WHERE IN THE BIBLE DID PETER SAY HE COULD NOT BE CRUCIFIED LIKE HIS LORD?

by Shawn Brasseaux

It is commonly assumed that the Apostle Peter was crucified upside-down because he did not feel he was worthy enough to be crucified right-side up like his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ was. Is there a Bible verse to support this?

While it is a frequent idea in religion, friend, there is actually no Bible verse to substantiate it. It is a religious tradition that may be true, but we have no verification in the Scriptures. There are some related passages—that is, references to Peter’s old age and ultimate demise. We can look at them to see what the Bible record does say. This much we do know: Peter knew his death was coming soon (indicating an execution rather than a natural death)!

Peter himself wrote in 2 Peter 1:13-15: “[13] Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance; [14] Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me. [15] Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance.” Not long after writing this, Peter died.

The Lord Jesus told Peter in John 21:18: “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdest thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.”

As far as the Bible is concerned, all we can say is that Peter was elderly when he died. There is no verse in the Bible to say exactly what happened to him, but it appears that, like the Apostle Paul, the Roman government took his life. Peter may have been crucified. Or, he may have been beheaded (Paul’s supposed death). As best as we can tell from history, Peter and Paul were put to death at roughly the same time (circa A.D. 64-68). By the way, if you want to read Paul’s inspired comments about his own death, see 2 Timothy 4:6-8: “[6] For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. [7] I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: [8] Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”

Also see:
» Why does the Bible give two conflicting accounts of Judas’ death?
» What is the difference between a disciple and an apostle?
» How could Jesus say His killers knew not what they were doing?