“Simon Peter …”
Summary: Names have meanings. Peter’s name has a very special meaning. The name “Simon” means “it is heard.” The name Peter means, “rock.” Who wants to hear about a rock? Maybe we all do!
Peter’s second letter in the New Testament is a short one. Speaking at a normal pace, a person can read the entire letter out loud in about the time it takes to cook pasta at a full boil. (If you like your pasta al dente, add a couple more minutes for the reading time.)
Peter begins his letter in the traditional way; he introduces himself. He begins with, “Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ.” The reason we are stopping at the first two words of the sentence has to do with how Peter got his name.
Originally, before meeting Jesus, Simon Peter was just “Simon.” Like almost all good Hebrew names, Simon’s name has a meaning. It means, “It is heard.” Then, along comes Jesus and tags Simon with a second name, Peter. The name Peter means “rock.”
When Peter introduces himself as “Simon Peter,” he is doing more than simply identifying who he is. He is also giving us his credentials. John’s Gospel explains:
“Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which, when translated, is Peter).” (John 1:40-42)
Peter’s introduction of himself points us to the story of how he was named. It authenticates his claim as an apostle. It ties him directly to Jesus. It does one other thing, too.
Throughout the Bible, Jesus is often referred to as a rock. Perhaps the most vivid use of the descriptor is found in the second chapter of Daniel. King Nebuchadnezzar had had a dream, and God chooses Daniel to be the recipient of its interpretation. In the dream all of the kingdoms of the earth are swept away by a rock, but not just any ordinary rock. They are swept away by Jesus. Daniel explains:
“…the rock that struck the statue became a huge mountain and filled the whole earth.” (Daniel 2: 35)
When Jesus gave Simon his new name, he gave him a name that points to Jesus himself. He gave him a name that carries a prophetic message: The Rock will be heard. The message of the Gospel is the Good News that Jesus is our Lord and he has freed us from the bonds of sin. The message of the Rock will be heard. And you know what? Jesus was right, the Rock has been heard.
Application: The levels of meaning in God’s Word are bottomless. Even the simple act of giving Peter a new name is full of meaning.
Food for Thought: What makes a rock a suitable metaphor for Christ?
Great to see this site back up with new material. I am excited.
There are many possible answers and verses going through my mind (thanks for bringing up Daniel 2), but this makes me think of one of my favorite Psalms: Psalm 62: 1-2, 5-8.
Thanks Rich!
Great reference!!
Is it wrong to say “You rock!”?
🙂
Oh boy. Here come the puns – but it was a good one 😉. That is the cold stone truth.
What makes a rock a suitable metaphor for Christ? There are many “platforms” that people try and build life life upon, either to believe in a sense a self-identify or to feel secure. In the end these things fail us because of our own sinful nature, or our inability to follow through with our resolve to “be better” or “do better.” Jesus is a rock because despite whatever we do, He is always there for us. It doesn’t mean we are free to sin, but that we are freed from sin. Matthew 7:24-27 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”
Nicely said, Chris!
Solid rock is the best foundation we can build on. Jesus is the best of the best.
When it comes to building having a foundation which will not move, sink, easily wear out, expand or contract, is stable, and can withstand the storms and elements without washing away.
The Lord Jesus Christ is a solid Rock who does not change, is stable, faithful, and a secure foundation upon which to place one faith, and build things which last into eternity is our Rock of Salvation, the Chief cornerstone of our faith and security.
He is our strong protection and defense in the trials and storms of life.
When the righteous flourish and still bear abundant fruit in their old age, they say Ps 92:15, “The Lord is my 🎸 Rock, there is no wickedness in Him.”
He is the Rock upon whom His Church is built Matt 16:18.
He is also either a stone which causes people to stumble, and a Rock which makes them fall, or (and this is a much better and wiser choice) the one in whom your trust is put. “The one who trusts in Him will never be put to shame.” Romans 9:33.
As someone who has a tendency to stumble or fall may I strongly recommend trusting Him not just once, but every day and moment.
He is trustworthy and faithful. He knows the right path.
Jeff,
So true! The Rock is immovable. We are wise if we recognize that and act accordingly.
I’m glad to see you here again. I hope your down time was energizing and filled with blessings!
Lisa,
Thank you for the encouragement! It has been an interesting pause. At the very least I feel I have gained some perspective that I did not have before.
He is Rock that can talk,..the Rock that can roll,..the Rock that can sooth the soul,..
Even the stones will cry out,..Hosannah, Hosannah,..glory to God in the highest
Look what that little stone did in the weapon David used to knock out Goliath,..I bet that little stone was singing all the way and even after it sunk into his head,..maybe singing something like,..Holy, Holy, Holy will be your head Goliath,..okay that has some work to do,..
Anyway,..hey it’s great to have you back at the helm Jeff
Much appreciated,…
John,
GREAT to hear you, too!! I love your rendition of David’s rock and Goliath! Thank you!