What is “This Rock”
This Rock
In Matthew 16:13-20, Jesus poses a pivotal question to His disciples, asking, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" Their responses reveal a spectrum of public opinion, but it is Peter who declares, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." This confession marks a significant moment, as Jesus responds by acknowledging Peter’s revelation as divinely inspired, stating that upon this rock He will build His church. He promises that the gates of Hades will not defeat it, underscoring the church's endurance. This passage highlights the importance of recognizing Jesus' true identity and signifies the establishment of the church as a foundational institution for believers.
(ai summarized)
“ Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Then he strictly charged the disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ.”