Apostles · Most commonly confused · New Testament
Saint Peter vs Saint Paul
The two foundational apostles of Rome — distinguish keys from sword-and-book.
Comparison table
ASaint Peter
Keys (gold & silver)
- Crossed or paired keys
- Blue and gold papal colours
- Inverted cross or rooster nearby
BSaint Paul
Sword with book or scrolls
- Sword held with a book or scroll
- High bald forehead
- Long dark beard, intense gaze
At a glance
- Peter: keys, papal blue/gold, stockier build, inverted cross, rooster
- Paul: sword + book, high bald forehead, longer philosophical beard
- Peter: fisherman scenes, boat, net, denial with cock
- Paul: Damascus light, shipwreck, epistle writing desks
Why they get confused
They share a feast day (June 29), appear as paired pillars in altarpieces, and both are bearded apostles with books.
Similarities
- Bearded apostles
- Often shown together
- Roman martyrdom tradition
In the museum or church
In Roman church pairs (June 29), Peter is usually on the viewer’s left, Paul on the right, both facing the altar.
Quick recognition
- Keys = Peter. Sword = Paul.
- June 29 pairs almost always face inward toward Christ.
- If only one attribute is visible: metal keys → Peter; bare sword → Paul.
Common mistakes
- Assuming any bearded apostle with a book is Paul
- Missing the keys on Peter in crowded compositions
Related comparisons
All comparisons
Saint Joseph vs Saint Peter
Foster father with lily vs apostle with keys.
Saint Paul vs Saint James the Greater
Sword with book vs sword with pilgrim shell.
Saint Francis vs Saint Anthony of Padua
Two Franciscan saints — stigmata and birds vs Christ Child and lily.