I also tell you that you are Peter,and on this rock I will build my assembly, and the gates of Hadeswill not prevail against it.
Peter confessed Christ; Christ confesses Peter by his name, a rock of firm faith. The Church stands not on Peter the confessor, but on Christ the confessed, and on that fundamental truth Peter uttered first. Peter's ministry laid the foundation among Jews and Gentiles, fulfilling the promise through his apostolic labor.
AI summary
The name Peter means rock, signifying firmness and solidity. Christ gave it when calling Simon, and here explains it: your confession shows you worthy of the name. You shall be a distinguished support of My religion, and upon this confession, that I am Messiah, I build My Church against all the fury of hell.
AI summary
Christ asked not what the hostile scribes and Pharisees said of Him, but what common people believed. When ministers lose their public pulpit, they must labor harder in private conversation with their own household, for every season of diminished public work is opportunity for deeper family instruction.
AI summary
Commenting on Matthew 16:13-20