ISB ~ Matthew 16 v17

Blessed are you:Jesus blesses Peter and elevates him to be the chief patriarch of the New Covenant.

• Parallels between Genesis and Jesus’ words (16:17-19) suggest that Peter assumes a role in salvation history similar to Abraham’s. (1) Both are blessed by God (Gen 14:19); (2) both respond with heroic faith (Heb 11:8); (3) both receive a divine mission (Gen 12:1-3); (4) both have their names changed (Gen 17:5); (5) both are called a “rock” (Is 51:1-2); and (6) both are assured a victory over the “gate” of their enemies (Gen 22:17). Simon Bar-Jona: Literally means “Simon son of Jonah”. Since Peter’s father is actually named “John” (Jn 1:42), the title may be symbolic. (1) Jesus’ role as a new Jonah (12:39-41) may suggest he views Peter as his spiritual son. (2) Since the Hebrew name “Jonah” means “dove”, Jesus may point to the relationship between Peter and the Holy Spirit. Indeed, the same Spirit who confirmed Jesus’ Sonship in the form of a dove (3:16) now inspires Peter’s confession.

flesh and blood:A Semitic idiom for human beings, emphasizing their natural limitations and weaknesses (Sir 14:18; Gal 1:16).