How did the apostle Peter die?

Answer

The Bible does not provide information on how the apostle Peter died. The most widely accepted church tradition suggests that Peter was crucified upside-down in Rome. According to tradition, when Peter faced death, he specifically asked to be crucified on an inverted cross. His reasoning for this request was that, due to his denial of the Lord, he did not feel deserving to die in the same manner as Jesus did (see Matthew 26:33-35, 69-75). It is important to note that this account is purely based on tradition, as the Bible neither confirms nor denies this narrative.

What we can be certain of regarding Peter’s death is Jesus’ prophecy in John 21:18–19. Jesus said, “‘Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.’ Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God.”

Jesus foretold the manner of Peter’s death, possibly to prepare him for the challenges he would encounter now that his Lord had been resurrected and was no longer physically present. Jesus reminded Peter that in the past (“when you were younger”), he had the freedom to move about as he pleased. However, a time would come when this freedom would no longer be his. The phrase “when you are old” does not necessarily imply that Peter would live to an advanced age. In fact, historical accounts suggest that Peter was executed approximately thirty-four years after Jesus’ prophecy. The exact age of Peter at that time remains unknown.

The method of Peter’s death—crucifixion—was also prophesied by the Lord. The mention of “stretching out” his hands could easily be interpreted as Peter being crucified with his arms outstretched on a cross. Some historians also note that the Romans used stocks as a form of torture; in this device, a prisoner’s hands were stretched out.

e crosspiece. Whatever the manner of his execution, it is clear that Peter was at the mercy of others who in some way tied him and carried him to his death.

In spite of the gruesome details Peter heard about his death, he must have found comfort and joy in knowing that his death would bring glory to God. Peter’s love for Jesus and his commitment to obey and glorify Him were evident throughout the rest of his life and ministry. Peter’s willingness to die as a martyr, holding onto the hope of heaven, demonstrates the courage, faith, patience, and perseverance of this remarkable man of God who was glad to be considered worthy to die for the name of Jesus.