The Church of the Primacy of Saint Peter. I was not familiar with the term primacy, but soon learned that it referred to how Evangelicals refer to Peter as “the most prominent and influential member of the Twelve during Jesus’ ministry and in the early church.”
Our Christian tour guide and Pastor Craig Grammer explained that this church focuses on the redemption of Peter after he had denied Christ three times at the time of His crucifixion. John 21, starting in verse 15, records the conversation between Jesus and Peter in which Jesus reinstates Peter after his betrayal. Jesus asks Peter to confess his love for Him, not once, but a total of three times, exhibiting a true pardon for Peter.
So the account of redemption begins with Simon Peter, along with seven of Jesus’ followers, had decided to fish that night at the Sea of Tiberias (Galilee). Peter had been a fisherman prior to following Jesus during his ministry and it only seemed natural that he would take up fishing once again. Whether he was going back to his profession to make a living or a therapeutic evening on the water, they were unsuccessful in catching any fish. Some commentaries suggest that the disciples reverted back to fishing because they were unsure of their purpose after the death and resurrection of Christ. It is here that their lives take a different course.
John 21: 4 – 6 states, “But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Then Jesus said to them, “Children, have you any food?” They answered Him, “No.” And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish.
The multitude of fish is similar to the incident that was recorded in Luke 5:1 – 11, where Jesus had told the fishermen to cast their nets and they collected so many fish that the nets were broken and the boat began to sink.
Pulling in the nets with the abundance of fish, it was then that the disciples recognized that the man on the shore was Jesus.
John 21:7 – 11 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it), and plunged into the sea. But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from land, but about two hundred cubits), dragging the net with fish.
Then, as soon as they had come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish which you have just caught.” Simon Peter went up and dragged the net to land, full of large fish, one hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not broken.
This scripture explains the location of the Church of the Primacy of Peter as it was built over the rock where Jesus cooked their breakfast of fish. The church, made of black basalt was built in 1934 over the ruins of the previous fourth century church. The massive boulder rising up in front of the altar is immediately recognizable and was known as Mensa Christi to the medieval pilgrims. While there is no evidence that this is in fact the location where Jesus made his disciples breakfast, it is a reminder of one of the last events in Jesus’ life prior to his ascension and a beautiful place for meditation.
John 21: 12 – 16 – Jesus said to them, “Come and eat breakfast.” Yet none of the disciples dared ask Him, “Who are You?”; knowing that it was the Lord. Jesus then came and took the bread and gave it to them, and likewise the fish. This is now the third time Jesus showed Himself to His disciples after He was raised from the dead. So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Feed My lambs.” He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My sheep.”
What I love about this scripture is that Jesus made breakfast for the disciples. I think that we forget how to have a servant’s heart and to give back to others.
John 21:17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.”
Until visiting the Church of Peter’s Primacy, I had never realized the importance of this story. I feel as though I had heard the story of Peter’s denial of Christ so many times and had not realized that Jesus gave Peter the opportunity to redeem himself, not one or two times, but three…the number of times he denied Him. Peter would eventually become the rock on which the church was built and a primary disciple of Christianity. This is the loving spirit of Jesus. This is the basis of Christianity and the love of God. What a beautiful redemption.
The location of the Church of the Primacy of Peter is absolutely stunning. Located on the Sea of Galilee, visitors can walk out towards the rocky shore and view the six beautiful heart shaped rocks. In addition, there is a lovely garden where rock hyraxes make their home. With a beautiful reserve and a beautiful story, I think this charming chapel should be renamed the Church of Second Chances.
Have you heard of the Church of the Primacy of Saint Peter or visited there? I would love to hear your thought if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section. Many thanks for reading about my amazing experience in Israel! I hope you enjoyed it and wishing you many Happy Travels!
What to See and What to Do:
Church of the Primacy of Saint Peter
Tabgha, Israel
Telephone: +972 4 6724767
- Admission Fee: There is no admission fee but donations are greatly appreciated
- Hours: Daily from 8am-5pm but it is advisable to call ahead
- Amenities: Historical and religious sites
- Scenic View: The view of the Sea of Galilee
- Length of Visit: 1 hour
- Travel Tip: Although they claim to be open from 8AM to 5PM daily, you may want to call ahead to confirm.
Where to Stay:
Club Hotel Tiberias
Ahad Ha’Am Street 19
Tverya, Israel
Telephone: +972 4 672 8000
Where to Eat:
Magdalena Restaurant
Migdal, Israel 90
Telephone: +972 4 673 0064
This gorgeous restaurant with beautiful views of Galilee has a full menu to include local Israeli dishes and seafood. Start with the Shrimp Kadaif, made of Mediterranean shrimp wrapped in kadaif (shredded phyllo dough), lemon aioli, Dashi and ginger sauce. Follow it up with St. Peter’s fish Tilapia baked in herbs and garlic and a side of root vegetables. The dessert menu offers amazing selections to include Lotus Malbi Cannolis, eclairs and sumptuous brulee.
What to Eat:
- Kubbeh is similar to falafal in that it is served in a ball but made with meat and spices then deep fried.
- Manqusheh is similar to pizza made with flatbread topped with olive oil and spice (usually za’atar which is similar to thyme)
- Ka’ak is a large pretzel like pastry that is usually eaten at breakfast time. Crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, they are readily available at bakeries and roadside stalls.
- Potato swirls are similar to french fries, cut and deep fried.
- Qatayef is a pancake-style dessert stuffed with cheese, nuts or sugar and spices and are popular during the Ramadan holiday
- Kunafeh is a pastry similar to baklava covered in syrup and cheese
What to Read:
- Khirbet Khizeh by S. Y. Yizhar
- The Hilltop, by Assaf Gavron
- Dancing Arabs by Sayed Kashua
- The People of Forever are Not Afraid, by Shani Boianjiu
- Five Seasons, by A.B. Yehoshua
- Twenty-One Stories by S. Y. Agnon
- Suddenly, A Knock on the Door by Etgar Keret
- Apples from the Desert, by Savyon Liebrecht
- From the Four Winds, by Haim Sabato
- To the End of the Land, by David Grossman
- A Tale of Love and Darkness, by Amos Oz
Photo Guide for Israel:
- The Western Wall for a religious experience
- Jaffa’s Old Town for its charm
- The Dead Sea for its interesting topography
- Caesarea Harbor and its Roman architecture and history are worth a visit
- Arbel National Park and Nature Reserve provides a phenomenal view of the Sea of Galilee
- The Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Old City Jerusalem is said to be the burial location of Jesus
- The view of the Temple Mount from the Mount of Olives