Saint Peter vs Saint Paul
The two foundational apostles of Rome — distinguish keys from sword-and-book.
Keys open heaven — the sword cuts sin.
Saint Peter
First Pope and keeper of the keys to Heaven
Keys (gold & silver)
- Crossed or paired keys
- Blue and gold papal colours
- Inverted cross or rooster nearby
Saint Paul
From persecutor of Christians to greatest evangelist
Sword with book or scrolls
- Sword held with a book or scroll
- High bald forehead
- Long dark beard, intense gaze
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.
Why they get confused
They share a feast day (June 29), appear as paired pillars in altarpieces, and both are bearded apostles with books.
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.
At a glance
| Saint Peter | Saint Paul |
|---|---|
| Keys (gold & silver) | Sword with book or scrolls |
| 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 | |
Similarities
- Bearded apostles
- Often shown together
- Roman martyrdom tradition
Common mistakes
- Assuming any bearded apostle with a book is Paul
- Missing the keys on Peter in crowded compositions
Related comparisons
Saint Joseph
Saint Peter
Lily staff for Joseph; keys for Peter.
Foster father with lily vs apostle with keys.
Saint Paul
Saint James the Greater
Book with sword = Paul; shell with sword = James.
Sword with book vs sword with pilgrim shell.
Saint Francis of Assisi
Saint Anthony of Padua
Francis bears the wounds; Anthony holds the Child.
Two Franciscan saints — stigmata and birds vs Christ Child and lily.