Simon Peter

Simon Peter joined the apostles at age 30, married with three children. Jesus gave him the name Peter with a smile, as a sort of nickname, since Simon was well known as erratic and impulsive (139:2.2). He was a fluent, eloquent, and dramatic speaker; a natural and inspirational leader of men, a quick thinker but not a deep reasoner. He asked more questions than all the apostles combined (139:2.4). Peter was the most inexplicable combination of courage and cowardice that ever lived on earth: brave facing frontal attack, but a fear-cringing coward when surprised from the rear (139:2.6). After his denial and restoration, he became a great and saving light to thousands (139:2.10). He was the outstanding preacher of the twelve.