Matthew 16

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StyleNameNormal textFontNameArialUnicode Size Standard StyleNameDefaultFontNameTahomaUnicode Size Standard StyleNameJumpFontNameTahomaStylefsUnderlineColorclBlue HoverColorclMaroonHoverEffects rvheUnderlineUnicode Jump Size Standard StyleNameHeading - Module name SizeDoubleFontNameTahomaColorclMaroonUnicode SizeStandard StyleName"Heading small - Module descriptionFontNameTahomaColorclMaroonUnicode Size Standard StyleNameHeading - LinkFontNameTahomaColorclNavy HoverColorclPurpleUnicode Jump Size StandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanUnicode SizeStandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanStylefsItalicUnicode SizeStandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanStylefsBoldUnicode SizeStandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanStylefsUnderlineColorclBlueSubSuperScriptTypervsssSuperScriptUnicode Jump SizeStandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanStylefsUnderlineColorclBlueUnicode Jump SizeStandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanColorclBlue HoverColorclMaroonNextStyleNoUnicode Jump Size-9 2 0 0 2 0 2 RVStyle2 �BiDiModervbdLeftToRightTabs StyleNameCentered Alignment rvaCenterTabsStandardTabsStandardSpaceBefore SpaceAfterTabs-9 2 0 0 2 0 4 RVStyle2 -9 0 0 0 0 0 7 6 3 3 8 0 0 CHAPTER XVI ) Outline of Chapter 16 ) Theme: ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 The Work Which Thou Gavest Him to Do) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 5 3 8 0 0 16:1 4 Renewed Craving for Signs and Renewed Rebuke ) 16:5 12 The Yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees ) 16:13 20 Peter s Confession and Christ s Reply ) 16:21 28 The First Prediction of the Passion and the Resurrection ) 16:1 4 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Renewed Craving for Signs and Renewed Rebuke) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.8.11-41.8.13|AUTODETECT|” Cf. ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.8.11-41.8.13|AUTODETECT|” Mark 8:11 13) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.54-42.12.56|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.54-42.12.56|AUTODETECT|” Luke 12:54 56) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 16 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 1 Now the Pharisees and Sadducees came and, tempting him, asked him to show them a sign from heaven. 2 But he answered and said to them, In the evening you say, Fair weather, for the sky is red ; 3 and in the morning, Bad weather today, for the sky is red and lowering. You know how to interpret correctly the appearance of the sky, but the signs of the times you cannot interpret. 4 An evil and adulterous generation is looking for a sign, but no sign shall be given it except that of Jonah. And having left them, he went away. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Now that Jesus has arrived once more on the western, more densely populated, and more Jewish side of the Sea of Galilee, another confrontation of himself and his bitter opponents is not surprising. Had these enemies been anxiously waiting for his arrival so that they could begin their sinister attack? We read: ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0

1. Now the Pharisees and Sadducees came and, tempting him, asked him to show them a sign from heaven.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Had they heard about his miracles of providing food for the hungry and physical restoration for the handicapped on the eastern side of the sea? Was it this that had nourished afresh their ever-present envy? As before (see on 12:38) so also now the sign-value of Jesus miracles, the idea that these marvelous works indicated that he had been sent by God, was challenged. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 The Pharisees could not very well deny his extraordinary powers but they tried hard to convince themselves and others that these were nothing but black ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 magi) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 c, straight out of hell. Besides, were they not merely earthly signs? What they are once again asking for is a sign ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 from heaven) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.16.0|AUTODETECT|” . Let him cause manna to drop from the sky, as (according to their view) Moses had done 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.16.0|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 16) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.32|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.32|AUTODETECT|” John 6:32) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=6.10.12-6.10.14|AUTODETECT|” ). Or, like Joshua, by means of prayer let him cause the sun and the moon to stand still 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=6.10.12-6.10.14|AUTODETECT|” Josh. 10:12 14) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=7.5.20|AUTODETECT|” ). Or again, as in the days of Deborah and Barak, let him make the stars to fight for Israel 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=7.5.20|AUTODETECT|” Judg. 5:20) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.7.10|AUTODETECT|” ). Or, in imitation of Samuel, let him, by means of a fervent petition, draw down a thunderstorm to discomfit the Philistines of his own day, that is, the Romans 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.7.10|AUTODETECT|” I Sam. 7:10) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.18.30-11.18.40|AUTODETECT|” ). Let him at least not lag behind Elijah whose imploration brought an instantaneous response of fire from heaven 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.18.30-11.18.40|AUTODETECT|” I Kings 18:30 40) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.16.31|AUTODETECT|” ). As if, had he done any of these things, or anything of a similar sensational nature see on 12:38, 39 these bitter foes, driven by envy, would not have ascribed also such a sign to Beelzebul as its source! See ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.16.31|AUTODETECT|” Luke 16:31) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 This time (contrast 12:38, 39) we are told specifically that the purpose of the enemy was ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 to tempt) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Jesus, to put him to the test, in the hope and with the expectation that he would fail, and would thus be publicly discredited. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.6|AUTODETECT|” There is another difference between 12:38, 39 and the present account. This time, as Matthew not only states but repeats and stresses (16:1, 6, 11, 12), the Pharisees are joined by the Sadducees in their efforts to expose Jesus to public embarrassment and loss of face. The marked contrast between these two parties and the reason why they were able, nevertheless, to form a united front against Jesus, have already been indicated; see pp. 201 204. This very combination of forces shows that the effort to destroy the One whom they considered their enemy was becoming more and more determined. The Pharisees, single-handedly most of the time 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.6|AUTODETECT|” Mark 3:6) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ), had frequently attacked Jesus. But now we see Pharisees ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 and Sadducees) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 allied against him. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 In asking for a sign from heaven did these men not realize that ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 the) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.24.30|AUTODETECT|” sign from heaven was standing right in front of them? See ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.24.30|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 24:30) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.2.34|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.2.34|AUTODETECT|” Luke 2:34) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.11.4-40.11.6|AUTODETECT|” . Had he not already provided abundant proof of the genuine character of his mission? Had he not done so by word and deed, in fulfilment of prophecy? See ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.11.4-40.11.6|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 11:4 6) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 2, 3. But he answered and said to them, In the evening you say, Fair weather, for the sky is red; and in the morning, Bad weather today, for the sky is red and lowering. You know how to interpret correctly the appearance of the sky, but the signs of the times you cannot interpret.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref1 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn1”

593. 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� Jesus rebukes these men because they pay far more attention to constantly changing weather conditions than to events that usher in epoch-making historical changes. Did not the coming into this world of the Son of man, with his emphasis on the power, grace, and love of God, rather than on man-made often silly regulations, and with his exhibition of power over everything, including even disease, death, demons, and destructive storms, foretell the downfall of legalistic Judaism? Did it not spell the rise of a church gathered out of both Jews and Gentiles and consisting of all those who believed in salvation by grace through faith and in a life of gratitude to God and of service to man? Was not this coming and that manifestation of power and grace a clear prediction both of the doom of Satan and of the significant strengthening of the kingdom that can never be destroyed? Were these critics utterly blind? Could they not read the handwriting on the wall?

Did they not understand that their days, including their quibbling about nonessentials, were numbered, and that the gospel that was being proclaimed by the Prophet from Galilee, even the Son of God, would begin to spread and spread until it covered the earth? But no, the signs of the ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 times) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref2 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn2” 594) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� do not seem to interest them. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 They) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 prefer to concentrate on the weather! ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Along with ever so many people who observe the sky, these Pharisees and Sadducees knew how to differentiate between and judge correctly��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref3 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn3” 595) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� the varying aspects of the sky. They knew that in their country a bright red evening��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref4 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn4” 596) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� sky was a frequent indicator of a clear tomorrow,��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref5 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn5” 597) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.8|AUTODETECT|” �� the cloud masses and mists having moved to the west. When the sunset is clear, there s nothing to fear. On the other hand when, during the night, the wind, coming from the west, that is, from the Mediterranean, had driven clouds and vapors across the country, so that at dawn the eastern sky was a brilliant red mixed with threatening bands of darkness, they knew that a rainy or stormy day might well be in the offing, for, When clouds move down and turn dark gray, one may expect a stormy day. Of course, all such predictions are subject to many variables: vision may be obscured and distorted by dust clouds, winds may change 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.8|AUTODETECT|” John 3:8) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ), etc., but by and large the weather predictions made by Pharisees and Sadducees were correct. How deplorable that these men were majoring on minors! ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 As to their request for a sign, as if none had been given, Jesus answers: ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 4. An evil and adulterous generation is looking for a sign, but no sign shall be given it except that of Jonah.) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.4|AUTODETECT|” By means of that sign, Christ s atoning death and glorious resurrection from the grave, he would triumph completely over them, and would prove himself to be the Messiah 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.4|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 1:4) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.64|AUTODETECT|” ). This was going to be the sign of his complete victory over all his enemies 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.64|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 26:64) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.14.62|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.14.62|AUTODETECT|” Mark 14:62) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.9-50.2.11|AUTODETECT|” ) and a forecast of his triumphant return upon the clouds of heaven 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.9-50.2.11|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 2:9 11) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.3.20|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.3.20|AUTODETECT|” 3:20) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.1.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.1.5|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 1:5) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.1.7|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.1.7|AUTODETECT|” 7) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). For the rest, see the explanation of 12:39, where these same words are found. For generation see on 1:17. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 What a sign this death and resurrection would be for the Pharisees, who were constantly planning Jesus death, with no fear that he would ever be able to conquer death; and for the Sadducees, who did not even believe in any resurrection! ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 And having left them, he went away.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 They are abandoned to their fate, the destiny they, by their hardness of heart, have chosen for themselves. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 16:5 12 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 The Yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.8.14-41.8.21|AUTODETECT|” Cf. ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.8.14-41.8.21|AUTODETECT|” Mark 8:14 21) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 5. And when the disciples went to the other side they forgot to take along bread. 6 Jesus said to them, Look out for and be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees. 7 They began to reason among themselves, saying, It s because we didn t take any bread. 8 When Jesus noticed this he said, Why do you reason among yourselves, you men of little faith, that you have no bread? 9 Do you still lack understanding, and do you not remember the five bread-cakes for the five thousand and how many baskets you picked up? 10 Or the seven bread-cakes for the four thousand and how many hampers you picked up? 11 How is it then that you do not understand that I was not talking to you about bread but (said to you), Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees? 12 Then they understood that he had not told them to be on their guard against yeast used in bread but against the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 5. And when the disciples went to the other side they forgot to take along bread.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Jesus and his disciples had spent a little while on the western shore of the sea (15:39). Now they recross the same body of water, this time going back to the east or northeast side. As they went ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref6 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn6” 598) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.8.14|AUTODETECT|” �� or started out (Beck s rendering), they forgot to buy bread. One solitary bread-cake is all they had with them in the boat 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.8.14|AUTODETECT|” Mark 8:14) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Continued: ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 6. Jesus said to them, Look out for and be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 The Master is still thinking about his recent experience with these two groups (see verses 1 4). Since these two had combined in their assault against him he speaks of them as if they were not two but one, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 one) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 definite article preceding Pharisees and Sadducees. Well, they were indeed one, namely, in the basic principle that governed their lives as shown in their effort to attain salvation or security by their own efforts. Religion in both cases was outward conformity to a certain standard. They were one in dislike of single-hearted devotion to truth and righteousness. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref7 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn7” 599) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� They were one, accordingly, in their philosophy of life and therefore also basically in their teaching. Thus, although the outwardly pious Pharisees may be contrasted with the worldly Sadducees, yet when the Pharisees were teaching the younger generation how to evade the requirement of honoring their parents (15:3 9) were they not just as worldly as the Sadducees? ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 It is against this teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees that Jesus is here earnestly warning his disciples. He calls their teaching yeast, for like an increasingly penetrating principle it influenced their own as well as other lives. In view of the fact that the disciples had already heard the parable of the yeast which a woman took and put into three measures of wheat flour, until the whole batch had risen (13:33), there was really no good reason for misunderstanding what Jesus meant. ) Nevertheless, the disciples misunderstood it: ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 7. They began to reason among themselves, saying, It s because we didn t take any bread.) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.2.19|AUTODETECT|” They interpreted yeast literally, and thought that Jesus was warning them against accepting any bread from Pharisees and Sadducees. Here, then, we have another instance of what was happening repeatedly, namely, that human minds, by nature superficial, failed to grasp the deep and often figurative meaning of Christ s sayings. For other instances of erroneously literal interpretation see ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.2.19|AUTODETECT|” John 2:19) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.2.20|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.2.20|AUTODETECT|” 20) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.3|AUTODETECT|” 3:3) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.4|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.4|AUTODETECT|” 4) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.4.13-43.4.15|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.4.13-43.4.15|AUTODETECT|” 4:13 15) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.51|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.51|AUTODETECT|” 6:51) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.52|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.52|AUTODETECT|” 52) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.11.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.11.11|AUTODETECT|” 11:11) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.11.12|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.11.12|AUTODETECT|” 12) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 The disciples, in saying, It s because we didn t take any bread, were guilty also of another error, as is clear from Christ s reaction as recorded in the following verses. They thought that the Lord was very displeased with them for having forgotten to buy bread; at least, they were worried about this lack of bread-cakes. Note how in verses 8 10 Jesus reflects on this irresponsible worry; in verse 11, on the misinterpretation of his words of warning. ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 8 10. When Jesus noticed this he said, Why do you reason among yourselves, you men of little faith, that you have no bread? Do you still lack understanding, and do you not remember the five bread-cakes for the five thousand and how many baskets you picked up? Or the seven bread-cakes for the four thousand and how many hampers you picked up?) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Again, as before see on 6:30; 8:26; and for the singular see 14:31 Jesus calls the disciples men of little faith, that is, men who were not sufficiently taking to heart the comfort which they should have derived from the presence, promises, power, and love of their Master, and were not applying to the present situation the lessons received in the past. The Lord reminds them of the time when five bread-cakes more than fed five thousand, and of that other occasion when seven bread-cakes more than sufficed for four thousand. Do the disciples remember how many baskets full of broken pieces were collected afterward in connection with the first miracle, and how many hampers in connection with the second? For the distinction between baskets and hampers see footnote 592 on p. 630. ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 The failure of the disciples to apply to the present situation the lesson of the multiplication, not once but twice, of the bread-cakes was certainly inexcusable. But when it is argued, as has happened, that this part of the story is so unnatural as to warrant the conclusion that it is also unhistorical, the answer is that such behavior, though inexcusable, is after all not entirely inexplicable. The idea that a few rolls will suffice for only a few people is so deeply embedded in the human mind that the presence of anxiety when only a single one is available must not be regarded as impossible or unnatural. Besides, for the person who accepts God s Word as true there is no insuperable difficulty in believing that the event as here recorded took place in every detail as recorded. ) As to the misinterpretation of Christ s words of warning the story continues as follows: ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 11. How is it then that you do not understand that I was not talking to you about bread but (said to you), Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees?) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 If the disciples had reflected on the fact that concern with reference to bread ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 for a small company,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 though understandable, was totally out of place on the basis of the fact that Jesus with a few bread-cakes had twice fed ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 thousands,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 with plenty of bread left on both occasions, their minds would have turned in a different direction in attempting to interpret the Master s warning with respect to the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees. I was not talking to you about bread, says Jesus, but I was warning you to beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees. The result of Christ s explanation, an explanation recorded only by Matthew, was favorable: ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 12. Then they understood that he had not told them to be on their guard against yeast used in bread but against the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Finally, the light dawned on them so that they understood��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref8 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn8” 600) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� that Jesus was warning them against ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 the teaching) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 of the Pharisees and Sadducees. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 16:13 20 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Peter s Confession and Christ s Reply) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.8.27-41.8.30|AUTODETECT|” Cf. ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.8.27-41.8.30|AUTODETECT|” Mark 8:27 30) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.9.18-42.9.21|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.9.18-42.9.21|AUTODETECT|” Luke 9:18 21) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 13 Now when Jesus arrived in the district of Caesarea Philippi he asked his disciples, Who do the people say that the Son of man is? 14 They said, Some (say) John the Baptist; some, Elijah; and others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets. 15 But you, he asked, Who do you say that I am? 16 Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 17 Jesus answered and said to him, Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for it is not flesh and blood but my Father who is in heaven who has revealed this to you. 18 And I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades shall not overpower it. 19 I will give to you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 20 Then he gave the disciples strict orders not to tell anyone that he was the Christ. ) Jesus continues to instruct his disciples. During this Ministry of the Retirement he has already ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 by example) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 taught them to help those in need, whether Jew or Gentile (15:21 39); and ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 by precept) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 to be on their guard against the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees (16:1 12). Of course, this teaching was simply a continuation of that which had been given earlier, but could now be imparted with greater emphasis since the Master was spending more time alone with his disciples. Beginning with 16:13 he is going to teach them matters concerning himself. As ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 King) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 he is in complete control of every situation, as he shows throughout; as ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Prophet,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 he is about to set forth that he is indeed the long expected Messiah, and that as such, in fulfilment of prophecy he must suffer, be put to death, and rise again, truths which before had been conveyed to the disciples in a veiled manner only (10:38; 12:40) but were now going to be revealed to them clearly. Now was the right time, for as ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Highpriest) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.10.45|AUTODETECT|” the Son of man will soon be bringing himself as an offering in exchange for many 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.10.45|AUTODETECT|” Mark 10:45) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 To bring about the right atmosphere of quietness, serenity, and privacy, the Lord decides to go with his disciples to the district of Caesarea Philippi : ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 13. Now when Jesus arrived in the district of Caesarea Philippi he asked his disciples, Who do the people say that the Son of man is?) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 If the other side to which the little company had arrived previously (16:5) was anywhere in the neighborhood of Bethsaida Julias, then from there almost straight north to Caesarea Philippi was a distance of approximately twenty-four miles. By Philip the tetrarch this place had been enlarged, beautified, and named in honor of Caesar Augustus. Near it was a sanctuary to the pagan god Pan, which gave rise to the name ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Paneas) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 to mark the general site where Caesarea was subsequently located. The very designation ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Pan) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 is still reflected in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Bniys) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , as it is called today. It is located near the northern tip of that small section of S.W. Syria that is now occupied by Israel. To distinguish Caesarea to which reference is made here in 16:13 from its namesake, the far more important seaport south of Mt. Carmel, and to indicate its founder, it was called Caesarea ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Philippi) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Situated near one of the sources of the Jordan River, with 9,232 feet high majestic Mt. Hermon, snow-covered throughout most of the year, in the immediate background, it was truly a landscape of unforgettable picturesqueness,��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref9 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn9” 601) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.9.18|AUTODETECT|” �� a place exactly suited to the purpose for which Jesus wished to use it, namely, for prayer 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.9.18|AUTODETECT|” Luke 9:18) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) and for imparting instruction to his disciples. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.8.27|AUTODETECT|” Having been strengthened through fellowship with his heavenly Father, Jesus now asks his disciples, Who do the people say that the Son of man is? For a detailed study of the term Son of man see on 8:20. The disciples knew that Son of man was their Master s self-designation, which explains why both ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.8.27|AUTODETECT|” Mark 8:27) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.9.18|AUTODETECT|” and ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.9.18|AUTODETECT|” Luke 9:18) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 record the question in the form & that ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 I) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.29|AUTODETECT|” am. Already Jesus knew that at the appropriate moment, that is, after the disciples reply, he would ask an even more important question, the one found in verse 15. What had been veiled heretofore must now come out into the open, not as yet for announcement to the general public, but so that the disciples may know who this Jesus really is and what is going to happen to him. Then, when the dramatic events do actually take place these men will not remain as thoroughly perplexed as would have been the case had they not been pre-informed about them 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.29|AUTODETECT|” John 14:29) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.16.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.16.1|AUTODETECT|” 16:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.16.4|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.16.4|AUTODETECT|” 4) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.16.33|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.16.33|AUTODETECT|” 33) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Continued: ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 14. They said, Some (say) John the Baptist; some, Elijah; and others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.1.17|AUTODETECT|” They graciously omit that some identified Jesus with Beelzebul (10:25). This omission may also be explained by the fact that Jesus was not asking what envious scribes and Pharisees thought of him but what name the people in general applied to him. The answer was that some were of the opinion that Jesus was John the Baptist, brought back to life (cf. 14:2). Others held him to be Elijah. Now, although John had gone forth in the spirit and power of Elijah 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.1.17|AUTODETECT|” Luke 1:17) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=39.4.5|AUTODETECT|” ), and was therefore going to be called Elijah by no one less than Jesus himself, as Matthew s next chapter indicates (17:12), yet he was not literally Elijah, and it was the literal, personal forerunner Elijah whom many of the Jews expected and confused with Jesus, partly as a result of their misinterpretation of ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=39.4.5|AUTODETECT|” Mal. 4:5) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . These first two groups seem to have viewed Jesus as a forerunner of the Messiah. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Still others identified Jesus with Jeremiah, as another forerunner perhaps? Did they i) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 magi) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.9.19|AUTODETECT|” ne that, in the person of Jesus, Jeremiah had returned in order to bring back the tent, the ark, and the altar of incense, which, according to a legend recorded in II Macc. 2:4 8, that prophet had hid in a cave? Finally, there were those who considered Jesus to be neither the Messiah nor even his forerunner but simply one of the prophets risen again 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.9.19|AUTODETECT|” Luke 9:19) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 And now the far more important question: ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 15. But you, he asked, Who do you say that I am?) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 On a previous occasion (see on 14:33) the disciples had already exclaimed, Thou art indeed God s Son. Had this been merely a momentary reaction to a mighty miracle, the giving vent to a conviction that had just as quickly disappeared? Or had the truth that Jesus was indeed the Messiah, the very Son of God, become permanently lodged in their hearts and minds? ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 In the original enormous stress is placed on But ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 you) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . This personal pronoun, second person plural, stands at the very head of the question. It appears first as a word all by itself, and is then included again as an element in the verb. In the translation an attempt has been made to retain this tremendous emphasis. Salvation is a very personal matter. The people all around us may have their various opinions about Jesus, but what do ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 we) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 think of him? That is the question. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 It must be borne in mind that this question had been addressed to all these men, not just to one of them; hence, you, not you. Accordingly when ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 one) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 of the Twelve now answers it, he does so as the spokesman for the entire group, and the answer which Jesus gives him must therefore also be regarded as not being altogether without significance for the group. ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 16. Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 The personality of Peter and his position of leadership has received earlier comment (see on 4:18 22; 10:2; 14:28, 29). In the present passage note: ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 a. Probably to add solemnity and clarity to the record of the event this disciple s full name is here used: Simon Peter. This appellation is the usual one in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 John s) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.5.8|AUTODETECT|” Gospel, but not in the Synoptics. It occurs in ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.5.8|AUTODETECT|” Luke 5:8) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , in connection with another context of deep emotion and humble reverence. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.15.15|AUTODETECT|” b. In the Gospels and in the book of Acts Peter frequently represents The Twelve, as is clear not only from the present context but also, among others, from ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.15.15|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 15:15) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.15.16|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.15.16|AUTODETECT|” 16) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.19.27|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.19.27|AUTODETECT|” 19:27) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.19.28|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.19.28|AUTODETECT|” 28) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.35|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.35|AUTODETECT|” 26:35) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.40|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.40|AUTODETECT|” 40) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.41|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.41|AUTODETECT|” 41) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.8.45|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.8.45|AUTODETECT|” Luke 8:45) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.9.32|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.9.32|AUTODETECT|” 9:32) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.9.33|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.9.33|AUTODETECT|” 33) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.41|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.41|AUTODETECT|” 12:41) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.18.28|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.18.28|AUTODETECT|” 18:28) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.67-43.6.69|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.67-43.6.69|AUTODETECT|” John 6:67 69) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.1.15|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.1.15|AUTODETECT|” Acts 1:15) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.14|AUTODETECT|” 2:14) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.37|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.37|AUTODETECT|” 37) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.38|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.38|AUTODETECT|” 38) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ; and 5:29. Nevertheless, his identity is not lost. It is Peter who speaks and Peter who is going to be addressed in verses 17 19. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.5.8|AUTODETECT|” c. Even before this time Peter had made soul-stirring declarations concerning Jesus 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.5.8|AUTODETECT|” Luke 5:8) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.68|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.68|AUTODETECT|” John 6:68) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.69|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.69|AUTODETECT|” 69) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ), but the present profession of faith is the most complete of them all. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 d. As to definiteness, in this concise statement, containing only ten words, the original uses the definite article no less than four times. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.18.15|AUTODETECT|” e. When Peter declares Jesus to be the Christ he means the long awaited Anointed One, the One who as Mediator was set apart or ordained by the Father and anointed with the Holy Spirit, to be his people s chief Prophet 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.18.15|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 18:15) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.18.18|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.18.18|AUTODETECT|” 18) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.55.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.55.4|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 55:4) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.24.19|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.24.19|AUTODETECT|” Luke 24:19) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.3.22|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.3.22|AUTODETECT|” Acts 3:22) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.7.37|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.7.37|AUTODETECT|” 7:37) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.110.4|AUTODETECT|” ); only Highpriest 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.110.4|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 110:4) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.34|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.34|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 8:34) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.6.20|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.6.20|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 6:20) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.7.24|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.7.24|AUTODETECT|” 7:24) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.9.24|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.9.24|AUTODETECT|” 9:24) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.2.6|AUTODETECT|” ); and eternal King. 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.2.6|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 2:6) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=38.9.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=38.9.9|AUTODETECT|” Zech. 9:9) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.5|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 21:5) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.28.18|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.28.18|AUTODETECT|” 28:18) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.1.33|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.1.33|AUTODETECT|” Luke 1:33) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.10.28|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.10.28|AUTODETECT|” John 10:28) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.20-49.1.23|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.20-49.1.23|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 1:20 23) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.11.15|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.11.15|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 11:15) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.12.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.12.10|AUTODETECT|” 12:10) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.12.11|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.12.11|AUTODETECT|” 11) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.17.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.17.14|AUTODETECT|” 17:14) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.19.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.19.6|AUTODETECT|” 19:6) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.40.18-23.40.31|AUTODETECT|” f. Peter s declaration that Jesus is the Son of the living God can mean no less than that in a unique sense, a sense not applicable to any mortal, Jesus is, was, and always will be the Son of that God who not only is himself the only living One, over against all the dead so-called gods of the pagans 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.40.18-23.40.31|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 40:18 31) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ), but also is the only source of life for all that lives. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Immediate, definite, warm, and commendatory is Christ s response to Peter s confession: ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 17. Jesus answered and said to him, Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for it is not flesh and blood but my Father who is in heaven who has revealed this to you.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 The literature on the interpretation of 16:17 19, as a whole or in part, is vast.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref10 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn10” 602) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.42|AUTODETECT|” �� The designation Simon Bar-Jonah, that is, Simon, son of Jonah 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.42|AUTODETECT|” John 1:42) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ), was for the person addressed a reminder of what he was by nature, simply a human son of a human father. He was a man who of himself could not have contributed anything worthwhile, just one human being among many. This reminder is going to be followed shortly (verse 18) by an affirmation of that which by grace this same Simon Bar-Jonah had become, namely, a worthy bearer of the name Cephas (Aramaic) or Peter (Greek). ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Jesus pronounces this Simon Bar-Jonah, alias Peter, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 blessed,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 pouring into this word all the depth of meaning which it has in the beatitudes (see on 5:1 3). Naturally, all who agree with Peter are also blessed. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 In continuing his address to Peter, Jesus emphasizes that flesh and blood, that is, merely human calculation, cogitation, intuition, or tradition, could never have produced in this disciple s heart and mind the insight into the sublime truth that he had just now so gloriously professed. On the expression flesh and blood see also ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref11 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn11” N.T.C.) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.1.16|AUTODETECT|” on ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.1.16|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 1:16) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.6.12|AUTODETECT|” and on ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.6.12|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 6:12) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . It was, says Jesus, my Father who is in heaven who had disclosed this truth to Simon Bar-Jonah and had enabled him to give buoyant expression to it. To this disciple, and to all those similarly minded, he, this Father in heaven, had revealed it (11:25, 26); and this not necessarily directly, by whispering something into the ear, but by blessing to the heart the means of grace, not the least of these means being the lessons which issued from the words and works of Jesus. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 In speaking about 7 1 -1 9 0 0 to) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) the One who sent him, not only the eternal essence-relationship but certainly also the warmth of love existing between the persons of the Holy Trinity are disclosed by Christ s preference for the designation ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 my) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Father. In several passages his use of this phrase is recorded (11:27; 20:23; 25:34; 26:39, 42, 53). In a number of instances the fuller appellation my Father (who is) in heaven is used (in addition to 16:17 see also 7:21; 10:32, 33; 12:50; 18:10, 19), or else my heavenly Father (15:13; 18:35). ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Jesus continues: ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 18. And I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church.& ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 The interpretation of this passage varies widely. As I see it, the first three of the following views must be rejected, the fourth one appreciated, the fifth adopted: ) 6 1 3 8 0 0

1. The passage is unauthentic. It must have been inserted or interpolated, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 eingeschoben) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 (W. Soltau), at a later time. It was written, perhaps, to enhance the authority of Peter. It is hard to believe that Jesus himself ever spoke these words. Neither Mark nor Luke has them. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Answer.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Since the passage is found in the best and earliest manuscripts as well as in those of later date it cannot be dismissed so lightly. Was it not natural for Jesus, with the cross so near, to have made predictions and issued orders concerning the future of the church? As to Mark s omission of the praise which Jesus bestows upon Peter because of the latter s confession, it should be borne in mind that Mark was, according to reliable tradition, Peter s interpreter, and that it is reasonable to suppose that Peter, the fiery post-resurrection preacher, who had become a humble man, in telling the story of Jesus downgraded his own contribution to the memorable event described in 16:13 20. So his interpreter, Mark, does the same. And Luke, as so often, follows Mark s account. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0
2. This passage (especially 16:17 19) proves that Peter was the first pope. The pope is crowned with a triple crown, as king of heaven, of earth, and of hell. He wields the two swords, the spiritual and the temporal. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref12 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn12”

603. 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� The Catholic Church teaches that our Lord conferred on St. Peter the first place of honor and jurisdiction in the government of his whole church, and that same spiritual authority has always resided in the popes, or bishops of Rome, as being the successors of St. Peter. Consequently, to be true followers of Christ all Christians, both among the clergy and laity, must be in communion with the See of Rome, where Peter rules in the person of his successor. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref13 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn13”
604. 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Answer.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 The passage does not support any such bestowal of well-nigh absolute authority on a mere man or on his successors. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0

3. The expression ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 this rock) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 does not signify the apostle Peter, since Jesus had already finished with Peter. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref14 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn14”

605. 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Answer.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Throughout verses 17 19 Jesus is addressing someone whom he indicates by using the second person singular personal pronoun. The phrase to you (Greek ���) occurs once in each of these three verses, in harmony with the pronoun you (��) in verse 18 , and with the use of the second person singular form of the verbs in the statements: You are blessed (verse 17), you are Peter (verse 18), and you shall bind & you shall loose (verse 19). According to verse 17 that person is Simon Bar-Jonah ; according to verse 18, Peter. It is natural to assume that the subject of you shall bind and you shall loose (verse 19) is still Peter. It is hard to believe, therefore, that when Jesus said, And upon this rock I will build my church (verse 18) he had already finished with Peter. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0

4. Jesus purposely uses two Greek words which, though not identical, are closely related in meaning. What he said was, You are ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 petros) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , and upon this ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 petra) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 I will build my church, meaning, You are a rock, and upon the rocky ledge (or: cliff) of the Christ, the Son of God the living who was revealed to you and whom you confessed, I will build my church. If Jesus had intended to convey the thought that he was going to build his church on Peter he would have said, and on you I will build my church. When it is argued that the Lord spoke these words in Aramaic and that in that language the two words ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 petros) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 and ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 petra) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 were the same, the answer is that we do not know enough about Aramaic to make this assertion. We have the inspired Greek text and we must be guided by that.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref15 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn15”

606. 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Evaluation.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 The argument sounds rather convincing and, in fact, as I see it, has some merit. Granted that Jesus generally addressed his audiences in Aramaic, it still cannot be proved incontrovertibly that in that language ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 petros) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 and ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 petra) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 were represented by one and the same word. It is also true that in certain contexts ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 petra) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 may differ in meaning from ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 petros) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . What I like especially about the theory is this, that those who advocate it are deeply concerned about the danger that the man Peter or even his confession, viewed apart from God s revelation, shall be considered the rock upon which the church is built. ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 My inability to accept the theory in its entirety is based on the following: ) a. On the basis of what is known about Aramaic it must be regarded as very probable that the same word was used in both cases. The question will be asked, Then why not the same word in Greek? Answer: for the simple reason that ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 petra) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , the common word for ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 stone) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 or ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 rock,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 being feminine, had to be changed to a masculine hence to ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 petros) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 to indicate the name of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 a male person, Peter) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . As to ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 petros) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 and ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 petra) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 differing in meaning, this is not always true. A very frequent meaning of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 petra) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 is ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 rock) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 or ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 stone) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . It does not always mean rocky ground, rocky ledge, or rocky cliff. See the entries ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 petra) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 petros) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 in ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref16 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn16” L.N.T. (A. and G.)) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 660. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 b. Even in Greek, regardless of whether one translates ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 petra) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 as ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 rock) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 or as ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 rocky ledge) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Jesus is saying, You are ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Rock) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 and on THIS ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 rock) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 or ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 rocky ledge) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 I will build my church. The word THIS makes reference to anything else than the immediately preceding ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 petros) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 very unnatural. In the sentence, You are Margaret [meaning ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 pearl) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ] and on ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 this) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 pearl I am about to bestow a favor, it would be very difficult to interpret this pearl in any other sense than as referring to Margaret, even though the word pearl has more meanings than one. It indicates a gem but can also refer to a kind of printer s type. It would be rather unnatural to conclude that this pearl had reference to something that someone had said to Margaret or had shown her, or to something she had just said. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0

5. The meaning is, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 You are Peter, that is, Rock, and upon this rock, that is, on you, Peter, I will build my church) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . Our Lord, speaking Aramaic, probably said, And I say to you, you are ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Kepha ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , and on this ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 kepha ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 I will build my church. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref17 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn17”

607. 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� Jesus, then, is promising Peter that he is going to build his church ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 on him!) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 I accept this view. ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 Having said this, it is necessary to qualify this interpretation as follows. Jesus promises to build his church: ) a. Not on Cephas as he was by nature but on him considered as a product of grace. By nature this man was, in a sense, a weakling, very unstable, as has been indicated; see p. 602. By grace he became a most courageous, enthusiastic, and effective witness of the truth which the Father had revealed to him with respect to Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God. It was in that sense that Jesus used Peter in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 building) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 gathering and strengthening his church. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.2|AUTODETECT|” b. Not on Cephas considered all by himself, but on Cephas as first 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.2|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 10:2) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.14|AUTODETECT|” ) among equals, that is, on Peter taking his stand with the eleven 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.14|AUTODETECT|” Acts 2:14) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.20.23|AUTODETECT|” ). The authority which in 16:19 is entrusted to Peter is in 18:18 given to The Twelve 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.20.23|AUTODETECT|” John 20:23) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). In fact, in the exercise of this authority the local congregation must not be ignored (18:17). ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.24-42.22.30|AUTODETECT|” When the Lord spoke the words recorded here in 16:18, 19 he certainly did not mean that Peter could now begin to lord it over the other disciples. The others did not understand it in that way (18:1; 20:20 24), and Jesus definitely rejected any such interpretation 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.24-42.22.30|AUTODETECT|” Luke 22:24 30) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.5.3|AUTODETECT|” ). If Peter himself had conceived of his own authority or that of others as being that of a dictator, how could he have written the beautiful passage ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.5.3|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 5:3) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ? ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.3.11|AUTODETECT|” c. Not on Cephas as the primary foundation. In the primary or basic sense of the term there is only one foundation, and that foundation is not Peter but Jesus Christ himself 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.3.11|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 3:11) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.3.12|AUTODETECT|” ). But in a secondary sense it is entirely legitimate to speak of the apostles, including Peter, as the church s foundation, for these men were always pointing away from themselves to Jesus Christ as the one and only Savior. Striking examples of this are found in ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.3.12|AUTODETECT|” Acts 3:12) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.20|AUTODETECT|” and 4:12. In that secondary sense Scripture itself refers to the apostles as the church s foundation 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.20|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 2:20) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.21.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.21.14|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 21:14) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 In this connection emphasis should also be placed on the fact that in the passage now under consideration Jesus speaks of himself not of Peter as the Builder and Owner of the church. He says, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 I) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 will build ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 my) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 church. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.3.9|AUTODETECT|” The figure of a building to represent the church is found also in such passages as ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.3.9|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 3:9) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.21|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.21|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 2:21) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.22|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.22|AUTODETECT|”
608. 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.4|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 2:4) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.5|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.5|AUTODETECT|”
609. 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . Little by little the building goes up. It increases in strength, beauty, and usefulness, its members being considered living stones. In building his church Jesus makes use of Peter and of the other apostles. In fact, he makes use of all the living members of the church to accomplish this purpose. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.9.31|AUTODETECT|” The expression my church refers, of course, to the church universal, here especially to the entire body of Christ or sum-total of all believers in its New Testament manifestation, wherever it is truly represented on earth 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.9.31|AUTODETECT|” Acts 9:31) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.4|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 6:4) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.12.28|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.12.28|AUTODETECT|” 12:28) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.22|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.22|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 1:22) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.3|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.3|AUTODETECT|”
610. 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.21|AUTODETECT|” :10, ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.21|AUTODETECT|”
611. 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.5.22-49.5.33|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.5.22-49.5.33|AUTODETECT|” 5:22 33) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.1.18|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.1.18|AUTODETECT|” Col. 1:18) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.3.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.3.6|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 3:6) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.20.28|AUTODETECT|” ). It is a great comfort that Jesus considers this church his very own. Did he not come from heaven in order to purchase his church with his own blood 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.20.28|AUTODETECT|” Acts 20:28) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 )? ) 6 3 3 8 0 0 The history of the early church as recorded in the first twelve chapters of the book of Acts abundantly proves that Christ s prophecy regarding Peter was fulfilled. Or, phrasing it differently, it confirms the given interpretation. ) In that large section of Acts the name of Peter occurs more than fifty times. Here it is found everywhere except in chapters 6 and 7, which contain the story of Stephen. Let me stress once again that I am not referring to Peter as he was in himself, nor to that apostle acting all by himself, but to him as Christ s instrument for the establishment of his church in its New Testament manifestation, and taking his stand as one of The Twelve. ) During that very early period (before Paul comes mightily to the fore, in Acts 13 28) Peter was the most powerful and effective human link between Jesus and the church, the most influential means of the latter s inward and outward growth. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.41|AUTODETECT|” It was Peter who preached the sermon on Pentecost, as a result of which no less than three thousand people were converted 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.41|AUTODETECT|” Acts 2:41) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.1.15-44.1.22|AUTODETECT|” ). It was again through the testimony of Peter and John (3:11; 4:1), chiefly of Peter (3:12), that two thousand were subsequently added to the membership (4:4). Other events in which Peter took a leading part were: the election of Matthias to take the place of Judas Iscariot 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.1.15-44.1.22|AUTODETECT|” Acts 1:15 22) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.3.4-44.3.6|AUTODETECT|” ), the healing of the lame begger 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.3.4-44.3.6|AUTODETECT|” Acts 3:4 6) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ), and the heroic proclamation of Jesus Christ before the Sanhedrin (4:8 12, 29). See also 5:15; 8:20; and chapters 9 and 10. ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 It has been pointed out earlier that in every listing of The Twelve Peter s name occurs first of all. ) Besides, according to reliable tradition, was not Mark Peter s interpreter ? And was not Mark s Gospel, in turn, one of the main sources used by Matthew and Luke in writing their Gospels? ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.21-60.2.25|AUTODETECT|” Add Peter s epistles, in which he so beautifully sets forth the meaning of Christ s life and death 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.21-60.2.25|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 2:21 25) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.25|AUTODETECT|” ). Christ s prophecy was fulfilled in the labors of Peter. The One whom Peter describes as the Shepherd and Overseer of our souls 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.25|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 2:25) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.5.4|AUTODETECT|” ), the Chief Shepherd 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.5.4|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 5:4) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.21.15|AUTODETECT|” ) had said to this apostle, Feed my lambs, Shepherd my sheep, Feed my dear sheep 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.21.15|AUTODETECT|” John 21:15) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.21.16|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.21.16|AUTODETECT|”
612. 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.21.17|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.21.17|AUTODETECT|”
613. 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.10.16|AUTODETECT|” ). That there were also sheep that did not belong to the Jewish fold 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.10.16|AUTODETECT|” John 10:16) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.10.9-44.10.16|AUTODETECT|” ) was going to be vividly impressed upon Peter 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.10.9-44.10.16|AUTODETECT|” Acts 10:9 16) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.10.34-44.10.48|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.10.34-44.10.48|AUTODETECT|” 34 48) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.11.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.11.17|AUTODETECT|” 11:17) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.11.18|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.11.18|AUTODETECT|”
614. 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.17.21|AUTODETECT|” ). Though in the life of this apostle there was a momentary, sad departure from the implications of the great principle that they all may be one 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.17.21|AUTODETECT|” John 17:21) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.2.11-48.2.21|AUTODETECT|” ), there is every reason to believe that Peter took Paul s reprimand to heart 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.2.11-48.2.21|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 2:11 21) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.21.18|AUTODETECT|” ). He labored on faithfully until at last the Lord delivered him according to ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.21.18|AUTODETECT|” John 21:18) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.21.19|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.21.19|AUTODETECT|”
615. 6 1 -1 9 0 0 and early tradition (I Clement, chap. 5) ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 by means of martyrdom) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.1.4|AUTODETECT|” from this earthly scene and bestowed upon him the promised inheritance 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.1.4|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 1:4) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Christ s prophecy, You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church had been amply fulfilled by means of his witness-bearing. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Continued: ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 and the gates of Hades shall not overpower it.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 For the argument showing that in the Gospels Hades means hell see on 11:23, 24. Besides, those who favor the meaning the realm of the dead experience great difficulty in their attempt to show in what sense the gates of that realm are striving to overpower the church, and are failing in their assault. When Hades is interpreted as indicating hell the assurance given here by the Lord can be readily understood. Gates of hell, by metonymy represents Satan and his legions as it were storming out of hell s gates in order to attack and destroy the church. What we have here is an oft-repeated promise of the victory��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref18 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn18”
616. 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.16.33|AUTODETECT|” �� of Christ s church over the forces of evil. See ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.16.33|AUTODETECT|” John 16:33) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.16.20|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.16.20|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 16:20) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.6.10-49.6.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.6.10-49.6.13|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 6:10 13) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.12.13-66.12.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.12.13-66.12.16|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 12:13 16) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.17.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.17.14|AUTODETECT|” 17:14) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.20.7-66.20.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.20.7-66.20.10|AUTODETECT|” 20:7 10) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Misuse is often made of this passage, as if Jesus meant, Do not be concerned about the doctrinal purity of the denomination or congregation to which you belong. Have I not promised to see to it that the gates of hell shall never prevail against the church? As if Jesus promised that this or that particular ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 denomination) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 or ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 local congregation) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 would never lose its doctrinal purity! The real meaning of church as here used has already been indicated. Jesus promised that he would always cause ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 his people) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 to triumph over the devil and his army. This promise is given not to lukewarm Laodiceans but to Christian soldiers. In the midst of the battle their consolation is: ) 6 10 3 8 0 0 Crowns and thrones may perish, ) Kingdoms rise and wane, ) But the Church of Jesus ) Constant will remain; ) Gates of hell can never ) Gainst that Church prevail; ) We have Christ s own promise, ) And that cannot fail. ) Sabine Baring-Gould ) The words addressed to Peter, as representing the group, are continued in verse ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0

19. I will give to you the keys of the kingdom of heaven.& ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.1.18|AUTODETECT|” The one who has the keys 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.1.18|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 1:18) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.3.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.3.7|AUTODETECT|” 3:7) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.22.22|AUTODETECT|” ) of the kingdom of heaven determines who should be admitted and who must be refused admission. Cf. ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.22.22|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 22:22) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . That the apostles as a group exercised this right is clear from the entire book of Acts. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 All) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 did this on an equal basis (4:33): there was no boss or superintendent. Nevertheless, as has already been shown, the influence of Peter was outstanding. By means of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 the preaching of the gospel) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.38|AUTODETECT|” he was opening the doors to some 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.38|AUTODETECT|” Acts 2:38) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.39|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.39|AUTODETECT|”

39. 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.3.16-44.3.20|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.3.16-44.3.20|AUTODETECT|” 3:16 20) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.4.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.4.12|AUTODETECT|” 4:12) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.10.34-44.10.43|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.10.34-44.10.43|AUTODETECT|” 10:34 43) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ), closing them to others (3:23). ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 In answer to the question, How is the kingdom of heaven opened and shut by the preaching of the holy gospel? the Heidelberg Catechism (Lord s Day 31, Answer to Question 84) states: By proclaiming and openly witnessing, according to the command of Christ, to believers, one and all, that, whenever they receive the promise of the gospel by a true faith, all their sins are really forgiven them of God for the sake of Christ s merits; and on the contrary, by proclaiming and witnessing to all unbelievers and such as do not sincerely repent that the wrath of God and eternal condemnation abide on them so long as they are not converted. According to this witness of the gospel God will judge, both in this life and in that which is to come. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Discipline) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.2.8|AUTODETECT|” was also exercised by The Twelve, and here again the role played by Peter is emphasized (5:1 11). Somewhat later Paul, too, very effectively used both keys: the preaching of the gospel and the exercise of discipline. The former requires no proof, for it is evident from all of his epistles as well as from chapters 13 28 of the book of Acts. As to the latter, discipline, both the shutting and the opening or at times reopening of the door, are beautifully illustrated, respectively, in Cor. 5:1 5 and ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.2.8|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 2:8) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.5.3|AUTODETECT|” . As the first passage indicates, the shutting took place with a view to reopening. Paul, moreover, did not act apart from the church but in conjunction with it 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.5.3|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 5:3) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.5.4|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.5.4|AUTODETECT|”
40. 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.16.18|AUTODETECT|” Though church in ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.16.18|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 16:18) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 and kingdom in verse 19 may not be identical in meaning, the latter also here being perhaps the broader concept, nevertheless A. T. Robertson s question 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Word Pictures) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.5.5|AUTODETECT|” , Vol. I, pp. 133, 134) whether Jesus does not here (verse 19) mean the same thing by kingdom that he did by church in verse 18, is definitely in order. Excommunication from the visible church is possible 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.5.5|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 5:5) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=56.3.10|AUTODETECT|” a; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=56.3.10|AUTODETECT|” Titus 3:10) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ); so is exclusion from the kingdom (8:12). ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 From the manner in which, with divine approval, the apostles carried out their ministry and asserted their authority it would appear, therefore, that the rather popular view, according to which the term the keys of the kingdom of heaven refers to the preaching of the gospel and the exercise of discipline, is correct. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.11.30|AUTODETECT|” From such passages as ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.11.30|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 11:30) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.15.19|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.15.19|AUTODETECT|” 15:19) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.15.20|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.15.20|AUTODETECT|”
41. 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.15.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.15.10|AUTODETECT|” Acts 15:10) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.1|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 5:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.2.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.2.14|AUTODETECT|” Col. 2:14) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.2.16|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.2.16|AUTODETECT|”
42. 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.2.20-51.2.23|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.2.20-51.2.23|AUTODETECT|” 20 23) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.2.24|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.2.24|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 2:24) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , it is very clear that it was not the purpose of Jesus and of the apostles after him to replace one kind of hierarchical despotism (that of Jewish hair-splitting legalism) by another. Nevertheless, in order that the Christian s way of life might be clearly understood and discipline properly exercised certain basic principles of conduct had to be set forth. It is in this connection that Jesus continues: ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 and whatever you shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 It is immediately clear that these words are still addressed to Peter. It is unmistakable that Peter is described as exercising ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 on the earth) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 the power of the keys of the kingdom. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref19 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn19”
43. 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� But see also 18:18. The very wording note whatever, not whoever shows that the passage refers to things, in this case beliefs and actions, not directly to people. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Binding) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 and ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 loosing) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 are rabbinical terms, meaning ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 forbidding) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 and ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 permitting) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . Naturally if a person continued to do or to believe what was forbidden, refusing to repent, he would be disciplined; conversely, if he repented from his evil way, he would be forgiven: the ban would be lifted.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref20 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn20”
44. 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.16.19|AUTODETECT|” �� Hence, indirectly the passage also has implications with respect to the good standing, or lack of good standing, of church members, as a comparison of ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.16.19|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 16:19) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.20.23|AUTODETECT|” with ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.20.23|AUTODETECT|” John 20:23) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 indicates. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.16.19|AUTODETECT|” The assurance is given that whatever Peter, representing The Twelve 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.16.19|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 16:19) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.20.23|AUTODETECT|” ), or The Twelve 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.20.23|AUTODETECT|” John 20:23) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.18.18|AUTODETECT|” ), ultimately whatever the church 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.18.18|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 18:18) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ), binds on earth shall be and shall definitely remain bound in heaven; and similarly whatever Peter (etc.) looses on earth shall be and definitely remain loosed in heaven.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref21 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn21”
45. 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.9.34-43.9.38|AUTODETECT|” It should hardly be necessary to add that such authority over faith and morals, and consequently also over the membership, can be exercised only when this is done in thorough harmony with the teachings of Jesus, or, phrasing it differently, with the Word of God. Jesus definitely condemned any arbitrary binding and loosing, such forbidding and permitting, such excluding and admitting or re-admitting, as amounts to a transgression of the commandment of God (15:1 20; 23:13). When a person is unjustly excommunicated the Lord welcomes him 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.9.34-43.9.38|AUTODETECT|” John 9:34 38) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Peter, as spokesman for The Twelve, had confessed Jesus to be the Christ (verse 16). In logical relation with this is Christ s warning found in verse ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0

20. Then he gave the disciples strict orders not to tell anyone that he was the Christ.) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.15|AUTODETECT|” The people would have interpreted the term Messiah = Christ in the political sense 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.15|AUTODETECT|” John 6:15) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.63|AUTODETECT|” ). This might have fanned the flames of enthusiasm about him, as a potential Deliverer from the Roman yoke, to such an extent that the opposition and envy roused by such widespread attention might have brought his public ministry to an untimely end. This must not happen. When an open announcement must finally be made to the Jewish religious authorities Jesus himself will make it 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.63|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 26:63) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.64|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.64|AUTODETECT|”

64. 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). We should also bear in mind that it would not have been proper for Jesus, during the days of his humiliation, to encourage ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 public) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.17.9|AUTODETECT|” acclaim. That must be postponed until after his death and resurrection 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.17.9|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 17:9) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.9.21|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.9.21|AUTODETECT|” Luke 9:21) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.9.22|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.9.22|AUTODETECT|”
65. 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.36|AUTODETECT|” ). See also on 8:4. The very fact of this death, followed by resurrection and ascension, will shed light on the character of his messiahship 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.36|AUTODETECT|” Acts 2:36) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.1.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.1.3|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 1:3) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 16:21 28 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 The First Prediction of the Passion and the Resurrection) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.8.31-41.9.1|AUTODETECT|” Cf. ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.8.31-41.9.1|AUTODETECT|” Mark 8:31 9:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.9.22-42.9.27|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.9.22-42.9.27|AUTODETECT|” Luke 9:22 27) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 21 From that time Jesus began to say plainly to his disciples that he must go away to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised up. 22 And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, Mercy on thee, Lord, this shall never happen to thee! 23 But he turned around and said to Peter, Get out of my sight, Satan. You are a trap to me, for you are looking at things not from God s point of view but from men s. ) 24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, If anyone wishes to come behind me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. 25 For whoever would save his life shall lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake shall find it. 26 For what good will it do a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life, or what shall a man give in exchange for his life? 27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father, with his angels, and then shall he render to each according to his deeds. 28 I solemnly declare to you that there are some of those that are standing here who shall not taste death until they see the Son of man coming in his royal dignity. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.29|AUTODETECT|” Previously, in veiled utterances, Jesus had predicted his death (9:15), and even his death and resurrection (12:39, 40; 16:4). Now there was going to be a change. We see the Anointed One, as our chief Prophet, in plain unfigurative language foretelling his own demise; as our merciful Highpriest, preparing to lay down his life, that he might take away the sin of the world 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.29|AUTODETECT|” John 1:29) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.22|AUTODETECT|” ); and throughout it all, as our eternal King, being in complete control of every situation, so that the plan of God Triune, made before the foundation of the world, was being carried out in every detail, yet in such a manner that all the human agents who took part in carrying out this plan elders, chief priests, scribes, the common people, the soldiers, the presiding judge, the betrayer, etc. were fully responsible for their actions 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.22|AUTODETECT|” Luke 22:22) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.23|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.23|AUTODETECT|” Acts 2:23) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 8 1 3 8 0 0

21. From that time Jesus began to say plainly to his disciples that he must go away to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised up.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 From that time, because Jesus had now told the disciples that he accepted Peter s confession as being the result of the Father s revelation. Accordingly, he had made clear to The Twelve that he was indeed the long expected Messiah. Therefore the next lesson was now very definitely in order. He must now convey to this little company the shocking truth, which at first seemed entirely unbelievable, that ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 this Messiah must suffer and be killed!) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 To be sure, Jesus added and the third day be raised up, but it is doubtful whether the first clear announcement of the resurrection even fully registered in the disciples minds, so utterly painful and inconceivable did the news of their Master s fast approaching suffering and death seem to them. ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 Stranger still, this suffering will be climaxed in Jerusalem, that is, in the very place known from of old as the holy city, the city of the Great King (4:5; 5:35). ) Note: he ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 must) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.10.45|AUTODETECT|” go to Jerusalem to suffer and to die, etc. He must satisfy the demands of the law, that is, he must pay the penalty for his people s sin, in perfect obedience to his Father s will, and in fulfilment of prophecy 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.10.45|AUTODETECT|” Mark 10:45) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.50|AUTODETECT|” : ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.50|AUTODETECT|” Luke 12:50) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.13.33|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.13.33|AUTODETECT|” 13:33) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.37|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.37|AUTODETECT|” 22:37) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.24.26|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.24.26|AUTODETECT|” 24:26) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.24.27|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.24.27|AUTODETECT|”

27. 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.24.44|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.24.44|AUTODETECT|”
28. 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.29|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.29|AUTODETECT|” John 1:29) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.17.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.17.4|AUTODETECT|” 17:4) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.5.21|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.5.21|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 5:21) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.53.0|AUTODETECT|” ; and last but not least ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.53.0|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 53) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.10.11|AUTODETECT|” ). He must do what he himself also wanted to do 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.10.11|AUTODETECT|” John 10:11) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.8.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.8.9|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 8:9) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.2.20|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.2.20|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 2:20) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Here in Jerusalem, the place to which Jesus will soon be wending his way, the Sanhedrin sits enthroned. There was an earlier reference to this body (see on 2:4), but now (16:21) not only its chief priests and scribes are mentioned but also its elders, so that here we have the full listing of all the units that constituted this highest Jewish tribunal. In ancient Israel the elders were the heads of tribes or heads of a tribe s main subdivisions. In fact, every city or town of any importance began to have its elders. When the Sanhedrin came into existence the more prominent local elders became members of this august body, jointly with the chief priests and the scribes. What Jesus is saying, then, is this, that Israel s very leaders, who should have been the foremost to honor and worship the Christ, were going to afflict him and put him to death. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.16.12|AUTODETECT|” Note also the lack of gruesome details in this, the first of the three lessons on the cross. All Jesus says at this time is that he must suffer many things. He knows that the little group has already received such a shock that it cannot now bear to hear more 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.16.12|AUTODETECT|” John 16:12) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). For the references to the two lessons that were to follow see p. 9. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 The Lord added, and the third day be raised up. Although the present passage does not mention the remaining items that belong to Christ s exaltation, verse 27 refers to the glorious return. If this ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 implies) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 the ascension and the coronation (the sitting down at the Father s right hand), as it seems to do, then in this paragraph (verses 21 28) Jesus is giving us a complete summary of the steps that belong to his exaltation. It is clear that the third day must be interpreted as shown previously (see on 12:40), a part of a day being counted as a day. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.28.6|AUTODETECT|” That not only now but even later the disciples did not grasp just what Jesus meant by this resurrection on the third day whether, for example, the resurrection to which reference was made belonged to the general resurrection at the close of the world s history is clear from 17:9, 10. Shall we say then that these words of Jesus were futile, since they were not understood? Not at all. Because of the very fact that the disciples did, after all, hear these predictions, and heard them not just once but with increasing clarity three times in the three lessons on the cross, it was possible, after the resurrection, for the angel(s) and for the resurrected Lord himself to refer to them 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.28.6|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 28:6) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.24.6-42.24.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.24.6-42.24.8|AUTODETECT|” Luke 24:6 8) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.24.45|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.24.45|AUTODETECT|”
29. 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.24.46|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.24.46|AUTODETECT|”
30. 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.16.4|AUTODETECT|” ). Those reminders served, as it were, to pull the rope that caused the bell of memory a memory deeply rooted in the subconscious area to ring forth, so that faith was strengthened 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.16.4|AUTODETECT|” John 16:4) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 8 1 3 8 0 0

22. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, Mercy on thee, Lord, this shall never happen to thee.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 If in verse 16 we saw Peter at his best, were it not for the event recorded in 26:69 74 we would be ready to say that we see him here at his worst. For a summary of Peter s vacillations see on 14:30. We assume that Peter had been walking behind the Master. Now he tries to pull Jesus aside and begins to rebuke��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref22 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn22”

612. 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� him. Jesus had not as yet turned around to face Peter. Peter ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 began) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.20.20|AUTODETECT|” to rebuke: he did not get very far. Mercy on thee, Lord, is about as literal a translation as is possible in English. Peter meant, May God be merciful to thee, for this must not, shall not happen. For a somewhat similar expression see ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.20.20|AUTODETECT|” II Sam. 20:20) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.23.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.23.17|AUTODETECT|” 23:17) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=13.11.19|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=13.11.19|AUTODETECT|” I Chron. 11:19) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . For Peter the very idea of messiahship, which he had just now ascribed to Jesus, excluded that of suffering and death, violent death at that! ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 The reaction of Jesus to Peter s rash, though well-meant, action is described in verse ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0

23. But he turned around and said to Peter, Get out of my sight, Satan.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Now Jesus turns around so as to face Peter. The latter had spoken his words in the hearing of all. Verses 24 28 seem to imply that Christ s answer, too, was heard by all. Literally Jesus said to his erring disciple, Get ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 behind) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 me.& However, this rendering is rather ambiguous, and has even been interpreted to mean that the Lord was merely telling Peter that he has committed a breach of etiquette when he grabbed hold of Jesus and tried to pull him aside, and that he must now assume his previous position in the lineup and start walking behind Jesus again. Also, it should be borne in mind that a somewhat similar expression 7 1 -1 9 0 0 exactly) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 identical according to a variant reading) is far more forceful than such a literal rendering might seem to indicate. The true interpretation, as I, along with many others, see it, is this, that the Lord recognizes that Satan is using Peter as his agent in an attempt to seduce Jesus to try to obtain the crown without enduring the cross (see on 4:8, 9). So Jesus, in speaking to Peter, is actually addressing Satan, or if one prefers, is addressing whatever in Peter has been perversely influenced by the prince of evil. What is needed here, accordingly, is a translation like Be gone, Satan, or Get out of my sight, Satan. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Jesus continues: ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 You are a trap to me, for you are looking at things not from God s point of view but from men s.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Jesus immediately recognizes the trap ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref23 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn23”

613. 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� Satan is setting. Not for a moment does he entertain the devil s suggestion. He knows that he is being confronted by the same tempter who at a previous occasion tried to inveigle him with a false promise (4:8, 9). So with finality he rejects the implied inducement to sin. By doing so he is himself carrying out the advice he gave to others, namely, not to dilly-dally with sin but to take drastic action against it (5:29, 30). ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Literally Jesus said, You are not thinking the (things) of God but the (things) of men. From God s point of view it was necessary for the Savior to suffer, die, rise again, etc., in order to save his people. From the human point of view the two concepts ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Messiah) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 and ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 suffering) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.23|AUTODETECT|” were wholly incompatible. Peter, allowing himself to be influenced by Satan, was speaking from the foolishly human point of view when he said, Mercy on thee, Lord, this shall never happen to thee. He did not realize that he was asking for his own eternal damnation. How quickly the rock of verses 16 18 had become a stone of offense. By God s grace he did not remain such but became a most effective preacher of the very cross which he is here trying to dismiss forever from his own and from the Master s consciousness. The transforming power of the Holy Spirit in the heart and life of Peter produced such a remarkable result that among all the inspired writers there is none who at a later time more clearly set forth the pre-ordained necessity of Christ s atoning death. See ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.23|AUTODETECT|” Acts 2:23) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.3.18|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.3.18|AUTODETECT|” 3:18) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.4.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.4.11|AUTODETECT|” 4:11) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.4.12|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.4.12|AUTODETECT|”
614. 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.1.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.1.11|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 1:11) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.21-60.2.24|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.21-60.2.24|AUTODETECT|” 2:21 24) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.53.4-23.53.8|AUTODETECT|” 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.53.4-23.53.8|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 53:4 8) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Jesus now turns to the entire little group of disciples, and shows them that the inevitable law of Christian life is that the servant is not above his master: what happens to Christ, though it is indeed unique, must nevertheless be reflected also in his followers: ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0

24. Then Jesus said to his disciples, If anyone wishes to come behind me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Christ s death will be of value only to those who are willing to die to sin and self. Since verses 24 and 25 closely resemble 10:38, 39 the reader is referred to the explanation there. A few additional words may be in order. By doing justice to the tenses of the verbs in the original verse 24 may be paraphrased as follows: If anyone wishes to be (counted as) an adherent of mine, he must once and for all say farewell to self, decisively accept pain, shame, and persecution for my sake and in my cause, and must then follow and keep on following me as my disciple. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.16.24|AUTODETECT|” To deny oneself means to renounce the old self, the self as it is apart from regenerating grace. A person who denies himself gives up all reliance on whatever he is by nature, and depends for salvation on God alone. He no longer seeks to promote his own predominantly selfish interests but has become wrapped up in the cause of promoting the glory of God in his own and in every life, and also in every sphere of endeavor. The best commentary on ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.16.24|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 16:24) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.2.20|AUTODETECT|” is ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.2.20|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 2:20) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 : I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who lives, but Christ who lives in me; and that (life) which I now live in flesh I live in faith, (the faith) which is in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself up for me. Denying self means subjecting oneself to Christ s discipline. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.21|AUTODETECT|” The expression take up his cross refers to the cross that is suffered because of union with Christ. One follows Christ by trusting in him, walking in his footsteps 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.21|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 2:21) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ), obeying his commandments out of gratitude for salvation through him, and being willing even to suffer in his cause. Only then, when he is willing and ready to do this can he truly be Christ s disciple, his adherent. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Continued: ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0
25. For whoever would save his life shall lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake shall find it.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 This is the grand paradox of 10:39 and similar passages. It is held by some that the substitution of save here in 16:25 for find in the first clause of 10:39 ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref24 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn24”

614. 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� makes the present passage even fuller and more forceful, as if, in distinction from merely trying to find his life, that is, attaining to what he considers a richer, happier life, the man described in 16:25 puts forth every effort to save, that is, rescue his self, and having done so, to cling to it by every possible means. Whether this distinction can be sustained is debatable. In view of the fact that in both passages the antonym is lose, it may well be that the difference between finding and saving is very slight. At any rate we may be sure that in both cases the person who is condemned is the selfish person, the individual who is turned in upon himself, and the one who is commended is the outgoing person, the one who, for the sake of the love of Christ shown to him, now in turn loves the Lord and all those whom the Lord wants him to love, and who, in the process of doing this is even willing to suffer extreme personal affliction and, if need be, even death. That person s life shall be marvelously enriched, says Jesus. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.4.1-1.4.8|AUTODETECT|” A few examples of the persons here condemned: envious Cain 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.4.1-1.4.8|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 4:1 8) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.3.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.3.12|AUTODETECT|” I John 3:12) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.21.0|AUTODETECT|” ), greedy Ahab and Jezebel 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.21.0|AUTODETECT|” I Kings 21) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=17.3.5|AUTODETECT|” ), haughty Haman 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=17.3.5|AUTODETECT|” Esther 3:5) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=17.5.9-17.5.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=17.5.9-17.5.14|AUTODETECT|” 5:9 14) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.2.3|AUTODETECT|” ), vengeful King Herod I 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.2.3|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 2:3) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.2.16|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.2.16|AUTODETECT|”
615. 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.14-40.26.16|AUTODETECT|” ), perfidious Judas Iscariot 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.14-40.26.16|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 26:14 16) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.47|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.47|AUTODETECT|” Luke 22:47) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.48|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.48|AUTODETECT|”
616. 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.19.16-40.19.22|AUTODETECT|” ). See also the story of the rich young ruler 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.19.16-40.19.22|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 19:16 22) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.44.18-1.44.34|AUTODETECT|” A few examples of those here commended: self-negating Judah 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.44.18-1.44.34|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 44:18 34) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.10.29-42.10.37|AUTODETECT|” ), noble Jonathan (I Sam. 18 20), the Good Samaritan of the parable 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.10.29-42.10.37|AUTODETECT|” Luke 10:29 37) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.25-50.2.30|AUTODETECT|” ), men like Epaphroditus 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.25-50.2.30|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 2:25 30) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.1.16|AUTODETECT|” ) and Onesiphorus 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.1.16|AUTODETECT|” II Tim. 1:16) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.4.19|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.4.19|AUTODETECT|” 4:19) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.3|AUTODETECT|” ), who were willing to risk everything for the sake of Christ s cause, and humble, self-sacrificing Paul 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.3|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 9:3) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.4.19|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.4.19|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 4:19) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.4.20|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.4.20|AUTODETECT|”
617. 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.6.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.6.14|AUTODETECT|” 6:14) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.8.9|AUTODETECT|” ). In all of these the spirit of Jesus Christ himself was reflected 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.8.9|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 8:9) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 With an earnest appeal that his disciples may always be willing to lose their lives for the sake of Christ s cause, Jesus continues: ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0

26. For what good will it do a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life, or what shall a man give in exchange for his life?) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 It is clear from verses 25 and 26 that even though verse 24 places man before a choice he himself must make, and God does not make for him, that nevertheless the Lord, in his infinite tenderness and love, encourages man to make the right choice. Whoever thinks only or even mainly of his own ease, comfort, popularity, prestige, opulence, etc., lacks love, outgoingness. It is love that causes the soul to expand, imparts riches, usefulness, joy, satisfaction. Love for the Lord does this, and love for his children, his causes, his kingdom; in a sense even love for the enemy, that he may be saved. So, if a person should gain the whole world when Jesus said this, was he thinking of the offer which the devil once made him? (4:8, 9) and in the process of doing so should forfeit (lose the right to possess) his own life or soul, that is, should lose or forfeit ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 himself) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.9.25|AUTODETECT|” 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.9.25|AUTODETECT|” Luke 9:25) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ), what good will such an exchange do him, for What shall a man give in exchange for��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref25 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn25”

615. 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� his life? ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 That ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 love) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 does indeed mean ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 life) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.13.0|AUTODETECT|” is clear from such passages as ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.13.0|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 13) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.4.19|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.4.19|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 4:19) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.4.20|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.4.20|AUTODETECT|”
616. 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.1.21|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.1.21|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 1:21) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.3.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.3.8|AUTODETECT|” I Thess. 3:8) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.3.17|AUTODETECT|” . And that nothing whatever can be given in exchange for life is also evident. Selfishness causes the soul to contract; love makes it expand, enriches it, fills it to overflowing with assurance, peace, joy, etc. To know that one is loved, and then to love in return, and in showing this love to recognize no boundaries among men beyond which love cannot go, that is life. Jesus, who spoke the words of 16:24 26 knew that he was the object of the Father s love 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.3.17|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 3:17) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.17.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.17.5|AUTODETECT|” 17:5) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.17.23|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.17.23|AUTODETECT|”
617. 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.17.24|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.17.24|AUTODETECT|”
618. 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). He, in turn, loved the Father, loved his own, loved the world, prayed even for his enemies. No wonder that his own soul was filled with life, peace, joy, etc. He wants his disciples, and everyone, to choose between love and selfishness, between life and death. He wants them to make the ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 right) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.32.26|AUTODETECT|” decision. Cf. ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.32.26|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 32:26) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=6.24.15|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=6.24.15|AUTODETECT|” Josh. 24:15) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=8.1.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=8.1.16|AUTODETECT|” Ruth 1:16) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=8.1.17|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=8.1.17|AUTODETECT|”
619. 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.18.21|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.18.21|AUTODETECT|” I Kings 18:21) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.25|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.25|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 11:25) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Between verses 24 26, on the one hand, and verse 27, on the other, there is a much closer connection than is often realized. That connection is somewhat as follows: Do not seek to possess the whole world. That will mean loss. Leave the matter of receiving a reward to the Son of man. He at his coming will reward every man according to his deeds: ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0

27. For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father, with his angels, and then shall he render to each according to his deeds.) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.7.10|AUTODETECT|” For Son of man see on 8:20. The Father will reward this Son of man, the One who from suffering attains to glory, in achieving salvation for his people. The Father will impart his own glory to him and give to him his own angels 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.7.10|AUTODETECT|” Dan. 7:10) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.25.31|AUTODETECT|” ) to be his brilliant retinue 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.25.31|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 25:31) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). The glory of the Son of man is revealed also in this very fact, that he will be the Judge who will render to each man according to his deeds. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.4.12|AUTODETECT|” Entrance into or exclusion from the new heaven and earth will depend on whether one is clothed with the righteousness of Christ. Apart from Christ there is no salvation at any time 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.4.12|AUTODETECT|” Acts 4:12) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.16|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.16|AUTODETECT|” John 3:16) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.6|AUTODETECT|” 14:6) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.3.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.3.11|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 3:11) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.8|AUTODETECT|” ). Salvation is wholly by grace, through faith 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.8|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 2:8) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.47|AUTODETECT|” Nevertheless, there will be degrees of punishment and also degrees of glory. Note the expression many stripes & few stripes 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.47|AUTODETECT|” Luke 12:47) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.48|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.48|AUTODETECT|”

48. 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.12.3|AUTODETECT|” ), and see also ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.12.3|AUTODETECT|” Dan. 12:3) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.3.12-46.3.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.3.12-46.3.14|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 3:12 14) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 The degree of glory or of punishment will depend on two considerations: ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.2.12|AUTODETECT|” a. What amount of light (knowledge) has this person received? 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.2.12|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 2:12) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.47|AUTODETECT|” b. How has he used the light which he has received? 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.47|AUTODETECT|” Luke 12:47) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.48|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.48|AUTODETECT|”
49. 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Has he been faithful? And if so, in what measure? Has he been faithless? And if so, to what extent? This will be evident from his ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 works) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . These works will show both ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 whether or not) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 a person is a genuine believer in Christ, and also to ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 what extent) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.20.13|AUTODETECT|” he has used or abused the light which he received 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.20.13|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 20:13) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.3.12-46.3.14|AUTODETECT|” ; then ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.3.12-46.3.14|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 3:12 14) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Hence the passage under consideration says, Then shall he render to each according to his deeds. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Jesus concludes his remarks with the following solemn prediction: ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0

28. I solemnly declare to you that there are some of those that are standing here who shall not taste death until they see the Son of man coming in his royal dignity.) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.13.32|AUTODETECT|” As to I solemnly declare see on 5:18. It introduces a very important statement. The difficulty which many readers have experienced with this passage can be avoided by bearing in mind that Jesus did not say, Some of those that are standing here shall not taste death until the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father, with his angels, but, & until they see the Son of man coming in his royal dignity. To taste death means to experience it, that is, to die. For the term Son of man see on 8:20. That the coming of the Son of man in his royal dignity, a coming whose date is so clearly fixed in the mind of Jesus that he is able to add that some of the men whom he addresses are going to see it before they die, cannot refer to the second coming is clear from 24:36 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.13.32|AUTODETECT|” Mark 13:32) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ), where Jesus specifically declares that the date of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 that) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 coming is unknown to him. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 To be sure, the coming to render to each according to his deeds (verse 27) and the coming in his royal dignity or literally in his kingship ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref26 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn26”

616. 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.19.16|AUTODETECT|” �� (verse 28) are closely related. They are not identical, however. Here in 16:27, 28, as well as in 10:23 (see pp. 205, 206, where this subject is discussed in greater detail) Jesus is making use of prophetic foreshortening. He regards the entire state of exaltation, from his resurrection to his second coming, as a unit. In verse 27 he describes its final consummation; here in verse 28 its beginning. Here, then, he is saying that some of those whom he is addressing are going to be witnesses of this beginning. They are going to see the Son of man coming in his royal dignity, that is, coming in majesty, to reign as king. Is not he the One who was destined to rule as King of kings and Lord of lords 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.19.16|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 19:16) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.16.28|AUTODETECT|” )? Here in ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.16.28|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 16:28) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 the reference is in all probability to: ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 a.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 his glorious resurrection, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 b.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 his return in the Spirit on the day of Pentecost, and in close connection with that event, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 c.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 his reign from his position at the Father s right hand, a rulership that would become evident in the history of the post-Pentecost church as described in the book of Acts. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Again and again these great happenings 7 1 -1 9 0 0 a., b.,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 and ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 c.,) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.1.6-44.1.8|AUTODETECT|” just mentioned) are in Scripture associated with the ideas of power, kingship, exaltation, and coronation, as anyone can see for himself by studying such passages as ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.1.6-44.1.8|AUTODETECT|” Acts 1:6 8) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.32-44.2.36|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.32-44.2.36|AUTODETECT|” 2:32 36) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.19-49.1.23|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.19-49.1.23|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 1:19 23) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.9|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 2:9) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.2.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.2.9|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 2:9) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.1.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.1.3|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 1:3) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.12.10|AUTODETECT|” ; and ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.12.10|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 12:10) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.17.6|AUTODETECT|” As a result of Jesus resurrection and return in the Spirit on the day of Pentecost changes so vast would begin to take place that, as outsiders saw it, the world would be turned upside down 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.17.6|AUTODETECT|” Acts 17:6) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.41|AUTODETECT|” ). Momentous events were about to occur: the becoming of age of the church, with spiritual illumination, love, unity, and courage prevailing within its ranks as never before, the extension of the church among the Gentiles, the conversion of people by the thousands, the presence and exercise of many charismatic gifts 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.41|AUTODETECT|” Acts 2:41) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.4.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.4.4|AUTODETECT|” 4:4) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.4.32-44.4.35|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.4.32-44.4.35|AUTODETECT|” 32 35) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.5.12-44.5.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.5.12-44.5.16|AUTODETECT|” 5:12 16) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.6.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.6.7|AUTODETECT|” 6:7) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.19.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.19.10|AUTODETECT|” 19:10) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.19.17-44.19.20|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.19.17-44.19.20|AUTODETECT|” 17 20) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.1.8-52.1.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.1.8-52.1.10|AUTODETECT|” I Thess. 1:8 10) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). All of these things certainly justified the prediction that the Son of man would be coming in his kingship, that is in his royal dignity. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.12.1|AUTODETECT|” Jesus predicts that this will take place during the lifetime of some of those whom he is now addressing. That too was literally fulfilled. By no means all of those who heard the Lord make this prediction lived or were present to see its plenary fulfilment. Judas Iscariot never saw any of it. Thomas was not present with the other disciples on the Sunday evening of the day of the resurrection. James, the brother of John, saw only the beginning of the wonderful period described in the book of Acts 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.12.1|AUTODETECT|” Acts 12:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.21.2|AUTODETECT|” ). Some of the apostles were absent when certain important events took place 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.21.2|AUTODETECT|” John 21:2) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.17.1-40.17.8|AUTODETECT|” ). The transfiguration 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.17.1-40.17.8|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 17:1 8) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.1.17|AUTODETECT|” ), at which occasion our Lord Jesus Christ & received from God the father honor and glory 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.1.17|AUTODETECT|” II Peter 1:17) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ; majesty also, verse 16) is by some regarded as included in the prediction made in 16:28. It was witnessed by only three of the apostles. But whether it be included or not, sufficient other evidence has been mentioned to show that the prediction of Jesus was literally and gloriously fulfilled. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Summary of Chapter 16) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 As to verses 1 4, after the miraculous feeding of the four thousand Jesus recrossed the lake to spend a few days on the western shore. Again, as before (12:38), his marvelous works are challenged, even though only by implication. Again, as before, the opponents demand that he perform a sign. This time, too, they are told that the only sign they can expect is that of Jonah (see on 12:39). And this time, as before, those asking for the sign are called an evil and adulterous generation. ) As to the differences: ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 This) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 time the challengers specifically ask for a sign from heaven, even though that was probably also their intention previously. The second difference is that this time the Pharisees combine with ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 the Sadducees) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 in asking for a sign. Finally, this time Jesus rebukes his adversaries because while they know how to interpret weather signs, they cannot interpret the far more important signs of the times ) 6 4 3 8 0 0 With Christ s entrance into the world vast changes were beginning to occur: ever so many demons were being driven out; the sick, in great numbers, restored to health; the handicapped delivered of their handicaps. legalism exposed; salvation by grace taught and accepted; men welcomed into the kingdom of light and love; such love, all around even for enemies advocated and exemplified; God s kingdom ushered in on earth. Nevertheless, the enemies of the truth were opposing all this. They continued to cling to their old ways and theories. ) While crossing back to the eastern or northeastern side of the lake the disciples discover (verses 5 12) that they had forgotten to buy bread. Jesus said to them, Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees. The disciples, interpreting these words literally, think that he is displeased with them because they had forgotten to bring bread. Do they not remember the two miracles of feeding large multitudes with, respectively, five bread-cakes and seven bread-cakes?

The disciples finally understood that he had not told them to be on guard against yeast used in bread but against the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. ) In the next paragraph (verses 13 20), which describes what took place in the vicinity of Caesarea Philippi, Jesus asks his disciples, Who do the people say that the Son of man is? When they answer, John the Baptist & Elijah & Jeremiah & one of the prophets, he asks, But you, who do you say that I am? Simon Peter answers, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus pronounces him blessed, adding, You are Peter, and upon this rock will I build my church, and the gates of Hades shall not overpower it. For explanation of verses 17 20 see above, pp. 644 652. ) In his first prediction (in plain language) of his approaching suffering, death, and resurrection (verses 21 28) Jesus spares his disciples the gruesome details of the bitter trial that awaits him, rebukes the rebuker (Peter), emphasizes that a true disciple is one who does not seek but denies himself, and points to the fact that the way of the cross leads to glory. The Son of man s own glory will not become fully evident until the day, of the second coming.

Yet a beginning of that glory think of the resurrection, Pentecost, the rapid and vigorous extension of the early church will be seen by some of those whom Jesus is addressing right here and now. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

_ftn1

9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref1”

593 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=41.8.11|AUTODETECT|”

The fact that Vaticanus, Sinaiticus, Old Syrian and Coptic texts omit these verses has been explained as the result of mental assimilation of the phraseology of one passage to that of another 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=41.8.11|AUTODETECT|”

Mark 8:11) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=41.8.12|AUTODETECT|”

, ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=41.8.12|AUTODETECT|”

12) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

), an explanation that deserves consideration. Also, there are those who believe that texts originating in Egypt omit verses 2 and 3 because a red morning sky does not there herald rain. Since it is easier to explain the omission of these verses than their addition, the conclusion that they were probably authentic is warranted. Omitting them would result in what is left (16:1, 4) being virtually nothing but a repetition except for the reference to the Sadducees and the words tempting him of 12:38, 39, an improbable supposition. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

_ftn2

9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref2”

594 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

Note ������. Jesus is speaking about epoch-making periods in history, not about time viewed as a change from the past into the present into the future, mere duration. See R. C. Trench, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0

Synonyms of the New Testament) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

, par. lvii, on ������ versus ������. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

_ftn3

9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref3”

595 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

Note ���������� pres. act. infinitive of ��������. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

_ftn4

9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref4”

596 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

The adjective D����, �, �� means ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0

late) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

. Here we have @����, with e��� understood; hence, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0

in the evening) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

. The word ���� is an adverb of time meaning ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0

early) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

_ftn5

9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref5”

597 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

The term �P���, fair weather, is derived from �V and ����, gen. ����, Zeus being considered the ruler of the air and the sky; hence, of the weather. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

_ftn6

9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref6”

598) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=41.8.13|AUTODETECT|”

The original uses the word ������� (masc. pl. aor. participle of ������) which may, however, mean having gone as well as having come. In the present context went must therefore be considered a legitimate rendering; cf. ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=41.8.13|AUTODETECT|”

Mark 8:13) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.15.20|AUTODETECT|”

, went away [or: departed] to the other side. See also ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.15.20|AUTODETECT|”

Luke 15:20) 6 1 -1 9 0 0

and he went to his father. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Though there are those who interpret the original as meaning that the disciples forgot to buy bread after arriving on the eastern side, yet the more usual view, namely, that in starting out on the western side they forgot to buy bread, deserves the preference, since the staff of life was much more readily obtainable on the heavily populated western than on the eastern side. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn7 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref7” 599 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 A. B. Bruce, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 The Synoptic Gospels) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 220. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn8 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref8” 600 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.3.11|AUTODETECT|” The word ������� is the aor. active indic. of �������. The meaning to set together, hence, to understand, reminds us of our own expression, to put two and two together. Instances of the use of this verb in the New Testament: In Matthew it is used also in 13:13, 14, 15, 19, 23; 15:10; 17:13. There are several instances of its use in Mark. Luke has it in both of his books. So does Paul in ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.3.11|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 3:11) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.21|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.21|AUTODETECT|” 15:21) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.10.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.10.12|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 10:12) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.5.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.5.17|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 5:17) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn9 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref9” 601 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 The following sources shed further light on this: H. La Fay, Where Jesus Walked, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 National Geographic) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , Vol. 132, No. 6 (December, 1967), pp. 739 781, with map supplement of The Lands of the Bible Today ; L. H. Grollenberg, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 op. cit.,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 maps 2, 34, plate 360; E. G. Kraeling, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 op. cit.,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 p. 389; W. Ewing, art. Hermon in I.S.B.E., Vol. III, p. 1378; and Viewmaster Travelogue Reel No. 4015, Scene 1, The River Jordan, Palestine. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn10 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref10”

602. 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 Among periodical articles are the following, to mention only a few: ) Allen, E. L., On this Rock, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 JTS) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , 5 (1954), pp. 59 62. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Dell, A., Zur Erkl�rung von Matth�us 16:17 19, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ZNW) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , 17 (1916), pp. 27 32. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.16.17-40.16.19|AUTODETECT|” Easton, Burton S., St. ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.16.17-40.16.19|AUTODETECT|” Matthew 16:17 19) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ATR) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , 4 (1921, 1922), pp. 156 166; also on the same subject and in the same periodical, 5 (1922, 1923), pp. 116 126. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Jansen, J., Het Vraagstuk van de sleutelmacht, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 GTT) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , II (1910), pp. 308 322. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.16.18|AUTODETECT|” Oulton, J. E. L., An Interpretation of ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.16.18|AUTODETECT|” Matthew 16:18) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ET) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , 48 (1936 37), pp. 525, 526. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.16.17-40.16.19|AUTODETECT|” Seitz, O. J. F., Upon this Rock: A Critical Re-examination of ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.16.17-40.16.19|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 16:17 19) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 R.E., JBL) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 69 (1950), pp. 329 340. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Slotemaker de Bruine, J. R., De Sleutelmacht, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 TS) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , 22 (1904), pp. 23 43. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.16.17-40.16.19|AUTODETECT|” Soltau, W., Wann ist ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.16.17-40.16.19|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 16:17 19) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 eingeschoben? TSK, 89 (1916), pp. 233 237. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.16.18|AUTODETECT|” Tottenham, C. J., The Gates of Hell 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.16.18|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 16:18) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ), ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ET) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , 29 (1917 18), pp. 378, 379. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Vardapet, E., The Revelation of the Lord to Peter, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ZNW) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , 23 (1924), pp. 8 17. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Votaw, C. W., Peter and the Keys of the Kingdom, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 BW) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , 36 (1910), pp. 8 25. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Warren, J., Was Simon Peter the Church s Rock? ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 EQ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , 19 (1947), pp. 196 210. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn11 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref11” N.T.C. ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 W. Hendriksen, New Testament Commentary ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn12 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref12” 603 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 These statements can be found in H. M. Riggle, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Roman Catholicism) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , Anderson, Ind. and Kansas City, Mo., 1917, pp. 51, 52, quoted from Roman Catholic sources. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn13 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref13” 604 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Cardinal J. Gibbons, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 The Faith of our Fathers) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , New York, 1871, p. 95. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn14 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref14” 605 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 R. C. H. Lenski, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 op. cit.,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 p. 605. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn15 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref15” 606 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Along this line with individual variations, R. C. H. Lenski argues 7 1 -1 9 0 0 op. cit.,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 pp. 605 607, in addition to the statement to which reference was made in the preceding footnote and which was answered in point 3, above); thus, in general, also L. Boettner, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Roman Catholicism) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , Philadelphia, 1962, pp. 105, 106; and F. W. Grosheide, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 op. cit.,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 pp. 255, 256. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn16 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref16” L.N.T. (A. and G.) ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 W. F. Arndt and F. W. Gingrich, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn17 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref17” 607 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Cf. B. M. Metzger, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 The New Testament, its background, growth, and content) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 139. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn18 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref18” 608 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.21.36|AUTODETECT|” Note shall not overpower. This rendering does justice to the real as well as the etymological meaning of the verb which occurs here in the form of the 3rd per. fut. indic. of ��������. In the only other New Testament passages in which it occurs 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.21.36|AUTODETECT|” Luke 21:36) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.23.23|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.23.23|AUTODETECT|” 23:23) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) the meaning is slightly different. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn19 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref19” 609 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 N. B. Stonehouse, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 The Witness of Matthew and Mark to Christ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 235. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn20 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref20” 610 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 See S.BK. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 op. cit.,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 I, pp. 738, 739. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn21 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref21” 611 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Notice the use of perfect passive participles ��������� and ���������, after the copula ���� in each clause. To read these forms as periphrastics and then to interpret them as meaning that such beliefs and actions (and the persons who either keep clinging to them or abandon them) shall have been ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 previously) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 bound or loosed in heaven yields a very difficult and unnatural sense. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn22 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref22” 612 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Greek �������, pres. act. infin. of �������. 8:26 speaks of rebuking wind and sea; 17:18, a demon; 19:14; parents who were trying to bring their little ones to Jesus Sometimes the word is used in a slightly different sense, namely, to strictly forbid, to warn against (12:16; 16:20; cf. 20:31). Basically the verb means to award a ���� (penalty) �� (upon). ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn23 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref23” 613 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 For ��������� see footnote 293 on p. 303. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn24 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref24” 614 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Another difference is: 10:39 has two aorist participles: the finder & the loser, while 16:25 has relative clauses. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn25 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref25” 615 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.8.36|AUTODETECT|” The Greek has ��������� 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.8.36|AUTODETECT|” Mark 8:36) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.8.37|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.8.37|AUTODETECT|”
603. 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). As the parallelism indicates, ��� strengthens the idea of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 exchange,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 one object being traded, as it were, for another. See the author s doctoral dissertation, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 The Meaning of the Preposition) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ��� ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 in the New Testament) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 76. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn26 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref26” 616 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.6.10|AUTODETECT|” In addition to kingdom the Greek word �������� also has this abstract meaning kingship, royal reign or royal dignity, whichever of these suits the context best 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.6.10|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 6:10) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.17.21|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.17.21|AUTODETECT|” Luke 17:21) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.24|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.24|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 15:24) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ).)