Matthew 16: Peter, The Church Builder
You are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church…
Matthew 16:18 (NKJV)
Considering Matthew 16:18, scholars debate this rock's identity. Is it Peter, the new church’s founder? Or is that title for Jesus alone? Surely, Jesus IS the 'Chief Cornerstone' (Ephesians 2:20).
Background: In ancient-day building projects, the cornerstone was a reference stone: the first rock and pivotal starting point.
Christ laid down His Life in this position. Even so, more stones were necessary to complete the rest of the foundation. If these stones could be His first disciples, then Peter was appointed to lead them.
Actors, models, and talent for Christ:
How has today’s church developed since then?
Were some expansions built on greed and pride?
Has the true Foundation been forgotten?
Did sly builders pour slipshod concrete slabs?
Have weaker stones slipped in between the cracks?
Were some pulpits made from unseasoned wood?
Have we been fooled by thick paint and sweet words?
As the crew chief of the earliest church, Peter became a rock among his kin. As their Teacher did, they laid down their lives to form and build the church's first model: a beautiful work of simplicity made through unbreakable humility.
Therefore, in this age of FAKE EVERYTHING, be certain your own church community is built solidly on Christ’s foundation. Study His Word as your own Cornerstone. Because without following His design, crafty “pastors” still fool the uninformed.
Matthew 16: Peter, The Church Builder (Part 13)
* Although several distinguished commentaries on Matthew 16:18 are listed here, I prefer Matthew Poole's. Understandably, these 18th and 19th-century protestant Bible scholars strongly disagreed with the Catholic church's elevation of popes, as infallible human heads of God's church descended directly from Peter. Their non-questioned, celebrity status was not in keeping with the example or directions of Jesus. That being said, neither are many modern-day celebrity pastors.
* Scroll down to see Matthew Poole's Commentary on Matthew 16:18: Matthew 16:18 Commentaries: "I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church
NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God! We’re ALL called to be actors (action stars) for Jesus. We’re ALL called to models of Jesus, and we ALL have gifts, talents, and callings from God– to multiply them in the world for His glory.
P.S. NO DEVOTION, PREACHER, or SERMON… can begin to replace personal time in the Bible. I wholeheartedly and clear-headedly recommend READING THE BIBLE DAILY.
WARNING: Don’t focus on favorite verses, because out of context, they’re often misinterpreted. I plead with you to READ AT LEAST 1 BIBLE CHAPTER DAILY. How long does it take? An average of 5 to 10 minutes!