BREAKING: Jesus Appoints Fisherman to Lead Apostles—Religious Leaders Outraged, Locals Confused
By HaloZest News | Jerusalem, circa 30 A.D.
JERUSALEM—In a stunning and controversial decision, Jesus of Nazareth has appointed Simon Peter, a Galilean fisherman with no formal education, as the leader of his growing movement. The news has rippled through Judea, drawing reactions ranging from bewilderment to outright anger.
Eyewitnesses report that the appointment took place near Caesarea Philippi, where Jesus turned to his disciples and asked, “Who do you say that I am?” Peter, always the first to speak—even when he shouldn’t—declared, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus then responded with what many are calling a shocking promotion:
"You are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my Church."
The statement has left some Judean residents in a state of hushed disbelief.
"A Fisherman? Really?"—Locals React
In the marketplaces of Jerusalem and the fishing docks of Capernaum, the reaction has been a mix of humor and skepticism.
“A fisherman? The man smells like the inside of a fish’s stomach, and now he’s the leader of a religious movement?” scoffed Ezra, a local merchant. “Should we start taking theological advice from shepherds next?”
Others were more reflective. Ruth, a widow from Bethsaida, said, “Peter’s a common man. Maybe that’s why Jesus chose him? Maybe this is for people like us.”
Pharisees Outraged—"This is an Insult!"
The Pharisees, already at odds with Jesus, were appalled at what they see as a blatant disregard for religious order.
“Leadership belongs to those who study the Law, not to those who pull fish from the sea,” said Rabbi Eleazar. “This so-called Messiah disregards centuries of tradition by elevating a man with no training, no pedigree, and no authority.”
Another religious leader, speaking under anonymity, added, “This confirms our suspicions—this Jesus is dangerous.”
Apostles' Mixed Reactions—“Couldn’t It Have Been Me?”
Within Jesus’ inner circle, reactions have ranged from mild grumbling to cautious support.
“I mean, Peter’s got heart, sure,” said one disciple who requested anonymity. “But I’ve memorized half the Psalms and can actually write. Just saying.”
Another, likely James or John, added, “He’ll do fine, I guess. We’re all in this together, but… well, let’s just say if I had to put money on who would be leading us, I wouldn’t have bet on Peter.”
Despite initial reluctance, all have reportedly accepted Jesus’ decision, though some were seen exchanging uncertain glances.
Peter’s Inner Circle—Faith Over Qualifications?
Peter’s closest allies, including his brother Andrew, were more optimistic.
“Simon’s been with Jesus since the beginning. He’s fiery, yes, but he loves the Lord,” Andrew said. “Besides, Jesus doesn’t pick the people you’d expect. That’s kind of his thing.”
Even Peter himself seemed surprised. Witnesses claim that after Jesus' pronouncement, he stood in stunned silence before finally muttering, "Me?"
What Happens Next?
With tensions already high between Jesus and religious authorities, the appointment of an uneducated fisherman could escalate the conflict. Meanwhile, supporters argue that Jesus is flipping the old order on its head, proving that leadership is not about knowledge, but about faithful service.
Whether Peter will rise to the occasion—or sink like he once did when trying to walk on water—remains to be seen.
One thing is certain: the fate of this movement now rests in the hands of a man who, until recently, spent his days hauling nets from the Sea of Galilee.
This story is still developing. Stay tuned for the next 2000 years.