The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 16:18
And I say also ( I also say ) unto thee. As thou hast said unto me, "Thou art the Christ," so I say unto thee, etc. Thou art Peter ( πέτρος , Petrus ) , and upon this rock ( πέτρα , petra ) I will build my Church. In classical Greek, the distinction between πέτρα and πέτρος is well known—the former meaning "a rock," the latter "a piece of rock," or "a stone." But probably no such distinction is intended here, as there would be none in Aramaic. There is... read more
The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 16:13-20
The true confession. "Who's who?" This is, generally speaking, a question of very little consequence. When the "Son of man" is concerned, it is of infinite moment. Everlasting issues turn upon the manner in which it is answered. From this important text we learn— I. THAT THE FAITH WHICH IS HUMAN IS UNCERTAIN . 1 . It may take colour from the distraction of guilt. 2 . It may be influenced by the spirit of the world. 3 . It may be distorted by the vanity of... read more