Peter was one of the closest disciples to Jesus, together with James and John. His faith was strong but he was rash and hot headed at times. His original name was Simon. He was brought up in Bethsaida by Lake Galilee and had a strong north country accent (Matt 26: 73).
He and his brother Andrew were fisherman and were the first followers of Jesus. Peter was married and his wife accompanied him to spread good news. Jesus gave him the name Peter, which means ‘Rock’ (Matt 16:18). He was often spokesman for the disciples and became leader of the church after Jesus’ ascension.
Peter’s faith, like his temperament could rise to the heights and sink to the depths e.g when he tried to walk on water (Matt 14:22-31) also where Peter confessed Jesus to be the Son of God and then tried to dissuade him from going to Jerusalem. This event was followed by Transfiguration which had a lasting impact on Peter (see Matt 16: 13-17: 12).
When Jesus was arrested Peter, scared for his life, denied three times that.he knew Jesus (Mark 14:66-72). After this resurrection James came to Peter by the lake side and tested his loyalty three times (John 21: 15-19). After Pentecost.Peter became a key figure in the young Christian church. He preached and healed (Acts 2&3), was put in prison (Acts 12) and was executed in Rome.