SIMON PETER
The photos are of the original
wax figure. The color variations are different sculpting waxes.
John 1:40-42
Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus.
The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, "We have found the Messiah" (that is, the Christ).And he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said,
NIV
Luke 5:8-11
When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said, "Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!"
For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken,
and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon's partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men."
So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.
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Luke 22:31-34
"Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat.
But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers." But he replied, "Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death." Jesus answered,
"I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times
that you know me."
NIV
Matt 16:13-20
When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples,
"Who do people
say the Son of Man is?"
They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets." "But what about you?"
he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus replied,
"Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven.
And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.
I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."
NIV
HISTORICAL ACCOUNTS
Peter was historically believed to have been crucified by being hung upside down in the gardens of Emperor Nero in 67 AD. This was after he had survived 9 months in the Tullianum chamber of the Mamertine prison in Rome. Prisoners were lowered into the Tullianum by removing a grate in the floor of the upper chamber and lowering them through. The chamber was totally dark and Peter was reported to have been chained to a post where he was unable to recline even to sleep. The walls, ceiling and floor were of stone and there was a small well in the floor of the chamber. Peter maintained his spirit and converted his two jailers, Martinianus and Processus during his ordeal. Stairs have been added in modern day to provide access to the Tullianum and there is an altar to Peter in it.
Life size bronze sculpture by Bill McCown, Edition of 3, Price on request.