One of Jesus' inner circle of 12 men, Simon Peter is both a prominent character in the Bible and the author of two of its books.

Some facts about Simon Peter:

Born in Bethsaida, in Galilee

His given name: Simon Bar-Jona (son of Jona)

His name was changed to Peter by Jesus

Brother of another disciple: Andrew

Philip was also from Bethsaida

Occupation: Fisherman

He was married (Matthew 8:14).

According to Clement of Alexandria, Peter had children

Jesus gave him the name Cephas (John 1:42)

Jesus healed his mother-in-law's fever (Matthew 8:14-15)

After Jesus' death, Peter was one of three primary leaders in the Christian church in Jerusalem. (Galatians 2:9)

Manner of death: traditionally, crucified upside-down in Rome

Tradition holds that Peter's wife was also martyred