Topical Bible: Persecution of Simon

Bible > Topical > Persecution of Simon

◄ Persecution of Simon ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The persecution of Simon, often referred to as Simon Peter, is a significant theme in the New Testament, reflecting the trials and tribulations faced by early Christian leaders. Simon Peter, one of Jesus Christ's closest disciples, experienced various forms of persecution as he spread the Gospel and established the early Church.

Biblical Context

Simon Peter, originally a fisherman from Bethsaida, was called by Jesus to become a "fisher of men" (Matthew 4:19). As one of the twelve apostles, Peter played a pivotal role in the ministry of Jesus and the early Christian community. His leadership and bold proclamation of faith often placed him in direct conflict with religious and political authorities.

Instances of Persecution

1. Arrest and Imprisonment: One of the earliest recorded instances of Peter's persecution is found in the Book of Acts. After healing a lame man at the temple gate, Peter and John were arrested by the temple authorities for preaching about Jesus' resurrection. Acts 4:3 states, "They seized Peter and John, and because it was evening, they put them in custody until the next day." Despite threats and imprisonment, Peter continued to preach boldly.

2. Confrontation with the Sanhedrin: Peter faced the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council, which sought to silence the apostles' message. Acts 5:40-41 recounts, "They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and released them. The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name."

3. Herod's Persecution: In Acts 12, King Herod Agrippa intensified the persecution of the Church, arresting Peter with the intent to execute him. Acts 12:4 notes, "After arresting him, he put him in prison, handing him over to be guarded by four squads of four soldiers each." However, an angel of the Lord miraculously freed Peter from prison, demonstrating divine intervention in the face of persecution.

Peter's Response to Persecution

Throughout his trials, Peter exemplified steadfast faith and resilience. His letters, 1 and 2 Peter, offer encouragement to believers facing persecution. In 1 Peter 4:12-13 , he writes, "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial that has come upon you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed at the revelation of His glory."

Peter's teachings emphasize the importance of enduring suffering for righteousness' sake, viewing persecution as a means to glorify God and strengthen one's faith. His life and writings continue to inspire Christians to remain faithful amidst adversity.

Legacy

The persecution of Simon Peter is a testament to the challenges faced by early Christians and the enduring power of faith. His unwavering commitment to the Gospel, despite severe opposition, laid the foundation for the spread of Christianity and serves as a model for believers facing persecution today. Peter's legacy is one of courage, conviction, and an unyielding dedication to the mission of Christ.

Nave's Topical Index

Mark 15:21
And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Letter xxii (Circa AD 1129) to Simon, Abbot of S. Nicholas
... LETTER XXII (circa AD 1129) To Simon, Abbot of S. Nicholas. To Simon, Abbot of S.
Nicholas Bernard consoles him under the persecution of which he is the object. ...
/.../some letters of saint bernard abbot of clairvaux/letter xxii circa a d 1129.htm

The History of Simon Magus.
... aware, but which was one design of providence in permitting the persecution, was
the ... I should pass on to the history of Simon the magician, without any other ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture x the history of.htm

Appendix xviii. Haggadah About Simeon Kepha (Legend of Simon Peter ...
... Simon Peter is supposed to have arrested the progress of Christianity by separating
the ... an apology for the Jews, with a view to ward off persecution.3rdly, It ...
/.../appendix xviii haggadah about simeon.htm

Demonstration xxi. --Of Persecution.
... Simon (Peter) also and Paul were perfect martyrs ... our brethren who are in the West,
in the days of Diocletian there came great affliction and persecution to the ...
/.../aphrahat/aphrahat select demonstrations/demonstration xxi of persecution.htm

The Teaching of Simon Cephas in the City of Rome.
... Nero abandoned his empire and fled, and there was a cessation for a little while
from the persecution which Nero ... Here endeth the teaching of Simon Cephas. ...
/.../unknown/the decretals/ancient syriac documents the teaching 3.htm

Seed Scattered and Taking Root
... And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at ... joy
in that city, 9. But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture the acts/seed scattered and taking root.htm

After this Celsus Continues: "If These Meaning the Christians ...
... of indifference. But even at the beginning of their existence the followers
of Simon were not exposed to persecution. For that wicked ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter xi after this celsus.htm

The Parables Exemplified in the Early History of the Church.
... the seed is scorched up by the fire of temptation or persecution, we may see ... Simon
Magus, who after renouncing his sorcery and being baptised, thought that the ...
/.../the kingdom of heaven what is it/chapter vii the parables exemplified.htm

The Crucifixion.
... The Roman soldiers found Simon entering the city, and because he was a stranger
and ... upon the Jews, and the meaning may be, If the fiery persecution of Rome is ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cxxxiii the crucifixion.htm

Peter Sent to C??sarea.
... It is probable that the author of the Recognitions connected the persecution by
Saul and the sorceries of Simon because of the similar juxtaposition in Acts 8 ...
/.../unknown/recognitions of clement /chapter lxxii peter sent to caesarea.htm