JFJ Forums - Peter the Apostle was how old?

The Gospel of John was written in the ca. August - September of 57 A.D., following the June 29 executions of Peter and Paul in Rome. The journey from Rome to Ephesus generally took 10-14 days with no layovers, sometimes more.  Having received Hebrews by the hand of Luke as Paul's gospel or teaching, from Mark, along with the Gospel of Mark, there was a calling together of the remaining first Apostles (who were now living in Western Turkey) to John's side in Ephesus of Asia.

Those who were gathered are those who are unordinarily referenced to in John's coming Gospel, dictated by holy utterance -- primarily by John -- and I believe, penned by Andrew (with the same skill as Tertius - who wrote Romans for Paul).

At the end of this 57 A.D. document, we read of Peter that when he is old, he will have to stretch forth his hands and another will clothe him..he will be practically invalid.  The Greek word used here is the same as regarding the  90 year old Matriarch  Sarah in Genesis 18:13, and a wore out aged Isaac in Genesis 27:1 in the Greek LXX.  In its one other New Testament like greek form, the "gerases" of John 21:18 is used as that which is so old, it is ready to break apart and fall away (Hebrews 8:13).

Peter's life ended 27 years and about 2 months from his notification in John 21:18.  But how old was he?  In all likelihood, he was either at or approaching 60 years of age.  Servitude in Israel generally was restricted to between 20-60 for military and priestly membership.  But we have a Peter whose attitude of cockiness and zeal is perhaps, in my opinion, more of a generational performance issue.  He thrusts himself forward in zeal because he doesn't want to be shown up by these other guys in their early 30s and 40s.  He always feels the age issue, and responds accordingly.

For those of us in the baby-boomer generation, I think we can identify with this aspect.  We also must be aware, however, that even when a handicapped individual who needed help dressing himself, Peter was still mightily used of G-D in performing miracles (according to early Patristics)and establishing the Church in Rome by a still persuasive - convictive - and powerful voice.  Peter, as he really was in Church History in his last 10 years, may take a rethinking based on John 21:18.

Any thoughts?

Your estimate of 60 years is most likely extremely acurate. The idea of Peter's aged helplessness is most likely quite inaccurate, however. When Jesus told Peter that another would "gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not", he was speaking of the manner in which his life would end. Peter would be led to the slaughter of the crucifix as his Lord before him. I, personally don't believe that Peter was trying to keep-up. He didn't need attention or respect, he had it. He was a personal friend of Jesus' and chosen by Him. I believe our Father gave him all the strength he needed, and he worked up 'til the end out of love and a drive to fulfill his life's purpose, which he did beautifullly.

Brianroy Wrote:

The Gospel of John was written in the ca. August - September of 57 A.D., following the June 29 executions of Peter and Paul in Rome. The journey from Rome to Ephesus generally took 10-14 days with no layovers, sometimes more.  Having received Hebrews by the hand of Luke as Paul's gospel or teaching, from Mark, along with the Gospel of Mark, there was a calling together of the remaining first Apostles (who were now living in Western Turkey) to John's side in Ephesus of Asia.

Those who were gathered are those who are unordinarily referenced to in John's coming Gospel, dictated by holy utterance -- primarily by John -- and I believe, penned by Andrew (with the same skill as Tertius - who wrote Romans for Paul).

At the end of this 57 A.D. document, we read of Peter that when he is old, he will have to stretch forth his hands and another will clothe him..he will be practically invalid.  The Greek word used here is the same as regarding the  90 year old Matriarch  Sarah in Genesis 18:13, and a wore out aged Isaac in Genesis 27:1 in the Greek LXX.  In its one other New Testament like greek form, the "gerases" of John 21:18 is used as that which is so old, it is ready to break apart and fall away (Hebrews 8:13).

Peter's life ended 27 years and about 2 months from his notification in John 21:18.  But how old was he?  In all likelihood, he was either at or approaching 60 years of age.  Servitude in Israel generally was restricted to between 20-60 for military and priestly membership.  But we have a Peter whose attitude of cockiness and zeal is perhaps, in my opinion, more of a generational performance issue.  He thrusts himself forward in zeal because he doesn't want to be shown up by these other guys in their early 30s and 40s.  He always feels the age issue, and responds accordingly.

For those of us in the baby-boomer generation, I think we can identify with this aspect.  We also must be aware, however, that even when a handicapped individual who needed help dressing himself, Peter was still mightily used of G-D in performing miracles (according to early Patristics)and establishing the Church in Rome by a still persuasive - convictive - and powerful voice.  Peter, as he really was in Church History in his last 10 years, may take a rethinking based on John 21:18.

Any thoughts?

Most theatrical representations of Peter the Apostle and John of Patmos portray them as older or senior fellows. In general, Rennaisance, Romanesque and Baroque art renderings depict Peter as the senior,
showing research playing an integral part in the authenticity surrounding the thespian's and artist's profession.

Shalom