Who was Cephas?

Cephas is one of the names used in the New Testament to refer to the Apostle Peter, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ and a central figure in the early church. The name “Cephas” (Κηφᾶς) is of Aramaic origin, meaning “rock” or “stone.” In Greek, the equivalent is “Petros” (Πέτρος), from which we get the English name “Peter.” Both names—Cephas and Peter—were given to Simon, the son of Jonah (or John), by Jesus Himself to signify his foundational role in the future church (John 1:42; Matthew 16:18).

Cephas appears in Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians as part of a rebuke against factionalism within the church: “What I mean is this: One of you says, ‘I follow Paul’; another, ‘I follow Apollos’; another, ‘I follow Cephas’; still another, ‘I follow Christ’” (1 Corinthians 1:12, NIV). This reference shows that Cephas was held in high esteem by some early Christians, though Paul warns against dividing the church along the lines of personality or leadership preference.

Biblical References and Cross References

• John 1:42 – “Jesus looked at him and said, ‘You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas’ (which, when translated, is Peter).”

• Matthew 16:18 – “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church…”

• 1 Corinthians 1:12; 3:22; 9:5; 15:5 – Paul references Cephas multiple times in 1 Corinthians, indicating his influence and respected position.

• Galatians 1:18; 2:9,11,14 – Paul mentions meeting Cephas and confronting him over hypocrisy in Antioch.

• Luke 24:34 – “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon!” (Cephas).

• Acts 2-5 – Describes Peter’s leadership and preaching in the early church.

• – Epistles traditionally attributed to Peter/Cephas.

Cephas in the Bible

Cephas, or Peter, began as a Galilean fisherman called by Jesus to become a “fisher of men” (Matthew 4:19). He was impulsive and bold, often the first to speak or act among the disciples. He confessed Jesus as the Christ (Matthew 16:16), walked on water toward Jesus (Matthew 14:29), denied Him three times during His trial (Luke 22:61), but was restored by Christ after the resurrection (John 21:15-17).

In the book of Acts, Peter becomes a key leader in the Jerusalem church, boldly preaching the gospel, performing miracles, and facing persecution. He played a pivotal role in the inclusion of Gentiles into the church, particularly through the conversion of Cornelius (Acts 10). However, in Galatians 2, Paul recounts a moment when Cephas withdrew from eating with Gentile believers, fearing criticism from the circumcision group—a moment that led Paul to confront him publicly for compromising gospel truth.

Cephas is often remembered as the “apostle to the Jews” (Galatians 2:8), complementing Paul’s ministry to the Gentiles.

What It Means for Today’s Christians

Cephas’ life is a powerful testimony to the transforming grace of God. Though he stumbled, denied Christ, and even acted in hypocrisy, he was used mightily by God to establish the early church. His example shows that spiritual leaders are still fallible and in need of accountability and growth, yet God is faithful to restore and use them.

The mention of Cephas in 1 Corinthians reminds believers not to elevate human leaders to the place of Christ. No matter how gifted or faithful, all Christian leaders serve under the authority of Jesus, the true Head of the Church. The church must remain united in Christ, not divided by personal loyalties.

How His Story Points to Jesus and the Gospel

Cephas’ entire life points to the grace and mercy found in Jesus Christ. Jesus renamed him, trained him, forgave him, and commissioned him. Peter’s restoration after denying Christ three times serves as a vivid picture of gospel forgiveness and reconciliation.

The transformation from Simon the fisherman to Peter the apostle demonstrates how Jesus builds His church not on human strength but on His redeeming power. Cephas becomes a living stone (1 Peter 2:5) in the spiritual house Christ is building.

Broader Biblical Themes

Grace and Restoration

Peter’s denial and restoration show that failure is not final for those who trust in Christ.

Unity in the Body of Christ

Paul’s exhortation in 1 Corinthians 1 warns against divisions in the church. Leaders like Cephas are gifts to the church but should not become the basis of factions.

Apostolic Authority and Human Weakness

Cephas held apostolic authority but was still susceptible to error. Scripture reveals both his strengths and weaknesses to demonstrate that the ultimate authority lies in God’s Word and Christ alone.

The Church as the People of God

Cephas symbolizes the church’s foundation—people transformed by Christ, sent into the world to proclaim His name.

Reflection Questions

1. What does Cephas’ transformation from Simon to Peter teach us about God’s power to change lives?

2. How do we guard against idolizing Christian leaders or dividing over personalities in the church?

3. In what ways can the church today reflect the unity Paul called for in 1 Corinthians 1?

4. How can Peter’s restoration after failure encourage us in our walk with Christ?

5. How does Cephas’ life point us to the sufficiency and lordship of Jesus?

Cephas was more than a name—he was a man shaped by Jesus for a mission. His life remains a compelling story of redemption, leadership, failure, and restoration under the grace of God.