THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW - Chapter 16 - Verse 16

Verse 16. And Simon Peter answered, etc. Peter, expressing the views of the apostles, with characteristic forwardness, answered the question proposed to them by Jesus: "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God."

The Christ. The Messiah, the Anointed of God. See Barnes "Mt 11:14.

The Son. That is, the Son by way of eminence, in a peculiar sense. See Barnes "Mt 1:17".

This appellation was understood as implying Divinity, John 10:29-36.

Of the living God. The term living, was given to the true God, to distinguish him from idols, that are dead or lifeless -- blocks and stones. He is also the Source of life -- temporal, spiritual, and eternal. The term living is often given to him in the Old Testament, Joshua 3:10; 1 Sa 17:26,36; Jeremiah 10:9,10

etc. In this noble confession, Peter expressed the full belief of himself and his brethren that he was the long-expected Messiah. Other men have very different opinions of him, but they were satisfied, and were not ashamed to confess it.

{n} "and said" Psalms 2:7; Mt 14:33; John 1:49; Ac 9:20; Hebrews 1:2,5