In the Footsteps of St. Peter

A fascinating, two-part program about the leader of Jesus's apostles and founder of the early Christian church, In the Footsteps of St. Peter clarifies historical accounts of Peter's life and work, along the way making him more human and understandable. Actor David Suchet (Poirot) is the charming, wide-eyed host, bringing touches of warmth and humor to a subject that could easily turn scholarly and esoteric. In the first segment, Suchet visits Peter's birthplace, the village of Bethsaida in the province of Galilee, and also his home as an adult and family man in Capernaum. Between archaeological evidence, biblical accounts of Peter's life as a fisherman, and cultural clues from the region, a chain of hypotheses are assembled to create a viable narrative of Peter's life as a husband and father, working man, and eventual follower of Jesus. The most interesting aspect of Peter's story here is the lengthy exploration of his role as Jesus's right-hand man, a trusted disciple who also struggled to understand Jesus's reasons for unpredictable acts such as raising a ruckus against the moneylenders in a holy temple. Several historians here also suggest that Peter was somewhat impulsive, a man who would cut off the earlobe of an enemy or deny his association with Jesus when the going got tough. Part two focuses on Peter's first small steps at organizing the foundation of the church. Sure to appeal to both Christian audiences and history buffs, this is highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (T. Keogh)