And now I say to you: You are Peter, and on this Rock, I will build my Church; and never will the powers of death overcome it.
Commentaries
16:13 - 16:20
Peter’s Confession.
This passage is dense and richly detailed. It describes an event as understood and experienced by the community. Jesus asks what people think about him. The question that was open during Jesus’ time remains just as open today. The answer can come from the perspective of the people, based on their human appreciation of this historical figure, or from God’s point of view, through revelation. Simon states that Jesus is the expected Messiah, and Jesus confirms this by saying that his confession comes from a revelation from the Father. That is why Peter (the new name Jesus gives to Simon) will be a key “rock” of Jesus’ community.
Commentaries
Peter’s Confession.
This passage is dense and richly detailed. It describes an event as understood and experienced by the community. Jesus asks what people think about him. The question that was open during Jesus’ time remains just as open today. The answer can come from the perspective of the people, based on their human appreciation of this historical figure, or from God’s point of view, through revelation. Simon states that Jesus is the expected Messiah, and Jesus confirms this by saying that his confession comes from a revelation from the Father. That is why Peter (the new name Jesus gives to Simon) will be a key “rock” of Jesus’ community.