The Rock and the rock 

   #2 of 6

     Following Friday's blog (Matthew, a Jewish disciple writing to fellow Jews) we attempt to understand, God the Father and Satan each speaking through Peter (chapter 16). Matthew didn't write in English. 

     Jesus would build his church on the truth of Peter's confession that "Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God." He calls his disciple Peter, (Greek Petros, a small stone). 

     He adds, On this rock (Greek Petra, a massive rock) I will build my church. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven..." 

     Catholics list Peter as pope beginning A.D. 33, immediately after Christ's resurrection. In Matthew 28, the "great commission," Jesus tells his 11 disciples, All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations. 

Commentary: Jesus is the Rock, the first and great foundation of the church (1 Corinthians 3:11). Peter eventually wrote two letters (A.D. 60-63), shortly before his martyrdom. He wrote as one of the "apostles."

In his first letter, he wrote, "Jesus is the living Stone, a chosen and precious cornerstone...the stone the builders rejected." Christians are living stones in a spiritual house (1 Peter 2:5) that God is building. See also Isaiah 28:16. 

The "keys" represent God's delegated authority for church discipline, prayer, fellowship, teaching, opposition to the demonic, etc. Peter might have exhibited some of these keys. Who knows? So did Paul.  

Tuesday: Leave it to Peter