Saint Peter: The Underestimated Apostle

"You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my community."
-- Matthew 16:18, author's translation

Given that Peter fades from view halfway through the book of Acts and that he left no gospel account in his name, it is tempting for many biblical scholars to dismiss him as a vague figure in Christian history and downplay his influence in the early church.

Martin Hengel rejects this underestimation of the apostle and argues that Peter was in fact the Rock, central to the development of both the Jewish and the Gentile Christian communities. Hengel clearly shows how each of the four gospels specifically highlights Peter's foundational role. He considers what Peter's message must have been as an eyewitness of Christ, reflects on Peter's theology, and draws attention to Peter's work as an organizer and mission strategist. Hengel also examines the contributions of married apostles -- like Peter -- and their family communities to the rapid and enduring spread of the Christian message.

Author: Martin Hengel
Publisher: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company
Published: 10/01/2010
Pages: 161
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.56lbs
Size: 8.96h x 6.08w x 0.43d
ISBN: 9780802827180

Review Citation(s):
Christianity Today 01/01/2011 pg. 74

About the Author
Hengel, Martin: - Martin Hengel (1926-2009) was professor emeritus ofNew Testament and early Judaism at the University ofTübingen, Germany. He authored over 150 books and articles, including Acts and the History of EarliestChristianity; Jews, Greeks, and Barbarians;and Between Jesus and Paul.

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