Peter is believed to be one of the closest disciples of Jesus. During His last supper with the disciples, Jesus predicted that Peter would deny Him before the cock crowed the next morning. When Jesus was arrested, Peter denied knowing Jesus, and when the cock crowed, he remembered what Jesus had said the previous night. The question that remains on many people’s minds is, did Peter go to heaven?
The Gospel of John chapter 21 suggests that Peter went to heaven. It is believed that Peter was restored when Jesus appeared to the disciples at the Sea of Galilee after his ascension to heaven and asked Peter if he loved Him. Peter answered that he loved Him, and Jesus asked him to feed His sheep.
So, did Peter repent his sins in the New Testament and go to heaven after he died? Does the New Testament tell us where Peter went after he died? Why do Christians believe that Peter went to heaven? Read on to get answers to these questions and find out more.
Did Peter repent his sins in the New Testament and go to heaven after he died?
Then Peter remembered Jesus’s word: “Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly. Mathew 26:75
Mathew 26:75 implies that Peter repented his sins. After Peter had denied Jesus three times, the rooster crowed, and Peter remembered Jesus had said he would deny Him. Peter went outside and cried bitterly because of this. Theologians believe this was Peter’s repentance after realizing what he had done.
John 21:15-17, when Peter was at the Sea of Galilee together with other disciples, Jesus appeared to them and invited them to breakfast. He asked Peter if he loved Him. Peter answered that he loved Jesus. Jesus asked him if he loved him two more times, and Peter gave Him the same answer. Jesus then asked him to feed his sheep. Bible scholars believe that Jesus restored Peter to his leadership position of caring for God’s people. Through this, Jesus demonstrated that He had forgiven Peter for denying Him.
Does the New Testament tell us where Peter went after he died?
The New Testament suggests the final destination of Peter was heaven. In John 21:18-19, Jesus describes the kind of death Peter would face to glorify the name of God.
Very truly I tell you, when you were younger, you dressed yourself and went where you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go. Jesus said this to indicate the death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me! John 21:18-19
Although not indicated in the Bible, Bible scholars suggest that Peter died as a martyr when Christians were persecuted in Rome. It is believed that he was crucified upside down because he felt unworthy to die in the same way Jesus died. These accounts that surround Peter’s death suggest he went to heaven after his death.
Why do Christians believe that Peter went to heaven?
Christians believe that Peter went to heaven because they believe that Jesus exonerated him from his sin and gave him the mandate to teach His people. In Mathew 26:69-75, Peter denied Jesus three times, he realized his mistake and cried bitterly. It is believed that this was Peter’s way of repenting.
In John 21:15-17 Jesus appeared to some of his disciples after His ascension to heaven and asked Peter three times if he loved Him. All three times, Peter answered He loved Jesus, and on all three accounts, Jesus asked Peter to take care of his sheep. The three times that Jesus asked this question represent the three times that Peter denied Jesus. Through this action, Peter was restored to the kingdom of God.
This restoration extended to Peter’s discipleship ministry. This is evident in Acts 2:1-41, on the day of Pentecost when the disciples saw tongues of fire that rested on each one of them. The Holy Spirit filled each one of them and spoke in other tongues. Peter got up and gave a powerful sermon on repentance and forgiveness. On that day, about three thousand people received salvation.
Peter’s final destination is believed to be heaven because of the numerous miracles he performed and how he traveled to preach the word of God until his death. It is believed that Peter held onto the true Gospel of Jesus Christ until his death.
References
- Andrew Murray: Peters Repentance.
- Peter: A restored leader
- St. Peter the Apostle
- Jesus Restores Peter
- Why did Jesus ask Peter, “Do you love me?” three times?
- The position of Peter in the Apostolic Church
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.
