The New Testament contains several references to the martyrdom of St Peter, although it doesn’t describe the event itself in any detail. From the Church historian Eusebius, however, we learn that St Peter was martyred in Rome (c. 64 AD). According to an ancient tradition, he was crucified upside down.
The story of St Peter’s path to martyrdom began at the Last Supper. Afterwards, Christ said to St Peter: “Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow later.” Peter asked, “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” Then Jesus answered, “Will you really lay down your life for me? Very truly I tell you, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times!” (John 13:36-38)
St Peter’s willingness to die for Christ was put to the test when his Master was arrested. Afraid for his life, he famously denied knowing Jesus not once, but three times (John 18:15-27). After the resurrection, Christ asked St Peter to undo this betrayal by reaffirming his love for him three times (John 21:15-17).
Christ then said to St Peter: “Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go.’ (He said this to indicate the kind of death by which he would glorify God.) After this he said to him, ‘Follow me.’” (John 21:18-19)
Christ was specific that St Peter would not die a natural death; rather, he too would be taken to death by force. From the very beginning of the Church, this was understood as a reference to the crucifixion of St Peter in old age. In the Second Letter of St Peter, we find another reference to this prophecy and the aged apostle’s imminent death (2 Peter 1:13-15).
This stained glass window features both St Peter’s link with Rome and his death upside down by crucifixion. The window was created in 1914 by the Arts and Crafts pioneer, Sister Margaret Rope. It’s found within the church of St Peter and St Paul, Newport. The image of St Peter is paired with St Paul, his fellow martyr from the Roman persecution.
Rope draws on John chapter 21 to picture St Peter in his role as the shepherd of the Church, as appointed by Christ. At the base of the window, we see his martyrdom on the cross. Around the window are subtle symbolic references to his life; his denial of Christ (the rooster crowing), receiving the keys of the kingdom and the miracle of the fish with a coin in its mouth.
See the full image:
Portrait of St Peter:
Detail of St Peter:
Where to find this work of art
St Peter and St Paul, Newport
Read the relevant passage
2 Peter 1:13-15
On a similar theme
- From the Old Testament: The Martyrs of the Maccabees also lost their lives for their faith in God.
- From the New Testament: The window of St Peter’s life martyrdom faces a similar window picturing the death of St Paul.
Lo & Behold 