PETER/He Was Loyal in the Face of Tests - Loyal When Corrected

 Again, Peter was quick to respond.  He put into clear words the conclusion that had formed the hearts of many there.  "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God," he said.  We can imagine Jesus giving Peter a smile of approval as He commended him warmly.  Jesus reminded Peter that it was Jehovah God-not any man-who had made this vital truth so plain to those with genuine faith.  Peter had been enabled to discern one of the greatest truths Jehovah had yet revealed-the identity of the long-promised Messiah, or Christ! - Read MATTHEW 16:16, 17.

This Christ was the one called in ancient prophecy a stone that the builders would reject. (Psalm 118:22; Luke 20:17)  With such prophecies in mind, Jesus revealed that Jehovah would establish a congregation on the very stone, or rock-mass, that Peter had identified.  Then he bestowed on Peter some very important privileges in that congregation.  He did not give Peter primacy over the over apostles, as some have assumed, but he gave him responsibilities. He gave Peter "the keys of the kingdom." (Matthew 16:19)  It would be Peter's privilege to open the hope of entering into God's Kingdom to three different fields of mankind- first to the Jews, then to the Samaritans, and finally to the Gentiles, or non-Jews.

Next time: PETER/He Was Loyal in the Face of Tests -Loyal When Corrected

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