Cephas is a name mentioned in the New Testament, and it is most commonly associated with the apostle Peter. The name “Cephas” is of Aramaic origin and means “rock.” In the Gospels, Jesus gives Simon, one of His disciples, the name Cephas (or Peter in Greek), symbolizing the foundational role he would play in the early Christian church.
In the New Testament, particularly in the writings of Paul, Cephas is often referred to as a key leader among the apostles. For example, in 1 Corinthians 1:12, Paul mentions that some believers in Corinth were saying, “I follow Cephas,” indicating his significant influence. Additionally, in Galatians 2:9, Paul describes Cephas as one of the “pillars” of the church, alongside James and John.
Overall, Cephas, or Peter, is a central figure in the New Testament, known for his leadership, his role in spreading the teachings of Jesus, and his foundational contribution to the early Christian church.