Peter, rescued (Ps) from the power of Herod (1), and Paul, protected from his enemies (2), proclaim with their lives that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the living God (3). Peter, † c. 64 in Rome under Nero; Galilean fisherman; spokesman for the Twelve who became "Prince of the Apostles"; two epistles are ascribed to him; patron of those in the fishing industry. Paul, according to tradition, was martyred in Rome c. 67; Pharisee who became the "Apostle of the Gentiles"; his letters may be dated from c. 50-65; patron of the lay apostolate, the Cursillo Movement and Catholic Action; also of Malta and Greece. The Depositio Martyrum (258) places the Solemnity of these apostles on this date. Both are the principal patrons of Rome and are mentioned in the Roman Canon. Acts 12:1-11 Ps 34:2-9 2 Tm 4:6-8, 17-18 Mt 16:13-19