"See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ"- The Holy Bible, Colossians 2:8

Catholics interpret the following Bible quote to designate Peter as the first Pope. Therefore, lets look at this passage and examine it more closely.

They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it." Matthew 16:14-18

There is a declaration made by Peter that Jesus is the son of God. That declaration is the foundation message of the Church. Because there is a tendency to read this passage and walk away with the notion that Peter is somehow the foundation of the Church, we need to examine this further.

Let me explain:

17] Jesus replied, Blessed are you Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven

18] And I tell you that are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church… now what does that mean.

A. Is Jesus saying –Peter is the foundation of church ?

B. I hope not –-- because just 5 verses later – he calls Peter Satan. 23} Jesus said to Peter, get behind me Satan.

(1) Jesus reached behind Peter - and pointed out that Satan was controlling Peter.

• It is not a question of whether we like Peter ---- but I don’t think he is the rock upon which the church is standing.

what’s going on here -- is Jesus is using a play on words – between Peter and Himself.

18] And I tell you that you are Peter… stop there.

A. Peter is derived from Greek word petros,

B. Petros -- means a small stone. Small rock.

18] And I tell you that are Peter (small rock), and upon this rock …

A. Rock there is from the Greek word petra.

B. Which meant a ----- great mountainous rock.

So the play on words--- is easy to see.

C. Peter you are a little stone –

D. But the statement you just made. That I am the Christ the Son of the living God

(1) That statement is the foundation – the corner stone upon which I will build my church.

(2) That is the key to unlocking the gates of hell.

(3) The song is not: On Peter solid rock I stand

(4) On Christ ---- the solid rock we stand

The church that Christ builds has a penetrating message