"And Ananias hearing these words fell down and gave up the ghost: and great fear came upon all that heard it." Acts 5:5 ASV
<p>Illustration of Ananias lying dead on the ground. Peter, standing next to a large column, is pointing at him. A child clutches a man in a striped robe. Several onlookers appear shocked.

Ananias Struck Dead after Lying

"And Ananias hearing these words fell down and gave up the ghost: and great fear came upon all that…

Jesus sits at the right hand of God and a dove, the Holy Spirit, hovers above them. Gathered around them are the apostles, Moses, and the Virgin Mary. There are also several angels and cherubim surrounding and within the group.

The Apostles, Jesus, God, the Holy Spirit, and the Blessed Virgin Mary in Heaven

Jesus sits at the right hand of God and a dove, the Holy Spirit, hovers above them. Gathered around…

The St. Peter's Basilica is located within the Vatican city in Rome, Italy. This drawing shows the architecture of the front of the church. It was built in 1626 in a Renaissance and Baroque style. The church was named after one of Jesus's twelve disciples, Simon known as Peter.

St. Peter's Basilica

The St. Peter's Basilica is located within the Vatican city in Rome, Italy. This drawing shows the architecture…

"His career shows him to have been one of the greatest of Americans and the noblest of men. He learned three trades before he was twenty-one; his genious enabled him to rank high as an inventor; he was pre-eminently a man of affairs, his knowledge of men and business securing success in every venture; and most important of all, he was a broad and practical philanthropist." &mdash;The Popular Cyclopedia, 1888

Peter Cooper

"His career shows him to have been one of the greatest of Americans and the noblest of men. He learned…

"And when it came to pass that Peter entered, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. But Peter raised him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man." Acts 10:25-26 ASV
<p>Illustration of Cornelius bowing before Peter. Cornelius is dressed in a centurion's uniform. Peter is wearing robes and his right arm is raised. A man in a turban and decorated robe stands to Peter's left. Several other men are kneeling as well.

Cornelius Kneels in Front of Peter

"And when it came to pass that Peter entered, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped…

"The Dome of St. Peter's from the Janiculan." &mdash; Young, 1901

Dome of St. Peter's

"The Dome of St. Peter's from the Janiculan." — Young, 1901

"Average weight five pounds; found on the European coasts, and celebrated for the delicacy of its flesh. This fish, having a golden spot on each side of it, contends with the haddock for the hnor of bearing the marks of St. Peter's fingers, each supposed to have been that out of whose mouth the apostle took the tribute-money, leaving on its sides in proof of the identity, the marks of his finger and thumb." &mdash; Goodrich, 1859

John Doree

"Average weight five pounds; found on the European coasts, and celebrated for the delicacy of its flesh.…

"And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane: and he saith to his disciples, Sit ye here, while I shall pray. And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy; And saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch. And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him." Mark 14:32-35 KJV

Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane

"And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane: and he saith to his disciples, Sit ye here, while…

"39 And he went forward a little, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass away from me: nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt. And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?" Matthew 26:39-40 ASV
<p>Illustration of Jesus praying, on his knees, hands clasped, as an angel emerges from the clouds, carrying the cross. Peter, James, and John are sleeping nearby. Soldiers are marching out of the city gate, towards the garden, in the background.

Jesus Prays in the Garden of Gethsemane - Peter, James, and John Fall Asleep

"39 And he went forward a little, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, My Father, if it be possible,…

"Again therefore he asked them, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus answered, I told you that I am he; if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way: that the word might be fulfilled which he spake, Of those whom thou hast given me I lost not one. Simon Peter therefore having a sword drew it, and struck the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. Now the servant's name was Malchus." John 18:7-10 ASV
<p>Illustration of Jesus' betrayal. Judas leans close to Jesus, having just kissed his cheek. The people, priests, and soldiers gather around, holding swords and torches. One man is tying Jesus' leg with rope. Others chase the disciples away. Peter is in the foreground with Malchus down on the ground. Peter's sword is raised.

Judas Betrays Jesus and Peter Cuts Off the Ear of Malchus

"Again therefore he asked them, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus answered, I told…

"And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priest and elders of the people. Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that is he: take him. And straightway he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, Rabbi; and kissed him. And Jesus said unto him, Friend, do that for which thou art come. Then they came and laid hands on Jesus, and took him. And behold, one of them that were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and smote the servant of the high priest, and struck off his ear." Matthew 26:47-51 ASV
<p>Illustration of Judas betraying Jesus with a kiss. To the right is a mob of people who came with Judas. To the left, Peter has drawn his sword to cut off the ear of Malchus, servant of Caiaphas, the high priest.

Judas Betrays Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane

"And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords…

Heidi and Peter. Heidi is trying to prevent Peter from harming the goat.

Boy and Girl

Heidi and Peter. Heidi is trying to prevent Peter from harming the goat.

"And as they were eating, he took bread, and when he had blessed, he brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take ye: this is my body. And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave to them: and they all drank of it. And he said unto them, This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many." Mark 14:22-24 ASV
<p>Illustration of Jesus at the table with his disciples, initiating the Eucharist. A wine goblet and three pieces of broken bread sit in front of him. The disciples sit around the table, six on either side of Jesus. A pitcher sits on the ground in front of the table.

Communion of the Apostles with Jesus at the Last Supper

"And as they were eating, he took bread, and when he had blessed, he brake it, and gave to them, and…

"Then he poureth water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded." John 13:5 ASV
<p>Illustration of Jesus kneeling, washing the foot of one of his disciples. The other disciples sit and stand around the table, watching Jesus. The disciple's foot is on a raised stool and a basin sits nearby. One disciple, perhaps Judas, is depicted in shadows in the back left of the illustration.

Jesus Washes the Feet of His Twelve Disciples after the Last Supper

"Then he poureth water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with…

"And when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Put out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. And Simon answered and said, Master, we toiled all night, and took nothing: but at thy word I will let down the nets. And when they had done this, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes; and their nets were breaking..." Luke 5:4-6 ASV
<p>Illustration of Jesus sitting in a boat with Simon as he is performing a miracle. Simon sits in front of Jesus with his hands folded in a prayerful position. A second boat holds three fisherman, one rows with a staff while two others haul in a net full of fish. Mountains and a city can be seen in the background.

The Miraculous Draught of Fish - Jesus Fishes with His Disciples

"And when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Put out into the deep, and let down your nets for…

Peter, Peter, pumpkin eater; Had a wife and couldn't keep her; He put her in a pumpkin shell; and there he kept her very well.

Peter

Peter, Peter, pumpkin eater; Had a wife and couldn't keep her; He put her in a pumpkin shell; and there…

"Now when the apostles that were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit: for as yet it was fallen upon none of them: only they had been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit." Acts 8:14-17 ASV
<p>Illustration of the apostles, Peter and John, laying their hands on the heads of three converts who are receiving the Holy Spirit. Peter has a full beard and John is bare-faced and young. A glowing dove descends from the air in between the two disciples' heads. A wine goblet sits on a table in the background. There is an arched doorway (right).

Peter and John Lay Their Hands on Baptized Converts

"Now when the apostles that were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they…

"And when there had been much questioning, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Brethren, ye know that a good while ago God made choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. And God, who knoweth the heart, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Spirit, even as he did unto us; and he made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith. Now therefore why make ye trial of God, that ye should put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that we shall be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in like manner as they." Acts 15:7-11 ASV
<p>Illustration of Peter, standing before the rest of the apostles, explaining to them that Jesus made no distinction between Jew and Gentile and that all should be saved by their belief and not by their adherence to the old law. The apostles and the ancients at the council decided that circumcision would no longer be required.

Peter and the Apostles Decide Not to Impose Circumcision on Christians

"And when there had been much questioning, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Brethren, ye know that…

Illustration of Peter being bound to an upside down cross. One man holds his upper body, while another man ties his ankles to the cross. A third man prepares to pierce Peter's feet with a large nail. Peter asked to be crucified upside down because he did not believe he was worthy of being crucified in the same manner as Jesus.

Peter Crucified on an Upside Down Cross

Illustration of Peter being bound to an upside down cross. One man holds his upper body, while another…

"And he went out, and followed; and he knew not that it was true which was done by the angel, but thought he saw a vision. And when they were past the first and the second guard, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth into the city; which opened to them of its own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and straightway the angel departed from him." Acts 12:9-10 ASV
<p>Illustration of Peter being led out of the door to the prison by a glowing angel with wings. Inside the door, soldiers and guards are asleep on the floor inside an arched, domed prison. The city street opens into the distance.

Peter Emerges from Prison after Being Saved by an Angel

"And he went out, and followed; and he knew not that it was true which was done by the angel, but thought…

"But Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but what I have, that give I thee. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk. And he took him by the right hand, and raised him up: and immediately his feet and his ankle-bones received strength." Acts 3:6-7 ASV
<p>Illustration of Peter holding the hand of a lame beggar. The man has just been healed and is standing. His left ankle is bound and he carries a crutch over his shoulder. A woman standing next to Peter is holding an infant. Several onlookers are visible in the image.

Peter Heals a Lame Beggar

"But Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but what I have, that give I thee. In the name of Jesus…

"But Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but what I have, that give I thee. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk. And he took him by the right hand, and raised him up: and immediately his feet and his ankle-bones received strength." Acts 3:6-7 ASV
<p>Illustration of Peter and John walking up the temple steps and approaching a lame beggar. Peter has a halo over his head and reaches his right arm out over the beggar's head. The beggar looks up and reaches for Peter. He is holding his hat in his hand and his crutch has fallen on the steps. A woman holding a baby and walking with a small child ascends the stairs (left).

Peter Heals a Lame Beggar at the Temple

"But Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but what I have, that give I thee. In the name of Jesus…

"And when Herod was about to bring him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and guards before the door kept the prison. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shined in the cell: and he smote Peter on the side, and awoke him, saying, Rise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands." Acts 12:6-7 ASV
<p>Illustration of Peter seated on the prison ground between two sleeping soldiers. An angel stands over him with his hand raised.

Peter Liberated from Prison Chains by an Angel

"And when Herod was about to bring him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers,…

Peter preaches to a group of people of different ages, genders, and backgrounds. There are men, children, and women, There are soldiers, common men, Jews, and Gentiles. Peter is informing them that all can become Christians through baptism and the Holy Spirit.

Peter Preaches to Jews and Gentiles

Peter preaches to a group of people of different ages, genders, and backgrounds. There are men, children,…

"Now when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay my hands, he may receive the Holy Spirit. But Peter said unto him, Thy silver perish with thee, because thou hast thought to obtain the gift of God with money." Acts 8:18-20 ASV
<p>Illustration of Simon the Sorcerer offering money to Peter. The money bag and coins are falling to the ground and Peter has his hand raised. Another apostle is walking away from the scene. A large column and curtain decorate the background.

Peter Rejects the Money of Simon the Sorcerer

"Now when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Spirit was given, he…

"And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And he did so. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me. And he went out, and followed; and he knew not that it was true which was done by the angel, but thought he saw a vision. And when they were past the first and the second guard, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth into the city; which opened to them of its own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and straightway the angel departed from him." Acts 12:8-10 ASV
<p>Illustration of Peter being led out of prison by the hand of an angel. Both Peter and the angel have one hand raised to heaven in praise and celebration. Sleeping guards sit on the ground.

Peter Released from Prison by an Angel

"And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And he did so. And he saith unto…

Peter Stuyvesant, protesting vehemently against the signing of a treaty of surrender to the English

Peter Stuyvesant

Peter Stuyvesant, protesting vehemently against the signing of a treaty of surrender to the English

"Peter, a hermit of Picardy, on his return from a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, represented the condition of the city. This hermit, of hideous figure, covered with rags, walking barefooted, speaking as a prophet, and hearkened to as such, inspired the people everywhere with an enthusiasm similar to his own." &mdash; Goodrich, 1844

Peter the Hermit and followers

"Peter, a hermit of Picardy, on his return from a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, represented the condition…

"Now they were Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James: and the other women with them told these things unto the apostles. And these words appeared in their sight as idle talk; and they disbelieved them. But Peter arose, and ran unto the tomb; and stooping and looking in, he seeth the linen cloths by themselves; and he departed to his home, wondering at that which was come to pass." Luke 24:10-12
<p>Illustration of Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and Peter marveling at Jesus' death linens in his empty tomb. The entrance to the cave can be seen behind the group.

Peter Finds the Tomb of Jesus Empty

"Now they were Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James: and the other women with them…

"He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of John, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep." John 21:17 ASV
<p>Illustration of Jesus telling Simon Peter to tend his sheep. Peter kneels before Christ and reaches out to take the shepherd's staff being handed to him. Jesus' left hand hovers over a flock of sheep that extend into the background. Two other disciples stand in the background (left). A town is in the distance.

The Restoration of Peter by Jesus after the Resurrection

"He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of John, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he…

"Statue of St Peter in the Bascilica." — Young, 1901

Statue of St Peter

"Statue of St Peter in the Bascilica." — Young, 1901

"facade of old St Peter's, Rome." &mdash; Encyclopediia Britannica, 1910

Old Facade of St. Peter's

"facade of old St Peter's, Rome." — Encyclopediia Britannica, 1910

"The column was originally surmounted by a colossal statue of Trajan (replaced in the seventh century by one of St. Peter), and contains no less than 2500 human figures and a great number of horses." &mdash;D'Anvers, 1895

Relief of Trajan Column

"The column was originally surmounted by a colossal statue of Trajan (replaced in the seventh century…

"And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into a high mountain apart: and he was transfigured before them; and his face did shine as the sun, and his garments became white as the light. And behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elijah talking with him." Matthew 17:1-3 ASV
<p>Illustration of Jesus talking with Moses (left) and Elijah (right). Peter, James, and John appear in the foreground.

The Transfiguration

"And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John his brother, and bringeth them…

"And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light." Matthew 17:1-2 KJV

The Transfiguration

"And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high…

"While he was yet speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold, a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid." Matthew 17:5-6 ASV
<p>Illustration of Jesus with Moses on his right and Elijah on his left. The three of them hover inside of a glowing cloud. Peter, James, and John have fallen on the ground and are shielding their faces because they are hearing the voice of God.

The Transfiguration - Peter, James, and John Hide Their Faces

"While he was yet speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold, a voice out of the…

"And it came to pass about eight days after these sayings, that he took with him Peter and John and James, and went up into the mountain to pray. And as he was praying, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment became white and dazzling. And behold, there talked with him two men, who were Moses and Elijah...." Luke 9:28-30
<p>Illustration of Jesus standing with Moses on his right and Elijah on his left. One disciple lies prostrate at Jesus' feet and two others are on the ground leaning away from him. Jesus' hands are raised and he is glowing.

The Transfiguration of Jesus on a Mountain with Peter, James, and John

"And it came to pass about eight days after these sayings, that he took with him Peter and John and…

"While he was yet speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold, a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid. And Jesus came and touched them and said, Arise, and be not afraid. And lifting up their eyes, they saw no one, save Jesus only." Matthew 17:5-8 ASV
<p>Illustration of Jesus speaking to Peter, James, and John after the transfiguration on the mountain.

Jesus Speaks to His Disciples after the Transfiguration

"While he was yet speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold, a voice out of the…

"And a certain maid seeing him as he sat in the light of the fire, and looking stedfastly upon him, said, This man also was with him. But he denied, saying, Woman, I know him not. And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou also art one of them. But Peter said, Man, I am not. And after the space of about one hour another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this man also was with him; for he is a Galilaean. But Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew." Luke 22:56-60 ASV
<p>Illustration of Peter denying his knowledge of Christ to a woman and a soldier. Peter sits in a courtyard. Jesus walks by (left), with his hands bound by rope, being followed by soldiers. A rooster sits on a windowsill above Peter's head. A column and low wall separate Jesus and Peter.

The Denial of Peter - Jesus Looks at Peter in the Courtyard

"And a certain maid seeing him as he sat in the light of the fire, and looking stedfastly upon him,…

"But Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew. And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how that he said unto him, Before the cock crow this day thou shalt deny me thrice." Luke 22:60-61 ASV
<p>Illustration of Peter sitting in front of a fire with a woman and some soldiers. His arms are raised as he denies knowing Jesus. A rooster is standing in the window above them. On the right, Jesus is walking down stairs, hands bound, followed by soldiers in armor and with swords. Jesus looks at Peter in the courtyard.

Peter Denies Jesus Three Times Before the Rooster Crows

"But Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew.…