1Then the Pharisees and Sadducees came and tested Jesus by asking Him to show them a sign from heaven.
2But He replied, “When evening comes, you say, ‘The weather will be fair, for the sky is red,’
3and in the morning, ‘Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but not the signs of the times.
4A wicked and adulterous generation demands a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah.” Then He left them and went away.
5When they crossed to the other side, the disciples forgot to take bread.
6“Watch out!” Jesus told them. “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”
7They discussed this among themselves and concluded, “It is because we did not bring any bread.”
8Aware of their conversation, Jesus said, “You of little faith, why are you debating among yourselves about having no bread?
9Do you still not understand? Do you not remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered?
10Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered?
11How do you not understand that I was not telling you about bread? But beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”
12Then they understood that He was not telling them to beware of the leaven used in bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
13When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, He questioned His disciples: “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”
14They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
15“But what about you?” Jesus asked. “Who do you say I am?”
16Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
17Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by My Father in heaven.
18And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.
19I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”
20Then He admonished the disciples not to tell anyone that He was the Christ.
21From that time on Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and that He must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.
22Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. “Far be it from You, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to You!”
23But Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me. For you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.”
24Then Jesus told His disciples, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.
25For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.
26What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?
27For the Son of Man will come in His Father’s glory with His angels, and then He will repay each one according to what he has done.
28Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.”
Matthew 16 Verse Notes
Matt 16:13-16
Disagreements in Peter's Confession
The accounts of Peter's confession at Caesarea Philippi show specific disagreements. Matthew and Mark agree on naming the location, while Luke omits it. Matthew's question includes 'Son of Man,' unlike Mark and Luke's 'I am.' Matthew also adds 'Jeremiah' to the list of possible identities for Jesus, and Peter's confession of Jesus as 'Messiah' is uniquely elaborated in each Gospel.
Summarized by AI · Did Q Exist? · Lecture 1: The Synoptic Problem · watch the clip
Humanity's Twinship with Jesus in Thomas
The Gospel of Thomas presents a radical message that humans are not fundamentally different from Jesus, sharing the same divine nature and celestial origins. This is highlighted in a pivotal scene where Jesus asks his disciples who he is, and Thomas, through spiritual insight, understands that those who grasp Jesus's message are 'like Jesus.' This concept of 'twinship' with Jesus, possibly alluded to by Thomas's name meaning 'twin,' is central to the gospel's ideology, suggesting that humanity's destiny is to realize this inherent siblinghood with Jesus.
Summarized by AI · The New Testament: Exploring the Christian Bible · Lecture 13: The Lost Gospels | Stories From the Shadows · watch the clip
Matt 16:13-14
New Testament passages suggest reincarnation was a known concept
Some New Testament passages, though not explicitly endorsing reincarnation, show that the idea was present in the cultural consciousness. For instance, people wondered if Jesus was Elijah or John the Baptist returned, implying a belief in a soul's return. Additionally, the disciples' question about a man born blind, asking if he or his parents sinned, suggests a pre-birth sin, which would only be possible if the man had lived before.
Summarized by AI · Bart D. Ehrman · YouTube · Did Early Christians Believe in Reincarnation? · watch the clip
Matt 16:13
Agreement on Unusual Place Name: Caesarea Philippi
Matthew and Mark both refer to the location of Peter's confession as 'Caesarea Philippi,' an unusual name for the region at the time of Mark's writing, which was more commonly known as Panas or Neronias. This shared use of an uncommon place name strongly suggests a literary relationship between Matthew and Mark.
Summarized by AI · Did Q Exist? · Lecture 1: The Synoptic Problem · watch the clip
Jesus' Identity in the Synoptic Gospels
In the earliest gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke), Jesus never explicitly calls himself God. His primary focus is on God's coming kingdom, the need for repentance, and ethical behavior. He says very little about his own identity, and when he does, it's not a claim of divinity.
Summarized by AI · Paul and Jesus: The Great Divide · Lecture 1: Who Was Jesus According to Jesus? · watch the clip
Matt 16:16
Synoptic Gospels share John's Christological focus
The Synoptic Gospels, like John's, also present Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God. Matthew's Gospel, for instance, uses this title in Peter's confession and during Jesus's trial before Caiaphas. Mark's Gospel similarly portrays the high priest asking if Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed, to which Jesus affirms.
Summarized by AI · The Mysteries of the Synoptic Gospels: Discovering Matthew, Mark, and Luke · Lecture 16: Why Were the Synoptic Gospels Written? · watch the clip
Matthew's Portrayal of Jesus
Matthew portrays Jesus in multifaceted ways, not limiting him to a single category. Jesus is depicted as a new Moses, delivering an interpretation of the law on the 'Sermon on the Mount' (Matthew 5-7), akin to Moses receiving the law on Mount Sinai. He is also presented as a prophet, the Son of God, and the savior of the world. However, Matthew does not portray Jesus as a pre-existent, incarnate God, a concept more prominent in the Gospel of John.
Summarized by AI · Bart D. Ehrman · YouTube · The Disturbing Views of God and Suffering in the Book of Job · watch the clip
Matt 16:17-19
Luke's apparent ignorance of Matthew's additions to Mark
Another argument for Q is that Luke seems unaware of Matthew's unique additions to Mark in triple tradition passages. For instance, Luke omits Matthew's expansion of the cornfield story, Peter walking on water, and the praise for Peter at the confession of Caesarea Philippi. This suggests Luke did not have access to Matthew's Gospel.
Summarized by AI · Did Q Exist? · Lecture 4: The Case Against Q · watch the clip
Matt 16:18-19
Peter's 'keys to the kingdom' signify apostolic authority
In Matthew 16, Jesus designates Peter as 'the rock' and gives him 'the keys to the kingdom of heaven,' granting him the power to 'bind and loose' on Earth. This passage signifies Peter's leadership among the apostles and their collective authority to continue Jesus's work, proclaiming the good news and baptizing, thereby opening the possibility of salvation and heaven for believers.
Summarized by AI · Bart D. Ehrman · YouTube · Who Really Wrote the Gospel of John? · watch the clip
Gospels as foundational texts and competing narratives
The Gospels, particularly Luke and John, function as foundational texts for the life of Jesus, establishing an ideal Israel (in Matthew) or institutional structures (like Peter as the 'rock'). This aligns with the role of epic literature, such as Homer's or Virgil's works, which also served as foundational narratives. In the first century, the Gospels would have been acutely aware of and potentially competing with Virgil's narrative.
Summarized by AI · Bart D. Ehrman · YouTube · Is the New Testament Actually Greek Literature? · watch the clip
Matt 16:18
Peter as the 'rock' of the church
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus renames Simon as Peter (meaning 'rock') and declares that he will build his church upon this 'rock'. This passage is foundational for understanding Peter's unique role and authority within early Christianity.
Summarized by AI · Did Peter Hate Paul? Apostolic Conflict in the Early Church · Lecture 1: Two Apostles Head-to-Head (And Toe-to-Toe?) · watch the clip
Jesus' Intentions for Judaism
Historically, Jesus did not intend to create a new religion but rather sought to reform Judaism. He believed he had the correct understanding of the Torah and God's teachings, aiming to show what Judaism was meant to be. His disciples, however, after his death and perceived resurrection, came to believe he was the path to salvation, which ultimately led to the formation of Christianity.
Summarized by AI · Bart D. Ehrman · YouTube · One God Among Many: Rethinking the God of the Bible · watch the clip
Peter as the Rock of the Church
The office of the Pope is traditionally associated with Peter, based on the idea that Jesus designated Peter as the 'rock' upon which his church would be built. This concept implies a succession of authority to govern the church, as described in the Gospels.
Summarized by AI · Bart D. Ehrman · YouTube · Where Does Papal Authority Come From? · watch the clip
Peter's Leadership Among Apostles
By the second century, church fathers like Irenaeus articulated the idea that Peter was established as the leader among the apostles. He was also considered by some to be the founder of the church in Rome, which became the seat of the bishop.
Summarized by AI · Bart D. Ehrman · YouTube · Where Does Papal Authority Come From? · watch the clip
Peter as Foundation for Church Leadership
The church has always considered it essential to have a central figure, with Peter imagined as the one who emerged among the twelve apostles in a leadership position. He is seen as providing the foundational 'rock' for the church's future decision-making and representation of its identity.
Summarized by AI · Bart D. Ehrman · YouTube · Where Does Papal Authority Come From? · watch the clip
Peter's Nickname 'Rock'
Jesus gave Simon the nickname 'Peter,' meaning 'Rock' (Petros in Greek, Cephas in Aramaic). This nickname is ironic given Peter's often rash, impetuous, and unsteady character, exemplified by his denials of Jesus. The portrayal of Peter as imperfect but forgiven offered hope to early Christians.
Summarized by AI · Bart D. Ehrman · YouTube · Was Peter a Rock or Shifting Sand? Jesus' Closest Disciple in History and Legend. · watch the clip
Matt 16:21
Jesus' Predictions of His Suffering and Resurrection
In the Gospels, particularly Mark, Jesus explicitly predicts his future suffering, rejection, execution, and resurrection in Jerusalem. These predictions appear starting halfway through Mark and are replicated in Matthew and Luke, with John presenting similar ideas. Some passages also state that his death would be for the sake of others.
Summarized by AI · Bart D. Ehrman · YouTube · Did Jesus Have to Suffer? Trying to Make Sense of a Troubling View · watch the clip
Gospels Reflect Post-Resurrection Beliefs
While the Gospels depict Jesus predicting his death and resurrection as central to salvation, this reflects the post-resurrection beliefs of their authors. The earliest followers, after believing in the resurrection, concluded that Jesus' death was a divine sacrifice for sins, a connection made years before Paul's conversion.
Summarized by AI · Bart D. Ehrman · YouTube · Is Paul the Founder of Christianity? · watch the clip
Jesus' Prediction of Death and Resurrection
The gospel accounts of Jesus predicting his own death and resurrection raise questions about the nature of his suffering. If Jesus knew he would be resurrected, it could be argued that his suffering was somewhat mitigated. Historically, it's unlikely Jesus made these predictions; rather, his later followers, knowing of his crucifixion and belief in his resurrection, attributed these prophecies to him to show he was not caught by surprise and that his death and resurrection were part of a divine plan for salvation.
Summarized by AI · Bart D. Ehrman · YouTube · Our Two-Year Anniversary! A Live Q&A with Bart · watch the clip
Matt 16:23
Peter's Stumbling Block and the Crucified Christ
Matthew depicts Peter and the disciples as repeatedly 'tripped up' or 'offended' (scandalon) by the idea of Jesus' suffering and crucifixion. This is evident when Jesus calls Peter 'Satan' and a 'hindrance' (scandalon) in Matthew 16:23 for rejecting the idea of his suffering. This narrative choice suggests Matthew's intention to emphasize that the true gospel, even for Jews, must embrace the concept of a crucified Messiah.
Summarized by AI · The Mysteries of the Synoptic Gospels: Discovering Matthew, Mark, and Luke · Lecture 14: Did Matthew Try to "Re-Judaize" Jesus? · watch the clip
Matt 16:24-26
Disagreements in Taking Up the Cross
In the saying about taking up one's cross, Matthew and Mark agree on mentioning 'disciples,' while Luke addresses 'everyone.' Luke also uniquely adds 'daily' to the command to take up the cross, and his concluding phrase about 'destroying or losing himself' differs from Matthew and Mark's simpler 'losing.' These variations reveal distinct editorial choices.
Summarized by AI · Did Q Exist? · Lecture 1: The Synoptic Problem · watch the clip
Matt 16:24
Disciples Must Suffer to Follow
Jesus instructs his disciples that following him requires them to suffer and 'take up their cross.' This teaching emphasizes service and sacrifice over worldly greatness, promising a glorious afterlife as an incentive for enduring hardship in this life.
Summarized by AI · Bart D. Ehrman · YouTube · Did Jesus Suffer During His Crucifixion? (Depends Which Gospel You Read!) · watch the clip
Sacrifice for others and the afterlife
Jesus did not promote personal contentment (eudaimonia) in this life as the ultimate goal. His call to 'take up your cross and follow me' implies self-sacrifice for others. While this contrasts with Greek philosophy's focus on earthly happiness, Jesus did promise a form of eudaimonia in the coming Kingdom of God, shifting the focus to an afterlife reward.
Summarized by AI · Bart D. Ehrman · YouTube · Did Jesus Invent Modern Morality? Exploring Ancient Ethics · watch the clip
Prosperity Gospel vs. Jesus' Teachings
The Prosperity Gospel, which claims God wants believers to be rich in return for giving to the church, directly contradicts Jesus' teachings. Jesus taught self-sacrifice and giving up wealth for the coming Kingdom, not personal enrichment. He stated it was easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, emphasizing poverty over wealth.
Summarized by AI · Bart D. Ehrman · YouTube · Do Fundamentalists (Actually) Follow Jesus? · watch the clip
Matt 16:27-28
Imminent Heavenly Savior and Judge
Both Paul and Jesus believed that a heavenly savior and judge, such as a Son of Man or messianic figure, would soon come from heaven to execute God's judgment. They both felt an urgency to preach the gospel, proclaiming the good news of God's imminent intervention to establish good and eradicate evil, and urging people to prepare for salvation from the coming judgment.
Summarized by AI · Paul and Jesus: The Great Divide · Lecture 8: Did Paul and Jesus Have the Same Religion? · watch the clip
