A thorough analysis of what is meant by the name Cephas in the New Testament. Cephas makes an appearance in four books of the New Testament, there is even a book named after this moniker, and knowing the background and meaning can give you an added deeper understanding to these verses.
Cephas In The Bible
The name Cephas was quite normal in ancient times, which explains why it appears close to 8 times in the bible. Contrary to common belief, the name Cephas is of Aramaic origin and not Hebrew. Perhaps the most famous quotation for the name was when Jesus referred to Peter, one of his twelve disciples as Cephas. Let’s take a quick look at Cephas and its significance in the bible.
Most Christians who are familiar with the story of Jesus Christ also know all about the colorful life of Simon Peter. The latter is arguably the most notable of all of his disciples. He may not have been perfect, but Jesus chose him nonetheless. Today, there’s so much we can learn from apostle Simon peter, or Cephas if you must.
Jesus calling Andrew and Simon to become his disciples
One of those lessons is that one doesn’t have to be perfect to be chosen. Simon Peter, who was a fisherman at the time he was called by Jesus, wasn’t known for his cultured behavior. Just like many fishermen in the time, he was uneducated and used vulgar language most of the time.
But, after Jesus chose him, Simon peter accepted his call and did the most when it came to spreading the gospel after Jesus was gone.
While Christianity was always associated with Jewish people, Simon Peter showed everyone else that even non-Jews could become strong Christians. Like I mentioned earlier, he wasn’t perfect, but with time, he acknowledged his maturity, especially in the presence of Jesus. He also urges others to be like babies who crave spiritual milk.
Cephas In The Bible
According to the scriptures, it was Jesus who gave peter the name Cephas. The latter happened when Jesus mentioned that peter would be the rock upon which he’ll build his church. He also changed his name from peter to ‘petros’, which is loosely translated as ‘the rock’ in the ancient Greek tongue. Cephas also means rock but in ancient Aramaic.
It all happened one day when John and two of Jesus’ disciples saw Jesus and decided to follow him, referring to him as the lamb of God. Jesus saw them following him and stopped before asking them what it was they were looking for. They replied by telling Jesus they’d like to know where he was staying.
Jesus invited them over and they never left his side. Andrew also heard of the messiah and went to see him. Later, Andrew came back and found his brother Simon Peter and told him of the good news about finding the messiah. Andrew took Simon Peter to Jesus. Once Jesus saw Simon Peter, he called him out saying, “You are Simon, son of John. You will be called Cephas.” – John 1:42.
Apostle Simon Peter would carry on to use the name Cephas after Jesus’ ascension to heaven. Peter was also referred to as Cephas in 1stCorinthians when he and his followers were going around establishing the church in Corinth.
You’ll also find the name Cephas used in the following verses: 1stCorinthians 3:22, John 1:42, 1stCorinthians 1:12, Galatians 2:9, 1 Corinthians 15:5, Galatians 2:11, and Galatians 1:18
