les subsequent
to our Lord's ascension, St. Peter appears before us, like Saul among the
tribes, standing head and shoulders over his brethren by the prominent
part he takes in every ministerial duty.

The first twelve chapters of the Acts are devoted to Peter and to some of
the other Apostles, the remaining chapters being chiefly occupied with the
labors of the Apostles of the Gentiles. In that brief historical fragment,
as well as in the Gospels, the name of Peter is everywhere pre-eminent.

Peter's name always stands first in the list of the Apostles, while Judas
Iscariot is invariably mentioned last.(159) Peter is even called by St.
Matthew _the first Apostle_. Now Peter was first neither in age nor in
priority of election, his elder brother Andrew having been chosen before
him. The meaning, therefore, of the expression must be that Peter was
first not only in rank and honor, but also in authority.

Peter is the first Apostle who performed a miracle.(160) He is the first
to address the Jews in Jerusalem while his Apostolic brethren stand
respectfully around him, upon which occasion he converts three thousand
souls.(161)

Peter is the first to make converts from the Gentile world in the persons
of Cornelius and his friends.(162)

When there is question of electing a successor to Judas Peter _alone
speaks_. He points out to the Apostles and disciples the duty of choosing
another to succeed the traitor. The Apostles silently acquiesce in the
instructions of their leader.(163)

In the Apostolic Council of Jerusalem Peter is the first whose sentiments
are recorded. Before his discourse "there was much disputing." But when he
had ceased to speak "all the multitude held their peace."(164)

St. James and the other Apostles concur in the sentiments of Peter without
a single dissenting voice.

St. James is cast into prison by Herod and afterward beheaded. He was one
of the three most favored Apostles. He was the cousin of our Lord and
brother of St. John. He was most dear to the faithful. Yet no
extraordinary efforts are made by the faithful to rescue him from death.

Peter is imprisoned about the same time. The whole Church is aroused.
Prayers for his deliverance ascend to heaven, not only from Jerusalem but
also from every Christian family in the land.(165)

The army of the Lord can afford to lose a chieftain in the person of
James, but it cannot yet spare the commander-in-chief. The enemies of the
Church had hop