Apocrypha
Acts of Peter and Paul
Apocryphal Acts
1 chapter · read and listen
Reading note
An apocryphal or pseudepigraphal text — outside the canon of the Western churches, yet widely circulated among ancient Jews and Christians. Published here from a public-domain translation, edited for continuous reading.
Chapters
Dossier
The final confrontation in Rome: Peter and Paul against Simon Magus before Nero, with a flight that ends badly.
Where this text comes from
Greek, 5th or 6th century AD, gathering much older traditions about the contest with Simon and the martyrdom of the two apostles.
Why it is not in the Bible
Outside every canon.
What you will find
- Simon the magian takes flight over Rome and falls when the apostles pray.
- The debate before Nero, with the three arguing in turn.
- The two martyrdoms on the same day: Peter on the cross upside down, Paul by the sword.
Frequently asked questions
- Does the story of Peter crucified upside down come from here?
- It comes from the tradition preserved in the apocryphal acts of Peter, which this text takes up. No New Testament book describes Peter's death.