Was Peter the Rock?

Was Peter the Rock?

“He (Jesus) asked his disciples saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? Some say John the Baptist…or one of the prophets…But whom say ye that I am? Simon Peter answered, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus said, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjonna: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter (PETROS) and upon this rock (PETRA) will I build my church…” Matt. 16:13-18.

Peter from PETROS means, a piece of rock. John’s account in 1:40-42 is as follows: “…Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother saith unto him, We have found Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. And he brought Peter to Jesus. He (Jesus) said, Thou art Simon (hearing) the son of Jona (a dove): thou shalt be called Cephas, which by interpretation, is a stone (PETROS – piece of rock). Cephas, the surname of Peter is from KEPHAS in Greek derived from KEPH in Hebrew meaning a hollow rock. So Peter Cephas means a stone, piece of rock or a hollow rock (see Strongs/Young concordance).

What then of the words, “upon this rock (PETRA) will I build my church”? Matt. 16:18. PETRA is the feminine of PETROS - feminine meaning life-giving, in figurative scripture. PETRA is a mass of rock - mass, a body, as in the messianic body. Would Christ build a church on a hollow-rock?

Peter was a small hollow rock or stone. “A sower went out to sow his seed…And some fell upon a rock (or stony places from PETRODES rocky, stone). As stated “Rock” derived from PETRA, being feminine, indicates a potential to bring forth new life. As soon as it, the seed that fell upon stony ground, was sprung up, it withered away because it lacked moisture (substance). Now here is Peter, when the heat was put on him: - “A damsel came unto him saying, Thou also was with Jesus of Galilee. But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest.” Matt. 26:69,70. Peter was not the “Rock” for he withered and denied Christ.

The word “Rock” (PETRA) must be investigated.

The writers of 1 Corinthians 10:1-4 have something to say about the “Rock” but keep in mind the Scriptures are symbolical writings, using objects to convey spiritual experience. In the story of the Exodus was a cloud that followed them and all passed through the sea. Seas, waters, flood, all refer to peoples. All in the Exodus passed through countries of people near Egypt without attack. This is how the description goes: “The Lord caused the sea to go back, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.” Exd. 14:21. “And did all eat the same spiritual meat.” Exd. 16: 5,35. “And did all drink the same spiritual drink.” Exd. 17:6 for they drank of that spiritual Rock (PETRA) that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.”

Christ, the faithful witness…to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever Amen.” - (so be it).

Christ is also called “a living stone”, “a chief corner stone in Sion,” “the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner”. These texts are taken from 1 Pet. 2:4-7. The word “stone” is from LITHOS (NOT PETROS) and means a stone (lit. or fig.):- (mill, stumbling-) stone.

Ephesians chapter 2 telling of spiritual Jew and Gentile becoming one, writes, “But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood (kindred) of Christ…no more strangers…but fellow citizens with the saints…And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner (stone).” Eph. 2:20. The word “stone” is added here by translators. Stone in 1 Pet. 2 is LITHOS. Both 1 Pet. 2 and also Eph. 2:20 (added by translator) is borrowed from Ps. 118:22. “The stone (which) the builders refused is become the head (stone) of the corner.” “Stone here is Hebrew is EBEY meaning to build, or the builder.

It seems quiet clear that the statement, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God,” is the “ROCK” (PETRA) upon which “I (Christ) will build my church.”

“Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular” 1 Cor. 12:27. “…Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.” Eph. 5:23. Christ is our one body, our one Spirit, our one hope, and our one Lord. Eph. 4.

Bear in mind the word “Christ” is a title, Christ the anointed, messiah, and king. Christ is our Melchisedic king and high priest - King of righteousness, King of peace. What wonderful attributes. Christ is our first begotten of love, the Father of all, bringing forth beneficial substance and a new spiritual way. Redeeming happiness and prosperity is available for all.