Peter, as a Jew and a foreigner, was condemned to be scourged and crucified. In prospect of this fearful death, the apostle remembered his great sin in denying Jesus in the hour of His trial. Once so unready to acknowledge the 538 cross, he now counted it a joy to yield up his life for the gospel, feeling only that, for him who had denied his Lord, to die in the same manner as his Master died was too great an honor. Peter had sincerely repented of that sin and had been forgiven by Christ, as is shown by the high commission given him to feed the sheep and lambs of the flock. But he could never forgive himself. Not even the thought of the agonies of the last terrible scene could lessen the bitterness of his sorrow and repentance. As a last favor he entreated his executioners that he might be nailed to the cross with his head downward. The request was granted, and in this manner died the great apostle Peter.

Peter blev som jøde og udlænding dømt til at piskes og korsfæstes. Ved tanken om denne frygtelige død genkaldte apostlen sig i tankerne sin store synd, da han fornægtede Jesus i hans prøvelses time. Skønt engang så uvillig til at vedkende sig korset regnede han det nu for en glæde at give livet hen for evangeliet, men følte blot, at det for ham, som havde fornægtet sin Herre, var for stor en ære at få lov at dø på samme måde. Peter havde oprigtigt angret denne synd og havde fået tilgivelse af Kristus, som man kan se det af den ophøjede opgave, han havde fået: at vogte hjordens får og lam. Men han kunne aldrig tilgive sig selv. Ikke engang tanken om de frygtelige lidelser, han til sidst skulle udstå, kunne mindske hans bitre sorg og anger. Som en sidste gunst bad han bødlerne om, at han måtte blive naglet til korset med hovedet nedad. Hans bøn blev tilstået og på denne måde døde den store apostel Peter.