"And I say unto you, that thou art Peter (Petros, Greek meaning Stone; Cephas, Hebrew meaning Stone [John 1:42]) and upon this Rock (Greek Petra meaning massive) I will build my church" - Matt. 16:18 -
Many denominations nowadays, consider this verse as one of the core verses of the church. Like for example, the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church (both were companions before but now, they are separated due to some conflicts in their doctrines), they believe that this verse partains to Peter as the so-called "rock" and the founder of the church. But the question is, is Peter really the founder of the Church?
Notice the difference between the two words and their corresponding Greek words (take note: the oroginal context of the New Testament is written in Greek, therefore, we should consider the important words written in Greek), what does the word "PETER" means in Greek and in Hebrew? and what does the word "ROCK" means in Greek?
The word "PETER" was the name given by Jesus Christ to Simon the son of John as scripturally stated in John 1:42
42And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone. (King James Version)
In this case, Peter cannot be the "ROCK" because he is just a stone (literally a stone is just a piece of the rock, therefore, the Rock is greater than a stone. It is also massive than a stone).
Now who is this "ROCK" of Matthew 16:18?
Again, Peter can never be the Rock as stated in the verse. The rock should be greater than the stone. Did you notice one similarity with a verse in the Bible that states, "A servant is not greater than his master"? If we consider this statement, we can say that the stone cannot be greater than the Rock, isn't it?
Now who is this ROCK?
Let us consider another verse,
1 Corinthians 10:4 (King James Version)
4And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.
4And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.
According to this verse, the Rock is Christ! It is stated very clearly that the Rock is Christ. Did the bible say that Peter was the rock? No! In fact, Peter was never the foundation of the church. To prove it, here is one verse we should consider:
1 Corinthians 3:11 (American Standard Version)
11 For other foundation can no man lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
11 For other foundation can no man lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
See! For other foundation can no man lay than that which is laid. Who was laid as a foundation of the faith of the church? He is none other than Jesus Christ, our God and our Saviour.
Friends, for us to learn many things about the church, we should consider the bible as our only reference. Why? The Bible is, according to 2 Timothy 3:16 of American Standard Version
"16 Every scripture inspired of God is also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness" and also, according to Psalm 19:7 (American Standard Version)
"16 Every scripture inspired of God is also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness" and also, according to Psalm 19:7 (American Standard Version)
7 The law of Jehovah is perfect, restoring the soul: The testimony of Jehovah is sure, making wise the simple.
If it is already perfect, then why still add other doctrines? The Apostle Paul warned as concerning adding doctrines,
If it is already perfect, then why still add other doctrines? The Apostle Paul warned as concerning adding doctrines,
1 Corinthians 4:6 (American Standard Version)
6 Now these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes; that in us ye might learn not to go beyond the things which are written; that no one of you be puffed up for the one against the other.
6 Now these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes; that in us ye might learn not to go beyond the things which are written; that no one of you be puffed up for the one against the other.
and John the beloved apostle of Christ and one of the Elders of the church of Christ,
Revelation 22:18-19 (American Standard Version)
18 I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, if any man shall add unto them, God shall add unto him the plagues which are written in this book:
19 and if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the tree of life, and out of the holy city, which are written in this book.
18 I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, if any man shall add unto them, God shall add unto him the plagues which are written in this book:
19 and if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the tree of life, and out of the holy city, which are written in this book.
My friends, let us speak where the bible speaks and be silent where the bible is silent. If we do this, our Lord Jesus Christ will dwell in us and will save us till our lives here on earth is over.
