Four Times Peter: Portrayals of Peter in the Four Gospels and at Philippi

by Richard J Cassidy

Overview

Because he plays such a prominent role in the New Testament and the tradition of the church, the apostle Peter has been the focus of much scholarship over the centuries. One wonders whether there can be anything more to say about Peter. Indeed, there is. In Four Times Peter Richard Cassidy takes a narrative critical look at Peter in the story of each gospel individually (rather than studying Peter via a side-by-side analysis of the gospels). Cassidy looks first to the character of Jesus in each of the gospels and then to the group of apostles as a whole before turning to Peter.

In the end, Four Times Peter allows an intriguing portrait of this apostle to emerge. Readers discover a portrait of Peter that would have been familiar to the earliest Christian communities. And it is this ancient portrait that gives modern readers a refreshing new sense of Peter.

Richard J. Cassidy, STL, PhD, is Professor of Sacred Scripture at Sacred Heart Major Seminary, Detroit, Michigan.

This book is part of the series Interfaces.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780814651780
Publisher:	Liturgical Press
Publication date:	04/01/2007
Series:	Interfaces
Pages:	168
Product dimensions:	4.96(w) x 8.44(h) x 0.35(d)

About the Author

Richard J. Cassidy, STL, PhD, is Professor of Sacred Scripture at Sacred Heart Major Seminary, Detroit, Michigan.

Table of Contents

Contents
Dedication   ix
Preface   xi
CHAPTER ONE
Aspects of Narrative Criticism and the Four Gospels   1
   1. Aspects of Narrative Criticism   1
    2. The Various Readers/Hearers of the Gospels   6
   3. The Sequence and Authorship of the Gospels   9
   4. The Structure of This Book   10
CHAPTER TWO
Peter in Mark’s Gospel   13
   1. The Future-Oriented Character of Mark’s Gospel   13
   2. Jesus and his Mission According to Mark   14
   3. The Disciples of Jesus in Mark   17
   4. Peter During the Time of Jesus’ Public Ministry   21
   5. Peter and the Risen Jesus   32
   6. Summary of Mark’s Portrayal of Peter   33
CHAPTER THREE
Peter in Luke’s Gospel   36
   1. The Future-Oriented Character of Luke’s Gospel   36
   2. Jesus and his Mission According to Luke   37
   3. The Disciples and Apostles of Jesus in Luke   40
   4. Peter During the Time of Jesus’ Public Ministry   44
   5. Peter and the Risen Jesus 53 6. Summary of Luke’s Portrayal of Peter   55
CHAPTER FOUR
Peter in Matthew’s Gospel   57
   1. The Future-Oriented Character of Matthew’s Gospel   57
   2. Jesus and his Mission According to Matthew   58 
   3. The Disciples of Jesus in Matthew   63
   4. Peter During the Time of Jesus’ Public Ministry   67
   5. Peter and the Risen Jesus  82
   6. Summary of Matthew’s Portrayal of Peter   83
CHAPTER FIVE
Peter in John’s Gospel   85
   1. The Future-Oriented Character of John’s Gospel   85
   2. Jesus and his Mission According to John   85
   3. The Disciples of Jesus in John   87
   4. The Beloved Disciple   92
   5. Peter During the Time of Jesus’ Public Ministry   95
   6. Peter and the Risen Jesus   101
   7. Summary of Peter’s Portrayal in John   107
CHAPTER SIX
The Reception of the Four Gospels at Philippi   109
   1. Philippi and the Christian Community at Philippi   109
   2. Images of Peter from Paul’s Writings   112
   3. The Arrival of the Gospels at Philippi   114
   4. Concluding Reflections   125
List of Figures
   1. The Trajectory and Predicted Future of Peter According to Mark   35
   2. The Trajectory and Predicted Future of Peter According to Luke   56
   3. The Trajectory and Predicted Future of Peter According to Matthew   84
   4. The Trajectory and Predicted Future of Peter According to John   108
   5. The Conjectured Arrival of the Gospels at Philippi   157
Appendix: Peter’s Speech in Each of the Four Gospels  128
Endnotes   131
Bibliography   142
Index of Biblical Passages   147
Index of Modern Authors   151
Index of Names and Subjects   153

Editorial Reviews

A must read for beginners and an excellent refresher for all those who already know and possess a deep appreciation for the four canonical gospels.
Comptes Rendus


It shows a depth of research and has some fine exegetical insights.
The Furrow


[A] particularly valuable and thought-provoking contribution to the study of the Gospels because it raises crucial questions about the ways in which a person or event is perceived to create meanings.
Toronto Journal of Theology


. . . inspiring.
The Way


This book is to be recommended as a work that has its intended audience very clearly in mind. It is highly suitable for use with college students pursuing a course in the study of the New Testament, as well as by Bible study groups seeking a way into a study of the Gospels themselves. Through this study of the role of Peter in each of the Gospels, new questions will arise in the minds of the students both in class and in discussion groups. The final chapter of this book is without doubt the most stimulating. Without doubt, this chapter alone is worth the price of the book.
Review of Biblical Literature


This is a great scientific work of an expert Richard J. Cassidy, a priest and professor of Sacred Scripture at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, Michigan. . . . this is an important simplified but rich book for all who want to know more.
LIVROS NOVOS


This small masterpiece is a valuable addition to studies of Peter and of the four Gospels. Worth rereading and keeping on hand as a resource, it would work very well in academic and pastoral situations.
Horizons


Cassidy’s study contains many fresh and helpful insights.
Review of Biblical Literature

From the Publisher