Two Simon Peters?

About this same time as the book of Hebrews was written in 65 AD, the apostle Peter wrote 1st Peter, his first epistle to believers in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia (what we know as Turkey today) undergoing persecution. We now see why God did not allow Paul to go to these northern provinces in what we today call Turkey, because God was directing Peter to minister to the people there. Peter wrote this epistle from Babylon. Some argue that there was no church in Babylon, so Paul was being euphemistic and was referring to Rome. Yet, there is no need for him to be secretive about where he was writing. It actually makes sense for him to be writing from Babylon for two reasons: (1) although there was no church in Babylon, there was a prominent synagogue there because of the many Jews who remained in this geographic region when some of the Jews were allowed to return to Judah from Babylon, and (2) Peter and many of the other apostles ministered to their fellow Jews with a large contingent of them still living in various parts of Parthia which is where Babylon was located.

Also, there is no hard evidence that Peter ever visited Rome (Lewis). If Peter was in Rome during Paul’s first incarceration, he would most definitely have visited Paul in prison as many others from the churches there did (Ac 28:17-31). If Peter was in Rome during Paul’s second incarceration, he also would likely have visited Paul or let Paul know he was supported, but Paul states that only Luke is with him at this time (2Tm 4:11). Evidence has emerged that Peter likely died and was buried in Jerusalem (Deborah). This would make sense as Peter was known as the apostle to the Jews (Ga 2:7-8) and had ministered to Jews in Parthia (1Pt 5:13) and to those in Asia Minor (today eastern Turkey; 1Pt 1:1). Who was in Rome during this time was likely another Simon—Simon Magus (Two Peters).

This Simon Magus was the same as the one Deacon Philip had encountered in Samaria (Ac 8:9-25). He took the ideas of Zoroastrianism and blended them with Christianity forming Gnostic beliefs that became quite popular, and very seductive, because their teachings were so close, but so far, from the gospel the apostles taught. Simon and his followers would travel behind Paul and teach their heretical teachings once Paul had left a city which confused many of the new believers that Paul had reached. The Gnostics taught salvation through religion rather than a person relationship with Christ. It taught unity by creating a hierarchy where more spiritual understanding would be gained the higher up people went in this hierarchy and created types of sacraments to further create unity and thereby develop a closeness to God.

When Simon Magus arrived in Rome during the reign of Caesar Claudius, the emperor became enamored with Simon due to his magical abilities. So much so that he had a statue made of him which was something quite rare, as usually statues of anyone other than that of the emperor was considered illegal. He integrated Christian terminology into his pagan theology to disguise his intent to exalt himself to the center of Christianity rather than to Jesus Christ. He even created a priesthood to execute his practices. He came to be called Simon Paeter. The word Paeter is an ancient word for interpreter or seer and was associated with ancient priests and a derivative of the word translated as father. It is easy to see how Simon Paeter could be misconstrued for Simon Peter. It is more likely that Simon Paeter was the first bishop of Rome than was Simon Peter. The deaths of Simon Magus and Simon Peter are in controversy and not established well in the historical record.

About two years after writing his first epistle, Peter, in 67 AD, wrote his second epistle, 2nd Peter, likely from Babylon as well, and likely to those in northern areas of what we today call Turkey. It seems that Peter knew of his soon passing as he mentions this in his letter and there is now evidence of his grave being in Jerusalem. The content of this book is somewhat similar to what Jude wrote about in his epistle where he warns people about false prophets and false teachers who act as believers but lead many astray. He states that these people will be held accountable by God, if not in this life, in the life to come. While some scoffers say Christ’s return is doubtful as things have continued on as they always have been. Peter reminds them that the same argument was true for the Flood in Noah’s day. Things were as they were until they were not, and that happened swiftly. Therefore, as Christians, we should live holy and godly lives looking with anticipation to the day of God.

Tradition has it that Paul was beheaded in 68 A.D. at Aquae Salviae, a place with three springs on the Ostian Way, about 1.5 miles south of Rome. Paul was not crucified as were many Christians because he was a Roman citizen. Therefore, he was allowed a quick death and was beheaded instead.

What a legacy Paul left behind. Don’t you want a legacy like that? Let’s strive to live like he did. What an example to follow.

Of course, Paul could not have achieved all that he did without assistance. Next time we’ll look at who all helped him over the course of his life. I hope you join me.

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Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens