New King James Version (NKJV). Copyright 2022 Evidence for Christianity. The first record of the upside down crucifixion of Peter is found in The Acts of Peter, a late second century apocryphal text (c. AD 180-190). Understandably, much press these days goes to the search for the "historical Jesus," but in many ways we know less about the great Peter and Paul. That doesn't mean Peter would be perfect (Galatians 2:11-14). Peter's Crucifixion Peter is bound to the cross rather than nailed to it and three figures heave it into position, as a soldier wearing armour and . He had widespread missionary travels attributed to him by tradition: to India with Thomas and back to Armenia, Ethiopia, and Southern Arabia. The Scriptures do not record this request of Peter. Mark 1:16-20 And after saying this he said to him, Follow me., Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Peter and Paul. preached through Pontus, Galatia, Bithynia, Cappadocia, and Asia, to the Probably not. And the Romans were more than happy to oblige. The Jewish historian Josephus reported that he was stoned and then clubbed to death. What does the New Testament say about the deaths of Peter and Paul? The apostles were not the kind of group you might have expected Jesus to send forth on his mission to reach the world. Bible Answers "The names of the[original]twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Cananaean, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him." Paul is therefore said to have been ', Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry. By submitting your email address, you understand that you will receive email communications from Bible Gateway, a division of The Zondervan Corporation, 3900 Sparks Drive SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 USA, including commercial communications and messages from partners of Bible Gateway. King James Version 20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. "Thus Nero publicly announcing himself as the chief enemy of God, was led on Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. Dionysius, bishop of Corinth, bears the following testimony (about AD 180) You can be sure that any educated, first-century Roman citizen would have laughed at any prediction that, within three centuries, the Christian faith would be the official faith of the empire. Worst betrayals: Peter denies Jesus Christ three times in one night. Jews that were scattered abroad; who also, finally coming to Rome, was For less than $5/mo. The earliest reference to the martyrdom of Peter comes from the letter of Clement of Rome (about AD 90). Read how each of the apostles spread out to minister and evangelize and how many of the apostles died for their faith. 13 Yes, I think it is right, as long as I am in this [ a]tent, to stir you up by reminding you, 14 knowing that shortly I must [ b]put off my tent, just as our Lord Jesus Christ . obey the gospel of Jesus Christ. upside-down because he was "unworthy to die in the same manner as my Lord." However, all but three of the references dont say anything about the specific relationship. Baker church of Christ What is the difference between a disciple and an apostle? 1 PETER 5:13 KJV "The church that is at Babylon, elected together with Maybe it is because by the time the gospels were written, the Apostles had dispersed and the stories of their deaths were unknown. More than this, however, the Passion of the Apostles Peter and Paul (from the late 6th-early 7th centuries CE) is clear that they were both executed on June 29, 57 CE. Tradition has that Peters body is contained in a crypt below St. Peters Basilica in Rome. Does God "delight" in evil, as it seems to say in Deuteronomy 28:63? century), who says that Peter and Paul "suffered martyrdom about the same Peter's death in the bible - CHURCHGISTS.COM Then he said to him, 'Follow me! After all, we not only have multiple, incredibly detailed accounts about the death of Jesus, but we possess many other death accounts of far less significant individuals in the New Testament like Judas (for more, see How Did Judas Die? Even if we assume that Peter was crucified, note that John 21 says nothing regarding it occurring upside-down. This much we do know: Peter knew his death was coming soon (indicating an execution rather than a natural death)! What happened to those saints raised from the dead in Matthew 27:52-53? If you have any questions, please review our Privacy Policy or email us at [email protected]. What is the matrix in the King James Bible. Was Peter Crucified Upside Down? | Sean McDowell of my classes) regarding upside down crosses. Was Peter crucified upside-down? Writes two remarkable epistles: 1 and 2 Peter. The evidence for Saint Peter's crucifixion upside down is mostly based on tradition. Take it, then, you whose duty it is. The world has been turned upside down by sin, and so Peter can see the upside-down nature of the world clearly while hanging with his head downward on the cross. The first half of Peter's story is told in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. He angered the mad king Agrippa II and another man through his teaching of celibacy to their wives. Peter's brother. Nevertheless, do you think Roman executioners took suggestions from criminals as to how they wanted to be crucified? But when you grow older, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will tie you and carry you where dou dont want to go." You might also have surmised from the answers to second question that we also dont have agreement about the year 64 CE. Paul was beheaded. Instead, they were considered heresy by the early church fathers, since they . Sean McDowell, Ph.D. is a professor of Christian Apologetics at Biola University, a best-selling author, popular speaker, and part-time high school teacher. down) is less certain. Q: I had a question that has come up in a mailing list discussion (for one Regardless of whether the prophecy was about Matthias, he was apparently stoned and then beheaded late in the 1st century. Maybe we'll have more luck if we shift to the other general questions. Both were martyred in Rome about 66 AD, during the persecution under Emperor Nero. Some of the oldest reports say he was not martyred, while others say he was stabbed to death in Ethiopia. Why does the Bible give two conflicting accounts of Judas death? Bible Introductions - 1 Peter by John MacArthur - Blue Letter Bible The Bible nowhere records the upside down crucifixion of an apostle. The specific arguments surrounding his crucifixion change considerably among the different versions of the story, but it was not until the 6th century CE History of Shemon Kepha the Chief of the Apostles that the reasoning of the request becomes symbolically kissing the place of Jesus's feet. Is there a Bible verse to support this? Expand Context Summary Corinth, likewise instructed us; and having in like manner taught in Italy, Perhaps the idea was to focus only on their lives. Eusebius in his book entitled Ecclesiastical History (written AD 325) says: Peter himself wrote in 2 Peter 1:13-15: [13] Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance; [14] Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me. What Bible verse speaks on Peter's crucifixion? - Quora What is the difference between a disciple and an apostle? for intellectuals who just dont get it. What is the significance of church on Sundays? So the idea that Peter was crucified (stretch out your hands) came from John, but this does not include the location or the physical position of his crucifixion. Ignatius, in his Letter to the Romans about AD 110 claimed that Peter was bishop of Rome. that Peter was crucified upside-down. Their executions were associated with the year 64 CE when Nero instigated a gruesome persecution of Christians to redirect blame for the Great Fire that destroyed the Circus Maximus. Christianity.com is a member of the Salem Web Network of sites including: Copyright 2023, Christianity.com. 21Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. Church tradition affirms that Peter was crucified. There are various accounts of how he met his death as a martyr for the gospel. (Acts 1:21-26). He was the son of Alpheus and is one of at least three James referred to in the New Testament. . Nero burned down a large section of the city of Rome so he could build new structures. Peter appears to have preached in Pontus, Galatia, Bithynia, Cappadocia, and Asia to the Jews of the dispersion. The most commonly accepted church tradition is that Peter was crucified upside-down in Rome. What Does the Bible Say About Upside Down? What is the evidence that Peter was crucified upside down in Rome? It feels like we should know the answer to this question, right? But the text does not say this outright. Contact Us (Mailing Address for Donations). theologian named Origen (who wrote about AD 230): "Peter appears to have According to church tradition, Peter was crucified in Rome upside down during the later reign of Roman emperor Nero around the year 64 AD. Peter felt he was unworthy to be crucified as his Lord was. http://www.bibleanswer.com/mtbaker Does Romans 13 (obey the governing authorities) apply to us, even if our government is corrupt? referring to Peter and Paul: "Both of these having planted the church at Save 15% for life! As its name implies, an upside-down cross is simply a Latin cross turned so that the crosspiece is closer to the bottom than the top. His speech makes clear that Adam, the first man, fell head-downwards and turned the cosmos upside down but only through Christ can the world be seen upright. Thus, the crucifixions of Jesus and Peter restore the creation, through the New Adam, to its intended functioning. and Paul as occurring in Rome under Nero. The Martyrdom Traditions of Paul: What Happened to His Head? (Matthew 10:2-4), So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from usone of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection. And they put forward two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias. Follow him on Twitter: @sean_mcdowell and his blog at seanmcdowell.org. And he said, "Behold, I dreamed a dream, and behold, a cake of barley bread tumbled into the camp of Midian and came to the tent and struck it so that it fell and turned it upside down, so that the tent lay flat.". After all, . [1], You would think that having so many references and versions available would make our job easier, but when it comes to early Christianitieswell, let's just say it becomes as difficult to track as other rapidly spreading phenomena with many "versions" and "variants.". We do have evidence Roman executioners varied their crucifixion practices for their own sadistic pleasure, however, so it is not intrinsically implausible Peter was crucified upside-down. How could Jesus say His killers knew not what they were doing? Jesus was preparing Peter for what would be forthcoming in the future but He did not tell Peter the position of His crucifixion. ************************************. After the death of the apostles, we do not find as significant missionary figures of the stature of Paul. 2 Peter 1:12-15 - BibleGateway While the traditions provide individual stories for Peter and Paul that associate their executions with irrational Roman rulers, what is probably our earliest work to reference Peter and Pauls executions1 Clement 5:17 (written c. 80130 CE)associates both deaths with "unjust jealousy." As for his crucifixion upside down, this is much more weakly attested to in only one ancient source which is probably much less reliable that Clement, Ignatius, Irenaeus, Tertullian, Eusebius and many others. Or did you know that there are over 25 significant references to their deaths singly or collectively in other early Christian literature? Some religious people and groups believe Peter met his end in Rome since, they believe, he resided in and preached there for a long stretch of time during his ministry. But the continued existence of the martyrdom traditions of the Apostles almost two millennia later is only further evidence that there is often a huge difference between what believers think should be the case and what is actually described in the Bible. However, it is highly unlikely that Christians would have been a large and distinct enough group yet in Rome in 64 CE to provide a believable scapegoat for Nero. He concludes by saying, But it is time for you, Peter, to surrender your body to those who are taking it. While only a few early Christian works were included in the New Testament, we continue to find more examples and stories that were in circulation in the first centuries CE. 26:33-35, 69-75 ). This is not to say that Christians were not among those blamed by Nero, or that Peter and/or Paul were not killed. What purpose did the oracles against the nations in Amos, Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel serve other than consoling the Jews? Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Pauls account bears a strong resemblance to the story of Eutychus in Acts 20. John 21:18-19 ESV - Truly, truly, I say to you, | Biblia Among the more popular were the Apostolic Actscollections of stories about individual or groups of Apostlesand few reached the popularity of Peter and Paul. ", Jesus said this to let him know by what kind of death he would glorify God. Lets start with location. 12 For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth. Tradition says that, when Peter was put to death, he requested to be crucified on an inverted cross. I certainly would not base my faith on this being his body, and besides, it is not clear the significance to a Christian to have the actual remains of Peter. May the Lord bless you as you study and Did Peter actually write the book of Second Peter? Paul is sometimes guilty of converting Neros mistress or concubine in certain versions of the tale, and having converted almost the entire palace in others. (Interestingly, a postmortem visit from Paul convinced Nero to release the other Christians!). Romans Class for the West Coast School of Ministry. The earliest account makes it part of a larger theological point about a world full of Platonic dualism and mysticismdepicting his death actually as a birth. From the first century onward, the unanimous testimony is that Peter died as a martyr (likely in Rome). Nero was emperor from 5468 CE, but while the date changes dont impact the association with Nero, they do impact the implied association with Neros persecution of Christians in response to the Great Fire. James beheaded John exiled, died of old age (brother of James) Matthew speared to death Bartholomew beaten then crucified. Was Saint Peter Crucified Upside Down? Answered! Until further notice, this website will not be receiving further updates. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will tie you and carry you where you don't want to go. He returned, was arrested, and requested to be crucified upside down. Where does it say Peter was crucified upside down? The Martyrdom Traditions of Peter: Why Upside Down? The Roman historian Tacitus, writing roughly 50 years after the events, reports that the Great Fire of Rome began in July of 64 CE in the Circus Maximus and burned for 5 days (Annals 15.44). And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me. The other day in a discussion with a friend, a statement was made that the disciple Peter was crucified upside down. Peter requested that he be crucified upside down as he did not feel worthy to die in the same manner as Our Lord. Christians there claim him as the first to bring the gospel to their land. FAQ: How Did Peter and Paul Die? - Bible & Archaeology The early church fathers are unanimous in claiming that Peter died in Rome, by crucifixion, during the persecution of Nero in AD 64. As the story goes, he ministered in Persia and was killed after refusing to sacrifice to the sun god. This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. What do we need to say concerning Paul, who preached the Gospel of Christ from Jerusalem to Illyricum, and afterwards suffered martyrdom in Rome under Nero? As the story goes, Peter refused to be crucified upwards as his master Jesus, and so he requested an upside-down death. In retaliation, the proconsul had Philip arrested and cruelly put to death. Galatians 2:20,1 Peter 1:21 KJV - I am crucified with Christ: - Bible There was nothing incredibly unique or spectacular about them. He includes translations of all the accounts and references here, along with several more references and admits his list is probably not exhaustive. It is more common to see the upside down Petrine cross in horror films and among dark metal bands as a symbol of the antichrist (see What is the Antichrist and is it in the Bible? Why does the Bible give two conflicting accounts of Judas death? In what verse in the Bible was Peter crucified upside down? Irenaeus of Lyon, about AD 180, agrees that Peter served in Rome. Paul was beheaded. Also, rumors that associated this with the origins of the "Peace Symbol" were wrong. Sign up to receive news and updates fromBible & Archaeology. The earliest reference to the martyrdom of Peter comes from the letter of Clement of Rome (about AD 90). And the Romans were more than happy to oblige. Do Good Friday, Easter Sunday represent the actual date that Jesus was crucified? Papias & Dionysius of Corinth (Quoted in Eusebius), Origen of Alexandria (Quoted in Eusebius), 7. All rights reserved. Christian Apologetics at Biola University. apparently widespread throughout the Church. Christian Zionists claim that the modern state of Israel is a fulfillment of biblical prophecy. For instance, did you know that we have fifteen different versions of the deaths of Peter and Paulfour of Peter, five of Paul, and six of Peter and Paul togetherall written by the 6th century CE? History 2:25). 13 For kin one Spirit we were all baptized into one bodylJews or Greeks, slaves4 or freeand mall were made to drink of one Spirit. Whether he was crucified Someone has challenged the fact that Peter was ever crucified. What is the documentation for that? What Does an Upside Down Cross (Inverted) Really Mean? But could it also be historical? Here are the respective missionary locations for the Apostles as found in Book 3 of the Church History of Eusebius: Meanwhile the holy apostles and disciples of our Saviour were dispersed throughout the world. being crucified upside-down. These facts are related by Origen in the third volume of his Commentary on Genesis. They claim that he died there when pierced through with the spears of four soldiers. These cookies do not store any personal information. Moreover, I will endeavour that . Parthia, according to tradition, was allotted to Thomas as his field of labor, Scythia to Andrew, and Asia to John, who, after he had lived some time there, died at Ephesus. Peter was crucified upside down at his request since he did not feel worthy to die in the same manner as his Lord. Does the Bible say Peter was crucified upside down? The earliest mention that we have of Peter's death is in a letter from 12 For just as ithe body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, jso it is with Christ. Peters story was one of redemption after his denials of Jesus. 15Moreover I will be careful to ensure that you always have a reminder of these things after my [c]decease. This is actually not all that far-fetched a claim. Nothing. Recommended Reading: Foxes Book of Martyrs by John Foxe, [contact-form][contact-field label=Name type=name required=true /][contact-field label=Email type=email required=true /][contact-field label=Website type=url /][contact-field label=Message type=textarea /][/contact-form]. I request you therefore, executioners, to crucify me head-downwards in this way and no other. Peter gives a final speech while upside down on the cross and then dies (40.11). Share Show footnotes Handed down. The apocryphal Acts of Peter is the earliest reference to crucifixion of Peter upside down. 20I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.