Bible Commentaries

Pharisees and Sadducees. See note on Matthew 3:7. They wanted to trap him. They had already made up their minds about Jesus, and they had rejected the miracles he had just done. Now they ask for a "sign from heaven" which only God could do—to "prove" to them that he works by God's power. (See 1 Corinthians 1:22.)

But Jesus answered. He reminds them of what they already know—that the signs in the sky indicate what the weather will be like. But you cannot interpret the signs. They could "read" the weather in the sky, but they were "blind" to the signs concerning these times. Old Testament prophecies were coming true in Jesus and the things he was doing. These showed clearly the Jewish Age was about to close and Messiah's Kingdom was about to be set up (Acts 2:16-21).

The miracle of Jonah. When they saw this miracle, they would know he was the Son of God! See Matthew 12:38-40.

When the disciples crossed over. To the eastern shore of Lake Galilee. They forgot to take any bread. They were going to Caesarea Philippi and would need extra food, since they were going through a deserted area. Mark says they had one loaf, but no extra (Mark 8:14-21).

The yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Their need for bread gave the opportunity for this teaching. "Influence" spreads like yeast, and the influence of the Pharisees and Sadducees was evil. [Mark says: "of Herod." Herod and his followers were Sadducees.]

They started discussing among themselves. The disciples felt guilty about their carelessness, and this was all they could think about—so they really did not listen to what Jesus was saying. They thought that they were being scolded because they forgot to bring extra bread. How is it that you don't understand? They knew how Jesus had fed the five thousand and the four thousand. Jesus tells them plainly that it is not bread he is speaking about. The influence of the Pharisees and Sadducees did not seem to be as evil as it really was, so that those not on their guard against it could be tricked into sinning.

Then the disciples understood. He made it so plain they could not misunderstand. He was warning them against false teaching.

Near the town of Caesarea Philippi. Near Mount Hermon in north-east Palestine. Herod Philip rebuilt this town and called it "Caesarea Philippi" to honor himself, also to avoid confusion with Caesarea on the coast of the Mediterranean. Who do they say the Son of Man is? "Son of Man" is a favorite expression of Jesus (see Luke 22:69-70). He is not asking about what the Pharisees, Sadducees, and teachers of the Law say. He asks: "Who do the common people say that I am?"

Some say John the Baptist. Who had been killed by Herod Antipas a few months before. This Herod seemed to think John the Baptist had come back to life and was now able to work miracles (Matthew 14:2). Many of the people seemed to believe this also [likely those who had never seen John]. Others say Elijah. Prophecy spoke of Elijah's return (Malachi 4:5). Elijah himself did return at the Transfiguration (Luke 9:30) Jesus identified John the Baptist as [spiritual] Elijah. See Luke 1:17; Matthew 11:14; Matthew 17:10-13. Others say Jeremiah. The Jews believed that all the prophets would return to earth when the Messiah came.

Who do you say I am? This is the KEY question which every human being must answer for themself. The disciples must declare their faith.

Simon Peter answered. He spoke immediately, putting into words what the others believed also, You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God. This declaration says that Jesus is both the Messiah (Christ means the same thing) and Divine [God in human form—see John 1:1-5]. What Peter declares here, sets the pattern for all the followers of Jesus, and is the very foundation stone of the church which Jesus built.

Good for you, Simon, son of John. Jesus here gives Peter's full name to emphasize what he is saying. Because this truth. Human reasoning did not tell him this. The Jews did not expect the Messiah to be Divine. No one can make this declaration from the heart unless the Holy Spirit has revealed this to him through the message of the Gospel (1 John 4:1-2; 1 Corinthians 12:3). God spoke to Peter directly. God speaks to us through his Son—that John 1:42). "Peter" means a single stone. And on the rock foundation. Here Jesus uses a word that means a large mass of solid rock—the "rock foundation." Peter's confession in Matthew 16:16 clearly identifies this "rock foundation" as Jesus himself. Paul writes: "For God has already placed Jesus Christ as the one and only foundation, and no other foundation can be laid" (1 Corinthians 3:11). Jesus uses two different forms of the word for rock: PETROS—Peter, a single stone: PETRA—rock foundation, a large mass of rock. I will build my church. Future—as Jesus says this; fact—in 1 Peter 2:5; Ephesians 2:22); (3) the rock foundation for that Temple-Jesus himself; (4) an enemy—death—which will oppose the building of the church; (5) a key-holder who will open the door. [Gates of hades is a symbolic phrase which meant "Death" and "the powers of death,"] Which not even death. The Jewish leaders believed that death would end the claims of Jesus, and make it impossible for him to set up his Kingdom. But it was not possible for death to overcome Jesus (Acts 2:24). Death could not prevent his rising from death to set up his spiritual Kingdom. Death cannot destroy the church (Kingdom) by capturing the people who make up the church. All the powers of the Devil and Hell cannot defeat the Plan of God! Jesus raised from death as the guarantee that we too will be raised!