role it implies for Simon Peter in the establishment of the early church. By calling him Peter, Jesus was designating him as the initial, visible foundation upon which the community of believers would be built. The name signifies steadfastness and authority, a character Peter would embody as the leader and spokesperson for the Twelve Apostles.