During the second century, the Acts of Peter came into circulation. This text portrays Peter as being called, chosen, by God to thwart the growing authority of the magician, Simon Magus, whom he had expelled from Judea twelve years before. While traveling to Rome, Peter encounters and baptizes Theon, who will become his companion on this quest. While arranging accommodations, Theon is approached by Ariston, and he tells Peter of the plight of the community that is being led astray by Simon’s satanically inspired ways in Paul’s absence. Peter is repeatedly inspired by what he seems to consider affirmations of his undertaking. Having confirmation of the need, Peter sets out at once to call on the people of Rome to repent and have hope.
Once restored, the Roman brethren plead with Peter to put an end to the disturbance being caused by Simon, but Simon refuses to entertain Peter. Peter sends a dog into the dwelling, which is enabled by the true power of God, to speak a message to Simon. Upon hearing the dog’s words, Marcellus, a senator and the host of Simon, repents and casts Simon from his home. To demonstrate the power of God that he possesses, Peter also causes a baby to speak like a man and a smoked fish to swim back to life. The final challenge takes place in front of a paying audience, including senators and prefects, when Peter demonstrates the truth of his message by resurrecting the dead. Once Peter shows the superiority of his power and teachings, he calls on the Romans to refrain from vengeance, and instead preaches the ideal of loving one’s enemies and praying for those who have persecuted you.
Peter’s actions in this text not only serve to redirect the course of teaching the Roman’s are subjected to by Simon, but allow Peter to demonstrate the power of God that he has been given. Additionally, the emphasis on the magical powers of Simon is interesting, especially considering both men engage in acts that could be deemed as superhuman or supernatural. Peter used his displays to appeal to the Romans to repent and seek eternal life, while Simon sought to show the superiority of his powers and use them to exert control over them. The status of an act as miracle or magic during ancient times seems to have depended more on the perceived motive of the performer than the action itself.
Once restored, the Roman brethren plead with Peter to put an end to the disturbance being caused by Simon, but Simon refuses to entertain Peter. Peter sends a dog into the dwelling, which is enabled by the true power of God, to speak a message to Simon. Upon hearing the dog’s words, Marcellus, a senator and the host of Simon, repents and casts Simon from his home. To demonstrate the power of God that he possesses, Peter also causes a baby to speak like a man and a smoked fish to swim back to life. The final challenge takes place in front of a paying audience, including senators and prefects, when Peter demonstrates the truth of his message by resurrecting the dead. Once Peter shows the superiority of his power and teachings, he calls on the Romans to refrain from vengeance, and instead preaches the ideal of loving one’s enemies and praying for those who have persecuted you.
Peter’s actions in this text not only serve to redirect the course of teaching the Roman’s are subjected to by Simon, but allow Peter to demonstrate the power of God that he has been given. Additionally, the emphasis on the magical powers of Simon is interesting, especially considering both men engage in acts that could be deemed as superhuman or supernatural. Peter used his displays to appeal to the Romans to repent and seek eternal life, while Simon sought to show the superiority of his powers and use them to exert control over them. The status of an act as miracle or magic during ancient times seems to have depended more on the perceived motive of the performer than the action itself.