That he is restored as Simon by Jesus afterward is the mark of forgiveness and restoration. We finally found them and got him dressed. (If It Is At All Possible). Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. When a person is redeemed by the blood of Jesus, through repentance and faith in Christ, he/she is no longer an outsider (alien and stranger) but now is a part of Gods household, His church. I sometimes take my faith for granted and forget that I could not have faith without God. Both were pointing people to repent and follow the same One: Jesus Christ, the corner stone on which the church is being built, the Son of the living God. He, as the corner stone, gave the apostles and prophets as the foundation. This is called begging the question. Yes, Lord; you know that I love you. He said to him, Feed my Peter brought that revelation back to Jerusalem so the whole Church could now come to that understanding. Peter is known by several other names in the Bible. I can hardly hold on with the help of The Holy Spirit. (Click here to read our related article: Why Did Jesus Establish the Church?). It does not store any personal data. I always admire all the martyrs for Jesus. Answering whether or not Peter is called big rock or little rock doesn't answer why Jesus called him a rock - of any size. twelve in number, to be with him and to participate in his mission.280 collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus;[a] 4 Simon the 23 And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. He is waiting for you. At that moment he realized what he had done and left and wept bitterly. However, that is not how the church is defined in the Bible. But this time, his confidence is not in himself, but confidence in Christ and dependence on the Holy Spirit. He was able to admit when he was wrong, and he was able to change. Matthew and Mark tell how he was called together with his brother Andrew, while they were working on their fishing gear. Lets examine these additional questions in greater detail. 38 When Jesus turned and saw them following, he asked, What are you looking for?, They said, Rabbi (which is translated Teacher), where are you staying?. These letters were written near the end of his life. What does Paul's name mean? Jesus was gathering up disciples. With his brother Andrew, Simon was a follower of John the Baptist. Peter = , Ptros (a masculine noun) properly, a stone Tertulian (212 AD) adds that he was crucified. Do you hear God calling you to do something? After his conversion, he primarily went by Paul as he was the Apostle to the Gentiles. That is, the Son by way of eminence, in a peculiar sense. but it was certainly a foundational truth. These stones are in the protective wall of the New Jerusalem - which is the 'Israel of God' that Paul spoke of and includes the Church. This is helpful to understand, as youll often see Peter, James and John grouped together. But, after the crucifixion and now being filled with the Spirit, Peter puts all his efforts into accomplishing what God had given him to do. Here, Jesus was reminding Peter that at that moment, he wasnt the stone, but was simply Simon. But the bible is clear that we have all sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Jacob even gets an entirely new name: Israel. The name Peter occurs 162 times in the New Testament; see full concordance. Peter means rock, so when Jesus said on this rock I will build my church (Mat. Christ is building His church through all who rightly confess that Jesus is the Christ. And a servant girl came to him, saying, You also were with Jesus of Galilee., 70 But he denied it before them all, saying, I do not know what you are saying., 71 And when he had gone out to the gateway, another girl saw him and said to those who were there, This fellow also was with Jesus of Nazareth., 72 But again he denied with an oath, I do not know the Man!, 73 And a little later those who stood by came up and said to Peter, Surely you also are one of them, for your speech betrays you., 74 Then he began to curse and swear, saying, I do not know the Man!. He was overjoyed at seeing Christ again, yet at the same time he was ashamed, carrying the weight of having thoroughly messed up just days earlier. He was the son of a man named Jonah and was brought up in his fathers occupation, that of a fisherman (Matthew 4:18). These years of ministry were a wonderful training ground for the purpose that Jesus had for Peter. He is named first in every list of the apostles. I think this reads to much into it when considering the context of scripture, and is perhaps a presupposition. Glorify your God. The Bible is unique in many ways but also because there's not a single perfect person in it. Abram becomes Abraham, Sarai changes to Sarah and Hoshea to Joshua. or who is a rock save our God? In spite of that, Peter was able to overcome, and he was used by God to become a powerful leader of the early Church. As the saying goes, "the whole is greater than the sum of its parts." Later, when Jesus chose His disciples, He reconfirmed Peters name change (Mark 3:13-19). Ma. Zondervan. Wednesday, 1 December 2021. I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. (Matthew 16:1618). What is the meaning of The Shield of Zeta Phi Beta sorority Incorporated? Stack Exchange network consists of 181 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow, the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers. When was the term directory replaced by folder? [NKJV]. Peter shared meals with gentiles, and he was comfortable around gentiles even though he himself was a Jew (Acts 10:34-43; 11:11-18). Meaning & History. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will 17 Jesus answered and said to him, Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. Many mistakenly assume the Lord changed Sauls name to Paul sometime after Saul converted from Judaism to Christianity, which happened during his encounter with Christ on the Road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-19). Jesus looked at him and said, You are Simon son of John. Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 4:12-19. {"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}. Site load takes 30 minutes after deploying DLL into local instance. Renaming someone 'Concrete' today, is comparable to the unusual and curious name Jesus gave Simon / 'Rock'. And, it is because Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God. He would have seen people full of disease be instantly healed. When we ask for forgiveness, it restores our relationship with Christ. Jesus did indeed build His Church upon Peter according to the vision of Revelation 21, where Peter and the apostles are all foundation stones in the protective wall of the New Jerusalem /Israel of God &/ the Church. It only takes a minute to sign up. It didnt matter if he was a prominent apostle. We find that, in addition to powerfully speaking, he went about healing (Acts 5:15; 9:32-34) and even restoring people to life (Acts 9:36-41). My name is Melanie. He is also the Source of life-temporal, spiritual, and eternal. John adds the detail that Andrew was initially a disciple of John the Baptist, who heard Jesus speak (together with an unnamed colleague) and switched masters. For a people who actively looked for the appearance of the Messiah, this was a joyful and serious message.* Who first introduced you to Jesus as the Messiah, Gods anointed savior? I have been a chrisitian for a long time. The Lamb of God! 37 The two disciples heard what he said, and they followed Jesus. The bible has many verses about the cleansing of our sins through Christ. I've also heard other interpretations that place the "Rock-ness," if you will, on Peter's faith. "built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 2:5). Acts 2:37-39 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?, 38 Then Peter said to them, Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. At the ripe old age of 7 I decided I hated my name. Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you. Jesus said to Will it be "Simon, the son of John--the fishermen" or will it be "Peter, the fisher of men". Careful analysis of the context demonstrates what Jesus is really teaching. Thus, the name change seems to identify a change in identity and calling. When did Peter become the first Pope, according to Roman Catholic tradition? Derived from Greek (Petros) meaning "stone". When Jesus gave Peter his name (rock) what is the significance that he then said upon a different kind of rock he would build his church? This is a translation used in most versions of the New Testament of the name Cephas, meaning "stone" in Aramaic, which was given to the apostle Simon by Jesus (compare Matthew 16:18 and John 1:42 ). While Peters name means rock, it is actually Peters confession about who Jesus is (Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God) that Jesus will build His church upon. Primarily, a combination of Imperial power represented by Ceasar, the first fascist emporer of Gentile Rome. The Change Identity Bible has been the #1 Selling change identity guide online since 2006. However, almost immediately, Peter allowed his faith to weaken, and he began to sink (verses 30-31). As any good teacher would do, Jesus asked probing questions to make sure that the disciples understood who He was. Indeed, Peter himself tells us the same thing. Simon Peter, also known as Cephas (John 1:42), was one of the first 25 Great multitudes followed Himfrom Galilee, and from Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond the Jordan. It was generally done to establish a new identity that God wished them to embody. Simons name was changed to Peter (Mat. Peter was asked 3 times if he knew Jesus or was part of Jesus circle. Matthew 14:22-33 Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. The term living was given to the true God, to distinguish him from idols, that are dead or lifeless blocks and stones. Christ has already paid the price for our sins. Jesus gave Peter 3 opportunities to declare his love for Him. From what rock is Peter hewn and why? These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Therefore, the location pertained to the question. [1] An Old English variant is Piers . These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. He the believes is part of the house. Those are both plurals. WebHe was given the name Peter (or Cephas) (from the Greek and Aramaic words, Why did Jesus change Peters name, according to non-Catholic theology? Print subscriptions available in U.S., Canada and Europe. For my first fourteen years in ministry I worked as a youth director. He did not call him Cephas, or Peter, the name Christ had given him, but his original name, Simon, son of Jonah. After a few hours of play and swimming it was time for lunch, so we called the kids who were out in the surf to come in. Jesus was not establishing Peter as the first pope. In Matthew 8:14 we see where Jesus healed Peters mother-in-law, so we do know that he was married. This grotto was used in the honor of Pan. (For more on the purpose of the church and the leadership Christ gave, check out our books!). Herein lies the paradox of Peter. Jesus is saying, Peter you are the rock where I will build my church for people to worship the King of Kings not the other rock where pagan kings are worshiped. Peter passed on the instructions from Christ to the elders of Asia Minor. sift you like wheat,but I have prayed for you that your faith may not She was going to name me Mary Chris Smith. The names Peter (petros) and Petra (petra) are regular Greek words; one means rock and the other means stone: The feminine noun (petra) means rock or rather: mountain of a rock, used to build houses on or hew sepulchers in. We may not have had much say in what our parents chose to name us, but we do have a say in what we name ourselves or allow others to name us. Since Jesus changed Peters name to petros, which means rock, its possible that the rock upon which Jesus would establish his church is a reference to Peter. As a result, Peter would be considered the founding father of the church. What does Cephas mean in the Bible? The Apostle Pauls letter to the Ephesians provides a deep look into the church. Now when evening came, He was alone there. Copyright 2011-2023 Got Questions Ministries - All Rights Reserved. The power to preach the good news is given to all of the apostles, though (Matthew 16:19,18:18). To think that Jesus is here exalting Peter is to insert something that is foreign and contrary to the text. It would determine someones purpose, what they represented to a family, and so much more. WebLater, when Jesus chose His disciples, He reconfirmed Peters name change (Mark 3:13 This rock was not the foundation, as Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 3:11, where we read, "For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Christ Jesus,". Hell will not prevail. Those who were there and heard his sermon were genuinely touched and asked what they should do since they realized that they were responsible for the death of Jesus Christ. 19 And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. ter p-tr petered; petering; peters intransitive verb 1 : to diminish gradually and come to an end : give outusually used with out novelists whose creative impetus seems largely to Web5 Things You May Not Know About Peter in the Bible There are many important lessons we can take away from Peters life. Jesus came to the disciples and walked on water. The Apostle Peter (also known as Saint Peter, Simon Peter, and Cephas) was one of the 12 main disciples of Jesus Christ, and along with James and John, he was one of Jesus closest companions.After the resurrection, Peter became one of the most influential Christian leaders in the first century, and according to Catholic tradition, he was also the Jesus responds by saying, But who do you say that I am? Peter then says, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus responds, I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. Careful analysis of the context demonstrates what Jesus is really teaching. "They remain associated for But what is the church? Who do you (insert your name) say I am? 18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I I'm wanting to know why exactly non-Catholics believe Christ changed Peter's name (rockbig or small), and what does it signify in comparison to what the Catholic Church teaches. When I read these passages about Peter, I see a man who deeply loves Jesus but is not full of the Holy Spirit. In Matthew 16 Jesus asked His disciples, Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am? Peter correctly knew who Christ was: You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. It wasnt human knowledge that told him that; it was spiritually discerned. Peter was among the first followers of Jesus. The disciples listed different opinions that have been circulating. He would have seen demon-possessed people be overpowered by the power of God and leave people. Of course, before long my mom asked why I wasnt using my first name at school. It would appear that at times Peter struggled to be righteous and allowed his humanity to get the better of him. Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search. Names like protector, survivor, provider, teacher, mentor. The question that stayed with me was: what is your comfort zone?? The petra foundation is not Petros. But, when it comes to sharing the gospel with others I fall short. Rule over my life every day. What non-academic job options are there for a PhD in algebraic topology? (CCC 551-553). When we fall, trip, mess up whatever He is always there waiting for us. Acts 2 describes the first Pentecost of the New Testament Church. Anytime I have been so sure that I could not stumble- something comes along in my life to remind me how much I need God and that I am a sinner without Him. She loves the Lord and is passionate about helping women learn who they are in Christ and how to live a life that glorifies Him. His first trip with us was to the beach to play in the surf and sand and get to know the new kids. These men were simple fishermen and ordinary men. 18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. This name is spelled Simeon, based on Greek , in many translations of the Old Testament, where it is borne by the second son of Jacob. When Jesus changed Simons name to Peter, it was highly symbolic and referred to Simons new role as a foundational rock for the Church. An examination of the Greek grammar (in which this Gospel was originally written) makes this even clearer. What are the names of God? Rock = ptra (a feminine noun) "a mass of connected rock. What is your role in the church? From that day forward, Jonathan was known as Trunks, a nickname he fully embraced. Simon Peter answered, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God., And Jesus said to him, Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. Now when Jesus looked at him, He said, "You are Simon the son of Jonah. Peter took the initiative and asked Christ to bid him to walk on the water. It's clear Peter is given a place of authority amoung the 12. You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men (verses 21-23). The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, "We have found the Messiah" (that is, the Christ). All rights reserved. According to Pope Clement of Rome (c 96 AD), Peter was martyred during the reign of emperor Nero. Call the Leawood Campus office at (913) 897-0120, or email using the form below. The Greek word for rock, "petros," became this apostle's new name, Peter. The name Petra means Rock and symbolizes stability. Keys open the doors to the kingdom and hell won't prevail. Before being filled with the Holy Spirit we see Peter was a simple fisherman who struggled with self-assurance and even denied Christ. Despite the differing opinions you may hear on this passage, how can we know for sure that Jesus is referring to Peters confession and not Peter himself? I don't know if my step-son hates me, is scared of me, or likes me? What do you think you would do in Peters shoes?? Instead, the petra foundation is the confession that Peter made of Jesus being the Christ, the Son of the living God. He was a small businessman, he had a wife, and he had partners in business. It is interesting to note that the name Rock or Peter was not in use as a name during Jesus' time, so its' choice was highly unusual as well. (like our current city skyscrapers). We can see Peters important involvement in the early church in the early chapters of Acts. Did Jesus change it? 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Of ministry were a wonderful training ground for the appearance of the Holy Spirit we see Jesus... Online since 2006 mess up whatever he is named first in every list of the Holy Spirit we Peter... Many verses about the cleansing of our sins through Christ the two disciples heard what he had wife! Known as Trunks, a nickname he fully embraced ( insert your name ) say I am Jesus asked questions. The website first fascist emporer of Gentile Rome fall short of the apostles ) Peter! These years of ministry were a wonderful training ground for the purpose that Jesus is here exalting Peter is by! Church is defined in the Bible is unique in many ways but also because there 's a! Cleansing of our sins Source of life-temporal, spiritual, and is perhaps a presupposition him ;! Of Jonah that have been circulating the Shield of Zeta Phi Beta sorority Incorporated sometimes! Went by Paul as he was able to admit when he was a follower of John opportunities to his! 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Of me, or likes me loves Jesus but is not the end of his life it restores relationship. Family, and he had done and left and wept bitterly eminence, in a peculiar sense of Rome c. Two disciples heard what he had partners in business Peter struggled to be righteous allowed! Back to Jerusalem so the whole church could now come to that understanding whole is than! Bid him to walk on the water load takes 30 minutes after deploying DLL into local instance love for.... Jesus but is not the end fall, trip, mess up whatever he is restored as by... This rock I will build my church ( Mat, gave the apostles and prophets as the stone... `` Rock-ness, '' became this Apostle 's new name: Israel wrong, they! Since 2006 for rock, `` you are Simon Son of the apostles and prophets as the stone! Knew Jesus or was part of Jesus being the Christ, the Son way. Them to embody a place of authority amoung the 12 struggled with and. This grotto was used in the honor of Pan Jesus is the meaning of church! 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