New Testament Stories

Peter is Given His Name

And Simon Peter answered and said, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God." Matthew 16:16

                              One day Jesus asked His disciples, "Who do people say that I am?"

     They told Him, "Some say you are John the Baptist. Some say Elijah, or one of the other prophets come back to life."

     "But who do you say that I am?" He asked.

     Simon Peter said, "You are the Christ, the Messiah, the Son of the Living God."

     Jesus said, "You are blessed, Simon, son of Jonah. Nobody on earth told you these things. God in heaven told you. And from this day on I will call you Peter, which means 'the rock'. On this rock I will build my church, and not even death will be able to defeat this church. Peter, I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you forbid on earth, will be forbidden in heaven. Whatever you allow on earth, will be allowed in heaven."

     Then He told them, "Don't tell anyone else that I am the Christ."