St. Peter’s Children: An Exegesis of Biblical Evidence and Historical Context
The question of whether St. Peter had any children has long fascinated scholars, historians, and theologians. This article delves into the biblical and extrabiblical evidence, exploring the possibility that St. Peter indeed had children and, if so, who they might have been and with whom he fathered them. We will also consider the broader context of St. Peter’s family history and his role in early Christianity.
Biblical Evidence: The Role of Mark
The New Testament provides a subtle clue regarding St. Peter’s family in Lu 1:13. Here, the phrase 'She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends her greetings and so does my son Mark' suggests a familial connection between St. Peter and Mark. However, it does not explicitly mention children. Yet, this reference to 'my son Mark' hints at a relationship that likely extends beyond mere discipleship.
Extrabiblical Sources: Josephus and Hasmonean Descendants
Extrabiblical sources, particularly the writings of Josephus, provide a more robust thread of evidence. Flavius Josephus, a first-century Jewish historian, mentions that St. Peter (simply called Teophilus in some texts) had at least three children: Josephus, Matthias (or Mattathias ben Teophilus), and Marcus (or Marcus Annaeus Lucanus).
According to Josephus, Peter was a High Priest married to a Hasmonean princess, the daughter of Alexander and Glaphyra. This connection to the Hasmonean line speaks to the importance of lineage and political influence in the context of first-century Judaism.
Family Legacy and Role: The Keepers of the Doors of the Bible
The family of St. Peter has a significant and storied history, tracing its roots back to Apollos, a former Hellenistic Jew and disciple of John the Baptist. The patriarch of this lineage, Jason of Cyrene, served as the High Priest from 175 to 171 BCE. This connection forms an unbroken chain of high priests and family members who were central to the religious and political landscape of Judea.
Josephus mentions that Peter was married to a Hasmonean princess, making his family directly linked to the Hasmonean line. From this marriage, it is suggested that St. Peter and his wife (assuming he had a wife) had three children: Josephus, Matthias, and Marcus. This family structure places St. Peter and his descendants firmly in the upper echelons of Jewish society, with political and religious influence.
The Keys of the Kingdom and Spiritual Teachings
The interaction between Jesus and St. Peter in Mk 16:19 is particularly significant: “Therefore Jesus himself also that he might leave the preaching of the gospel to his apostles and the keys of the kingdom to his successors, be taken up in a cloud into heaven.” This passage suggests that Jesus entrusted St. Peter with not only the ministry of the Gospel but also the spiritual authority that comes with the keys of the kingdom.
It is important to note that the phrase 'the keys of the kingdom' may be metaphorical but also holds immense spiritual and political significance. This metaphor reflects the idea that St. Peter and his descendants were to serve as guardians and teachers of the Jewish people and, later, the broader Christian community.
Paul’s Single Status and Devotion to Ministry
Turning to the life of another prominent apostle, Paul, his situation provides a stark contrast to St. Peter’s potential family life. In 1 Corinthians 7:1-2, Paul explicitly states his stance on marriage: “Now concerning the things about which you wrote it is good for a man not to touch a woman. [2] But because of sexual immoralities each man is to have his own wife and each woman is to have her own husband.” This passage indicates that Paul believed marriage could lead to sexual immorality, a concern he had addressed in other epistles as well.
Further, in 1 Corinthians 7:32-34, Paul encourages those already married to prioritize their spiritual pursuits: “but I want you to be free from concern. One who is unmarried is concerned about the things of the Lord how he may please the Lord. [33] But one who is married is concerned about the things of the world how he may please his wife [34] and his interests have been divided. The woman who is unmarried and the virgin is concerned about the things of the Lord that she may be holy both in body and spirit. But one who is married is concerned about the things of the world how she may please her husband.
Paul’s emphasis on remaining single and fully devoted to his spiritual mission suggests that he may not have had a wife or children. This perspective on life and ministry further underscores the importance of total devotion to God and the spiritual work ahead.
Adding to this, Acts 23:16 does mention that Paul had a nephew, and he referred to himself as a Pharisee, indicating a strong religious identity. However, the text does not explicitly mention his marital status or offspring.
Conclusion: The Significance of St. Peter and His Family
The potential existence of St. Peter’s children, and the broader context of his family, reveals a rich tapestry of religious, political, and spiritual significance. Through the lens of biblical and extrabiblical sources, we can see that St. Peter’s family played a vital role in the early church, with influence extending through generations.
The focus on the keys of the kingdom and the concept of spiritual authority suggests that St. Peter and his descendants were not just spiritual leaders but also guardians of tradition and heritage. Their legacy serves as an enduring reminder of the interconnectedness of spiritual and temporal authority in the development of Christianity.
The life of Paul provides a counterpoint, illustrating the impact of personal choice and devotion on one’s ministry and family life. Together, these individuals contribute to a nuanced understanding of the complexities of early Christian leadership and the diverse paths to spiritual fulfillment in the first-century world.