Abstract:
According to scholars of masculinity studies, manhood is won or lost through the performance
of gender-based expectations. In any given culture, masculinities exist in hierarchal
relationships. The author of the book of Acts shows Peter demonstrating elite masculine
performances in the narrative of Acts. Through Peter’s self-control, and the lack of self-control
on the part of those who oppose him, his persuasive, public speech and his ability to control
others in the text, Peter exhibits a masculinity that contradicts early portraits of Peter found in
1 Corinthians and the gospels of Matthew, Mark and John. Peter is not overcome by other
people in Acts, and he demonstrates a masculinity that is complicit with the types of
masculinities prized by the Romans and often considered out of the reach of foreigners.
