Saint Peter: The Underestimated Apostle

Description: "You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my community."
-- Matthew 16:18, author's translation

Given that Peter fades from view halfway through the book of Acts and that he left no gospel account in his name, it is tempting for many biblical scholars to dismiss him as a vague figure in Christian history and downplay his influence in the early church.

Martin Hengel rejects this underestimation of the apostle and argues that Peter was in fact the Rock, central to the development of both the Jewish and the Gentile Christian communities. Hengel clearly shows how each of the four gospels specifically highlights Peter's foundational role. He considers what Peter's message must have been as an eyewitness of Christ, reflects on Peter's theology, and draws attention to Peter's work as an organizer and mission strategist. Hengel also examines the contributions of married apostles -- like Peter -- and their family communities to the rapid and enduring spread of the Christian message.

Brief description: Martin Hengel (1926-2009) was professor emeritus ofNew Testament and early Judaism at the University ofTübingen, Germany. He authored over 150 books and articles, including Acts and the History of EarliestChristianity; Jews, Greeks, and Barbarians;and Between Jesus and Paul.

Review Quotes: Paul J. Achtemeier
-- Union Theological Seminary in Virginia
"In this study of Peter's decisive role in shaping the theology of the early Christian traditions, Martin Hengel provides a wealth of material on the historical circumstances and background of both Hellenistic and Jewish/rabbinic thought and history. Revealing Peter as theologian and mission organizer, the book contains a gold mine of information not only about Peter but also about the early church and its development. A highly recommended study."