Cephas of Iconium was a member of the Seventy Disciples, a group hand-picked by Jesus to preach the gospel following the selection of the Twelve Apostles. His name, Cephas, serves as the Aramaic equivalent of Peter. He is identified as a bishop who served in either Colophon or Iconium, located in Pamphylia. As part of the seventy, he was sent out to spread Christian teachings during the early ministry.
Life and role
As one of the seventy disciples, Cephas was part of a specific group chosen by Jesus to carry out missionary work. Following the initial appointment of the Twelve Apostles, these seventy followers were dispatched to preach. His ecclesiastical leadership is noted through his role as a bishop in the Pamphylian regions of Iconium or Colophon.
Veneration
The Eastern Orthodox Church honors him on several occasions. He is commemorated on March 30 alongside apostles such as Sosthenes, Apollos, Caesar, and Epaphroditus. He is also remembered on December 8 with these same apostles plus Onesiphorus. Additionally, all seventy disciples are collectively honored by the Orthodox Church on January 4.