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ST. PETER, PRINCE OF THE APOSTLES
(Catholic Encycopedia)
St. Peter's true and original name was Simon, sometimes occurring in the form Symeon. (Acts 15:14; 2 Peter 1:1). He was the son of Jona (Johannes) and was born in Bethsaida (John 1:42, 44), a town on Lake Genesareth, the position of which cannot be established with certainty, although it is usually sought at the northern end of the lake. The Apostle Andrew was his brother, and the Apostle Philip came from the same town.
Simon settled in Capernaum, where he was living with his mother-in-law in his own house (Matthew 8:14; Luke 4:38) at the beginning of Christ's public ministry (about A.D. 26-28). Simon was thus married, and, according to Clement of Alexandria (Stromata, III, vi, ed. Dindorf, II, 276), had children. The same writer relates the tradition that Peter's wife suffered martyrdom (ibid., VII, xi ed. cit., III, 306). Concerning these facts, adopted by Eusebius (Church HistoryIII.31) from Clement, the ancient Christian literature which has come down to us is silent. Simon pursued in Capernaum the profitable occupation of fisherman in Lake Genesareth, possessing his own boat (Luke 5:3).
Like so many of his Jewish contemporaries, he was attracted by the Baptist's preaching of penance and was, with his brother Andrew, among John's associates in Bethania on the eastern bank of the Jordan. When, after the High Council had sent envoys for the second time to the Baptist, the latter pointed to Jesus who was passing, saying, "Behold the Lamb of God", Andrew and another disciple followed the Savior to his residence and remained with Him one day.
Later, meeting his brother Simon, Andrew said "We have found the Messiah", and brought him to Jesus, who, looking upon him, said: "Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shall be called Cephas, which is interpreted Peter". Already, at this first meeting, the Savior foretold the change of Simon's name to Cephas (Kephas; Aramaic Kipha, rock), which is translated Petros (Latin, Petrus) a proof that Christ had already special views with regard to Simon….to read more about Peter, Prince of the Apostles, go here.