Mungo
Member
In the first chapter of John’s gospel we read of Jesus’ first meeting with Peter. At that point Peter is called Simon. Jesus says to Peter (vs 42)
"So you are Simon the son of John? You shall be called Cephas" (which means Peter)
Renaming someone is always significant in the Bible. Kephas (transliterated as Cephas) is Aramaic for Rock (a big one)
We come to the significance of this new name in Mt chapter 16:13-18
We need to analyse this verse by verse.
13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do men say that the Son of man is?"
Caesarea Philippi is at the far north of Israel, a long way, probably 3 days walking from Capernaum. In Matthew’s gospel this incident is the only one reported at Caesarea Philippi so this exchange seems to have been the main purpose of his visit. We’ll see why later. Jesus starts obliquely, asking them who other people say he is.
14 And they said, "Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." The apostles give various answers to his question.
15 He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" A direct question to them. Only one person answers him.
16 Simon Peter replied, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."
It is Peter who replies and defines who Jesus is, a definition we still use today.
17 And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jona! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. Jesus commends Peter for his answer and blesses him. Note that Peter is the only one to reply and as a direct revelation from the Father.
18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church,…..
Now Jesus continues to address Peter and in return defines who Peter is. He is Rock, and furthermore the rock on which Jesus will build his Church.
Paul refers to Cephas in his first letter to the Corinthians “and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve.” (1Cor 15:5). So Peter was also know as Cephas (Rock)
Another point worth noting is that this exchange took place at Caesarea Philippi which is is at the far north of Israel, a long way, probably 3 days walking from Capernaum. In Matthew’s gospel this incident is the only one reported at Caesarea Philippi so this exchange seems to have been the main purpose of his visit.
In that place there is a massive cliff face, at the base of which were various temples to pagan gods. One of these was erected by Herod the Great to the Emperor of Rome, Augustus Caesar. (http://www.bible-history.com/biblestudy/caesarea-philippi.html).
Jesus is contrasting these temples, built on rock, to the Church he will build on Peter the Rock.
"So you are Simon the son of John? You shall be called Cephas" (which means Peter)
Renaming someone is always significant in the Bible. Kephas (transliterated as Cephas) is Aramaic for Rock (a big one)
We come to the significance of this new name in Mt chapter 16:13-18
We need to analyse this verse by verse.
13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do men say that the Son of man is?"
Caesarea Philippi is at the far north of Israel, a long way, probably 3 days walking from Capernaum. In Matthew’s gospel this incident is the only one reported at Caesarea Philippi so this exchange seems to have been the main purpose of his visit. We’ll see why later. Jesus starts obliquely, asking them who other people say he is.
14 And they said, "Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." The apostles give various answers to his question.
15 He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" A direct question to them. Only one person answers him.
16 Simon Peter replied, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."
It is Peter who replies and defines who Jesus is, a definition we still use today.
17 And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jona! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. Jesus commends Peter for his answer and blesses him. Note that Peter is the only one to reply and as a direct revelation from the Father.
18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church,…..
Now Jesus continues to address Peter and in return defines who Peter is. He is Rock, and furthermore the rock on which Jesus will build his Church.
Paul refers to Cephas in his first letter to the Corinthians “and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve.” (1Cor 15:5). So Peter was also know as Cephas (Rock)
Another point worth noting is that this exchange took place at Caesarea Philippi which is is at the far north of Israel, a long way, probably 3 days walking from Capernaum. In Matthew’s gospel this incident is the only one reported at Caesarea Philippi so this exchange seems to have been the main purpose of his visit.
In that place there is a massive cliff face, at the base of which were various temples to pagan gods. One of these was erected by Herod the Great to the Emperor of Rome, Augustus Caesar. (http://www.bible-history.com/biblestudy/caesarea-philippi.html).
Jesus is contrasting these temples, built on rock, to the Church he will build on Peter the Rock.