PETER, SAINT

Peter, Saint: translation

Introduced by his brother Andrew to Christ, Peter became one of the Lord's disciples. The calling of the two brothers to the apostolate was depicted byDomenico del Ghirlandaioin theSistine Chapel, Vatican, in 1482. Peter is mentioned in the Gospels more than any otherapostle. He was present at themarriage at Canawhen Christ effected his first miracle—the turning of water into wine. Christ called him "the rock" upon which his church would be built, a statement used by the papacy to assert the divine sanction of their office, the scene depicted byPietro Peruginoin the Sistine Chapel (Christ Giving the Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven to St.Peter; 1482). He was present during theAgony in the Garden, as rendered byGiovanni Bellini(c. 1460; London, National Gallery). At Christ's arrest, he cut off Malchus' ear in anger, the scene presented byGiottoin hisBetrayal of Christ by Judasin theArena Chapel, Padua (1305). After Christ was arrested, three times Peter denied him but, after theCrucifixion, he was the first of the apostles to preach to the Gentiles, to effect conversions, and to perform miracles. He was imprisoned by Herod Agrippa, but an angel helped him escape so he could continue preaching.Raphaelincluded theLiberation of St.Peterin the decorations of the Stanza d'Eliodoro at the Vatican (1512-1514). Peter became the first bishop ofRomeand was crucified there by Emperor Nero. His crucifixion is the subject of one of Caravaggio's paintings in theCerasi Chapel, Rome (1600). His remains are kept in the crypt of the Basilica ofSt.Peter's, directly under the altar, to assert papal succession from Peter.