The Acts of Peter is an ancient Christian text dated to the 2nd century AD that recounts the acts and miracles performed by the apostle Peter. It is one of several apocryphal Acts detailing the lives of the apostles after the crucifixion and ascension of Jesus Christ. Along with the Acts of Paul, the Acts of Peter was likely written in opposition to the canonical Acts of the Apostles, offering an alternative perspective on the apostles and their ministries.
The Acts of Peter focuses primarily on Peter’s activity in Rome, depicting him as a wonder-working apostle who heals the sick, raises the dead, and triumphs in debate with philosophical opponents. A major theme is Peter’s struggle against Simon Magus, a magician who tries to purchase the power of the Holy Spirit from the apostles. The text also contains the famous Quo Vadis story in which Peter flees persecution in Rome but meets the risen Christ on the Appian Way and returns to accept martyrdom.
While classified as apocryphal by the early church, the Acts of Peter appears to have been quite popular in early Christianity, with versions and fragments of it found in Greek, Latin, Coptic, and other ancient languages. References to the Acts by early church fathers confirm that many considered the text to be an accurate record of Peter’s later ministry. Modern scholars debate how much historical information can be gleaned from the Acts versus what is pious fiction designed to inspire faith in the apostle. Regardless, the Acts of Peter provides an intriguing counterpoint to the biblical book of Acts and a glimpse into the diversity of early Christian literature.
Contents of the Acts of Peter
The Acts of Peter is a relatively lengthy text, likely composed anonymously in the 2nd century AD. It exists today only in fragments found in manuscripts and quotations from church fathers. Scholars have identified the following major sections that would have made up the complete Acts originally:
– Peter’s confrontation with Simon Magus in Jerusalem – Peter exposes Simon Magus as a fraud before the apostles and refutes his heretical doctrines.
– Peter’s missions and miracles in Rome – Peter heals the sick, paralyzed, and leprous, casts out demons, raises the dead, and converts many to Christianity in Rome.
– Debates between Peter and philosophers – Peter silences pagan philosophers and Jewish critics with his wisdom and preaching of the Gospel.
– The Christ story – Peter tells the story of Jesus’ life, miracles, death, and resurrection to converts in Rome.
– The martyrdom of Peter – Peter flees persecution but Christ appears to him on the Appian Way, prompting Peter to accept crucifixion upside-down in Rome.
– The martyrdom of Peter’s wife – Peter’s wife is martyred before him, encouraging other Christian women to remain strong in persecution.
– The Passion (Quo Vadis) story – Retells the story of Peter fleeing persecution but meeting the risen Christ on the way out of Rome and returning to face martyrdom.
– Later legends about Peter – Includes additional post-resurrection stories and legends about Peter circulating in the early church.
The Acts of Peter has clear parallels to canonical Acts – both describe the apostles debating Jewish critics, performing signs and wonders, evangelizing in major cities, and eventually facing martyrdom. But there are also noticeable differences in tone and emphasis between the two books.
Authorship and Dating
Like most apocryphal Acts, the Acts of Peter is anonymous, although it claims to be an eyewitness account of the apostle’s ministry. Scholars debate several possibilities for authorship:
– A 2nd century pseudepigrapher writing under Peter’s name
– An orthodox Christian expanding on canonical Acts
– A heretical group such as the Docetists who denied Christ’s humanity
– Multiple authors compiling different Petrine traditions
There are also theories that the work underwent expansion and editing over time. The earliest possible date is the mid-2nd century AD based on references to the text by church fathers. The passages on Peter’s martyrdom appear to have circulated first. The majority of scholars date the complete work to the late 2nd or early 3rd century AD. The Acts of Peter was likely composed after the canonical Acts but before the important Council of Nicaea in 325 AD which ruled on biblical canon.
Historical Accuracy
As an apocryphal text, the Acts of Peter mixes legend with historical traditions about the apostle Peter. Scholars debate what in the Acts may reflect authentic historical memory versus later embellishment:
– Peter’s presence in Rome – Many scholars accept Peter spent time ministering and was eventually martyred in Rome. The Acts of Peter supports this.
– Miracle stories – The dramatic miracle stories are likely later embellishments. But they do show Peter was associated with signs and wonders.
– Quo Vadis story – The touching meeting between Christ and Peter on Appian Way may be historical. The fact Peter was crucified upside-down is generally accepted.
– Speeches and debates – While invented by the author, these may preserve indications of how the apostles defended Christianity against critics.
– Martyrdom details – exact circumstances are unknown but Peter accepting martyrdom in Rome fits with other sources.
Overall, most scholars consider the Acts of Peter to contain a historical “kernel” about Peter’s ministry in Rome overlaid with pious fiction. It is considered slightly more historically reliable than texts like the Acts of John given its more sober contents.
Manuscripts and Early Circulation
No complete copy of the Acts of Peter has ever been found. Today we have only fragments, quotations, and indications of the total contents based on lists like the 5th century Stichometry of Nicephorus. Available manuscripts include:
– Greek fragments found at Oxyrhynchus dating to the 4th/5th century
– Syriac fragments preserved in manuscripts
– Extensive quotations in Greek, Latin and Coptic sources
– Mentioned in lists of apocryphal books from the 3rd – 5th centuries
These sparse remains indicate the Acts of Peter did circulate quite widely in ancient Christianity based on the number of languages it is found in. Key evidence for early use comes from church fathers such as Origen, Eusebius, and Macarius Magnes who reference the work. Though never considered canonical, the Acts of Peter was popular, as were many apocryphal Acts.
Relationship to Canonical Acts
The Acts of Peter has a complex relationship with the New Testament Acts of the Apostles. Scholars characterize the apocryphal Acts as:
– An attempt to fill in gaps left by the canonical book
– Providing an alternate perspective on the apostles
– Preserving valid traditions not included in the Bible
– Intentionally competing with and challenging canonical Acts
– Seeking to “correct” or expand parts of Acts viewed as inadequate
– Offering imaginative stories about heroes of the faith for educational purposes
– Promoting unorthodox doctrine using authenticating apostolic authority
There are clear signs of intertextuality between the Acts of Peter and canonical Acts. The apocryphal author borrowed themes, templates, and structural elements but modified them to focus on Peter. This was likely an intentional effort by those who valued additional apostolic stories not included in the orthodox canon.
Theological Themes and Purpose
As with many apocryphal Acts, scholars debate the purpose and intended audience of the text:
– Edifying stories about apostles for orthodox Christians
– Promoting asceticism and martyrdom
– Preserving oral traditions about Peter
– Countering the prominence of Paul in canonical Acts
– Critiquing wealth and Roman society
– Encouraging Christian mission despite persecution
– Anti-heretical polemic against Simon Magus and others
– Exploring doctrinal issues like the humanity/divinity of Christ
– Asserting apostolic authority for a particular Christian group
There are elements supporting many of these perspectives in the Acts of Peter. The text is clearly promoting Peter as a preeminent apostle while critiquing false doctrines associated with Simon Magus and others. An anti-heretical bias is very strong. But it also aims to inspire and educate Christians facing persecution in Rome, blending entertainment with moral examples.
Notable Stories and Episodes
The Acts of Peter contains many memorable stories and episodes that circulated widely in early Christianity. These include:
– Peter debating the heretic Simon Magus in Jerusalem – This story establishes Peter as the chief apostle with superior miracles and correct doctrine against unorthodox views.
– Peter making a smoked tuna fish come back to life – One of Peter’s amazing miracles, showing his power over nature and death.
– Peter paralyzing a man who lied about giving offerings – Examples emphasizing ethical behavior and honesty among Christians.
– Peter debating pagan philosophers and Jewish critics – Stories highlighting Peter’s wisdom, rhetorical skills, and grasp of the Gospel.
– The moving Christ story Peter tells his followers – A recitation of Jesus’ life intended to teach key doctrines and touch listeners emotionally.
– Peter’s martyrdom in Rome – His inspirational bravery facing persecution and upside down crucifixion cemented his reputation.
– Quo Vadis story of Christ meeting Peter – A vivid story asserting Christianity as supreme over Roman power that circulated independently.
These dramatic episodes help explain the appeal and popularity of the text as both entertainment and Christian instruction.
Later Influence and Significance
While not canonical, the Acts of Peter had a significant influence on Christian literature and traditions about the apostle Peter:
– Helped promote cult of Peter as one of the most important apostles
– Portrayal of Peter influenced later depictions in art and literature
– Established Rome as a key setting for apostolic activity
– Stories contributed to idea of Peter as Christ’s appointed successor
– Depictions of Peter’s miracles inspired later hagiography
– Quo Vadis story became a popular Christian legend frequently retold
– Martyrdom scene provided details incorporated into Passion narratives
– Simon Magus became archetypal Christian heretic partially due to this text
– Provided source material for medieval miracles of the saints literature
Though apocryphal, the dramatic stories from the Acts of Peter left their mark on Christian tradition and memory of the apostle as passed down through the centuries.
Rediscovery and Modern Scholarly Perspectives
Like many apocryphal works, the Acts of Peter disappeared from mainstream Christianity for centuries but was rediscovered and published by scholars beginning in the late 19th century. Key moments include:
– 1893 – Philologist Theodor Zahn identifies fragments and compiles portions of the text
– 1898 – Carl Schmidt publishes the first critical edition collecting known fragments and references
– 1903 – Early Greek fragments published from Oxyrhynchus excavations in Egypt
– 1910 – Emil von der Goltz publishes a reconstructed Greek text with commentary
– 1922 – Johannes Tromp publishes another reconstructed text and analysis
– 1987 – Wilhelm Schneemelcher provides an updated scholarly edition in English translation
Today the Acts of Peter is regarded by scholars as one of the most significant and historical useful apocryphal Acts:
– Considered one of the earliest and most influential along with Acts of Paul
– Provides a rare early Christian perspective on apostle Peter independent of canonical Acts
– Regarded as largely orthodox in theology and less fantastical than some apocryphal texts
– Valued for potential historical references about Peter’s later ministry
– Provides important witness to veneration of apostles like Peter in early Christianity
Though non-canonical, modern scholars now recognize the Acts of Peter as an influential early Christian document worthy of continued study and attention. It represents an important component of the diverse literature of earliest Christianity.
Key Quotations
A few key quotations from the Acts of Peter give a flavor of its style and contents:
“…there was great weeping in the church, because Peter was about to go to his Lord…” – Martyrdom of Peter 2.1
“…Peter turned and saw following him the Lord…Peter said to him, ‘Lord, where are you going?’ The Lord said to him, ‘I am going to Rome to be crucified again…’ Then Peter came to himself and went back to Rome…” – Quo Vadis passage
“Peter said: ‘These men say that our Lord Jesus Christ is a magician, and that he did everything by sleight of hand and that he was a deceiver. But we have convicted them of being false witnesses by believing in Jesus Christ, because Christ was without sin.'” – Vercelli Acts 3
“As he went along he saw a roasted tuna fish lying on the ground. And looking at it, the blessed Peter said: ‘Now you will return to the water and be alive again.'” – Paris Acts 15
Such quotations illustrate why the dramatic stories from the Acts of Peter captured the imagination of early Christians, even if its status remained non-canonical.
Conclusion
The ancient Acts of Peter provides an intriguing counter-narrative to canonical Acts focused on the apostle Peter. Though not accepted into the Bible, it was popular in early Christianity and preserves valuable traditions about Peter’s life and ministry not found in orthodox scripture. The entertaining stories and emphasis on Peter helped promote him as one of the most significant apostles alongside Paul. Modern scholars appreciate the Acts of Peter for its artful blend of fact and fiction, providing another perspective on Christianity’s origins and diversity in the 2nd century and beyond. While its legendary accounts require careful discernment, the Acts of Peter is a notable Christian text that deserves ongoing scholarly attention and public interest.