by Timothy W. Burnett
One example of rightly dividing God's word with the help of earlier meanings is found in a study of Matthew 16:18, "And I say also unto you, that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church. And the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."
Jesus was addressing one of his disciples named Simon and actually gave him a new name. At first glance it appears that Jesus was telling Simon that his church would be built upon the "rock" of Simon Peter.
The words "Peter" and "Rock" are translated from earlier Greek words that share the same general meaning but with different tenses. "Peter" came from the Greek word Petro and "Rock" came from Petra. The name given to Simon, Petro, refered to a small rock such as a pebble found on a beach or any small rock that can be tossed about by the waves or easily thrown by somebody. In contrast, the church is being built upon another kind of "Rock," Petra, which is a very big rock such as a cleft or ledge, projecting rock, rocky ground and very large stone.
With this in mind, it can be seen that Jesus was basically told Peter that he was a small pebble that is tossed about by the waves, and pointing to himself, said upon this rock will I build my church. Jesus Christ is the solid rocky ground upon which he would build the church.
Not unlike the other disciples, Peter didn't understand Jesus' purpose. After Jesus talked about the rock, he began to explain to his disciples how that he would suffer greatly and be delivered into the hands of the chief priests and scribes, be killed and be raised alive three days later (verse21). Notice Peter's reply, "Be it far from thee, Lord. This shall not be unto you" (verse22).
Contrary to popular belief, Jesus Christ did not appoint Peter to be the rock that the church would be built upon. Peter was not burdened with such a big and powerful responsibility, nor was he burdened with guilt for not meeting such expectations.
Peter was a faithful minister and preacher of the gospel. This is evidenced in the Acts, Paul's Epistles as well as his person Epistles. He faithfully went to the house of Cornellius and helped them get born-again (see Acts chapters 9-10). He and John were reported to have manifested gifts of healing for a man who was born lame. His meek faithfulness was seen by many to the point that they were convinced that simply standing in his shadow would bring healing for them. He was even quick to remind people that it was not his power but the power of God in the name of Jesus Christ (see Acts chapter 3).
Yet, even good ole Peter had his bad days when Paul reproved him for avoiding the Gentile Christians out of fear of the Jewish leaders.
You see, in the flesh Peter continued to be a small pebble. The difference was that he started learning to put on Christ Jesus in his life. We can do the same, so "that we henceforth be no more children tossed about with every wind of doctrine (Ephesians 4:14). We can stand firmly on the cleft rock of our Lord Jesus Christ according to God rightly divided word.
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