The rock referred to in Matthew 16:18 has been a source of much debate amongst Christians throughout history. In this verse, Jesus says to Peter, “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” The key question is, what or who does “this rock” refer to? There are several main interpretations:
Peter as the rock
The traditional Catholic view is that “this rock” refers to Peter himself. According to this perspective, Jesus is saying that He will build His church on Peter, implying that Peter will be the foundation of the church. As the first pope, Peter is considered the original leader of the church. This interpretation sees Peter as having a special role and authority given to him by Christ.
Those who hold this view point to other verses that seem to give Peter special status, such as Jesus giving him the keys to the kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 16:19) and telling Peter to feed His sheep (John 21:15-17). The Greek word for Peter (Petros) also connects to the word for rock (petra).
Peter’s confession as the rock
Other Christians believe that while Peter had an important early leadership role, the “rock” that the church is built on is Peter’s confession of Jesus as the Christ and Son of God (Matthew 16:16). This confession of who Jesus is forms the foundation of Christian belief.
Those with this interpretation say that if the rock is taken to mean Peter, it would imply that the church was built upon a man and not God. They also point to the distinction between Petros (“Peter” in Greek) and petra (“rock”), seeing petra as referring to Peter’s foundational confession rather than Peter himself.
Christ as the rock
Some Protestants, along with some in the Orthodox tradition, believe that the “rock” being referred to is Jesus Christ Himself. He is the foundation and cornerstone of the church, the solid rock upon which it is built.
Scriptures such as 1 Corinthians 3:11 and Ephesians 2:20 are cited to show Christ as the true foundation. From this perspective, Peter’s role was still important but was as an apostle testifying to the truth of Christ, not the foundation that the church is built upon.
Evangelical perspectives
Among modern evangelical Protestants, there is debate around whom or what the “rock” refers to. Some maintain the view of Christ Himself as the rock. Others propose a mix of views, seeing Peter’s role or confession as significant but not ultimate – only Christ can be the true foundation.
There is a general consensus that Peter did have an important early leadership role in the church. But the exact meaning of “this rock” continues to be discussed from an evangelical perspective.
Significance for modern readers
This debate around Matthew 16:18 brings up meaningful questions for believers today: What is the foundation of our faith built upon? What is the basis for the church’s existence and authority? How should church leadership function?
While interpretations may differ, there are important themes relevant to all Christians: The foundational importance of Jesus Christ and His identity, the need for divinely revealed truth rather than human wisdom, and the purpose of church leaders to proclaim the gospel rather than relying on human personality or structure.
As we interpret this Scripture, it is wise to do so with humility and openness to hear from God. We can all agree that Jesus alone is the cornerstone of our faith, that truth comes from Him, and that the church exists to make His name known.
Peter as a leader and apostle
Regardless of the exact meaning of the “rock,” Peter did clearly have a position of leadership and authority in the early church. After Jesus ascended to heaven, it was Peter who preached the sermon at Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended and the church was established (Acts 2). He took the initiative to find a replacement for Judas as one of the twelve apostles (Acts 1:15-26). The book of Acts records his role as a spokesperson for the apostles and leader of the growing Jerusalem church.
Peter traveled spreading the gospel and strengthening churches. He performed miracles, spoke with boldness, and wrote letters that teach core doctrines. Along with the original twelve disciples, he is described as a “foundation” of the New Testament church (Ephesians 2:20).
So while modern believers may disagree on the precise interpretation of Matthew 16:18, there is no doubt that Peter functioned as an authoritative leader and apostle chosen by Jesus Himself.
Lessons from Peter’s life
Peter was far from a perfect leader – he denied knowing Jesus three times during His trial. But after the resurrection, Peter repented and went on to serve with courage and conviction. Studying his life provides many lessons for Christians today in how we should seek to live and lead:
- Peter was transformed when he realized who Jesus truly was – the Son of God. We must build our lives on this truth.
- Despite his failings, God still used Peter in powerful ways. We should cling to grace rather than perfectionism.
- Peter learned to be bold in proclaiming Christ, even facing persecution. We are called to be courageous witnesses.
- Peter shepherded the early believers with care and humility. Church leaders should follow his example of servant leadership.
As rocky and flawed as Peter was, Christ still chose him and changed him. Peter rose to the task and calling placed before him. His legacy invites us to do likewise as we seek to declare the gospel to the world.
Interpretations in church history
Throughout church history, Matthew 16:18 has often been a source of debate and division. Here is a brief overview of how this verse has been interpreted by key figures and traditions over the centuries:
- Early Church Fathers (1st – 5th centuries) – Many early church fathers including Tertullian, Cyprian, John Chrysostom, and Augustine saw the verse as referring to Peter as central to the church.
- Reformation (16th century) – Martin Luther saw the “rock” as referring not to Peter, but to Christ alone. John Calvin also viewed the “rock” as referring to Peter’s confession of Christ, not Peter himself.
- Catholic Counter-Reformation (16th century) – At the Council of Trent, the Catholic church strongly reaffirmed Peter being the rock spoken of by Jesus, in defense against Protestant teaching.
- Modern era – Interpretations remain varied on the exact meaning. The Catholic church maintains Peter as the rock. Protestants emphasize Christ or Peter’s confession as central.
Again we see that this Scripture has been viewed differently across church history. But a uniting theme is that the foundation of Christianity rests on Jesus Christ and the truths of who He is as handed down to us from the original apostles.
Was Peter viewed as a “pope”?
The Catholic church sees Peter’s position in Matthew 16 as biblical evidence for the papacy – the unbroken line of popes beginning with Peter who led the church. However, there are several important considerations in evaluating Peter’s role from a biblical standpoint compared to later popes:
- Peter was married (Matthew 8:14, Luke 4:38), unlike Catholic popes.
- Peter never took for himself the title of pope, which means papa or father.
- Peter saw himself as a fellow elder (1 Peter 5:1) not a bishop over other bishops.
- Peter was sent particularly to the Jews (Galatians 2:7-8) unlike popes who lead the global church.
- Peter never exercised sole authority but worked together with other apostles and elders (Acts 15).
Based on these factors, most Protestants see significant differences between Peter’s original apostolic role and the later papacy. While Peter had unique authority as an apostle, they do not see biblical evidence for the level of institutional authority claimed by later popes and the Catholic church.
Conclusion
In summary, Matthew 16:18 and the famous “rock” passage present some key points to take away:
- Jesus was establishing His church which would prevail against opposition.
- There is debate historically over whether the “rock” refers to Peter, his confession, or Christ.
- Peter played an authoritative role in the early church as an apostle chosen by Christ.
- The true foundation of the church is Jesus Christ and the truth of who He is.
- Church leaders should follow Peter’s example of courage, care for believers, and proclaiming the gospel.
The exact interpretation of the “rock” may continue to be discussed. But the truths that Jesus is building His church and desires us to share in that mission remain timeless for Christians today.
