Acts of Peter and Paul
This episode contains the Acts of Peter and Paul, the next in a series of imaginative and creative works. It is impossible to identify the author or date of this writing with any certainty, but it represents something that may have been in the popular imagination of Christians in the Early Church period. This genre is similar to the modern-day video series 'The Chosen', as they both represent imaginative retelling of real stories with the theological worldview of the authors that underpins the narrative.
The Acts of Peter and Paul provide an account of the martyrdom of the two most prominent Apostles. Based on manuscript evidence, it appears that the story of Peter’s martyrdom was written some time in the Early Church period, with Paul’s presence added later. As presented here, it begins with Paul’s approach to Rome being opposed by the Roman Jewish leaders. Following a difficult and tv-worthy journey to Rome, he finally meets Peter.
Next, the tale recounts Peter’s fight with Simon Magus, the same villain we meet in Acts who now claims to be Christ. Peter opposes him and is ultimately brought before the Emperor Nero where he proclaims the gospel and miraculously defeats Simon. The story culminates in Paul praying for Simon’s death during one of his magic tricks and a furious Nero martyring both Apostles. It is worth noting that Paul's death, beheading, is consistent with his status as a citizen, whereas Peter's death, upside down on the cross, is appropriate for his backwater origins.
The story is almost certainly historical fiction, but it probably contains elements of truth. It is entirely probable that Peter was martyred in Rome by Nero. We find a reference to Paul’s baldness used as a plot point. And as an imaginative and creative work it remains a powerful reminder of the value the Early Church held on martyrdom and the powerful testimony of the apostles.
If you would like to read more of the writings of the Early Christian Fathers, please visit ccel.org to view the full collection.
