How long do you have to study how to study the Bible to know how to study the Bible? I don’t know, but I know after spending a semester in Hermeneutics, and it was a great experience, I still have no clue what is going on in a passage half the time. Kevin Bywater lead the Summit Oxford group today in a discussion on Matt 16’s sharp passage wherein mild mannered Jesus responds “Get behind me Satan!” The question—Who is Jesus talking to in Matt 16:23? The whole passage is supprising…
The answer to the last question is easy: “But Jesus turned and said to Peter…” He was not talking to Satan. Or was he? That is difficult. Kevin turned our gaze to context, which never helps until someone points it out, and then it is obvious. Ch 16 flitters with the theme of naming—“who do people say that I am?” Jesus asks. In response, Peter makes his great confession of Christ: “You are the Christ the son of the living God.” And how does Jesus respond to this? He gives him a name—Peter, meaning Rock—and he explains the source of Peter’s statement—it is from God, not man. Peter makes a confession, Jesus gives Peter a name and tells the source of Peter’s statement. Does this at all look familiar?
If you are like me, you will answer….No. But it is familiar. What does the “get behind me Satan” sequence look like? Peter rebukes Jesus, and Jesus doesn’t like that, so he gives Peter a name—Satan. Peter is called a stumbling stone (rock), and the source of his rebuke is given—man, and not God.
What is going on here? I am not sure, but certainly something! And I think that is happening far more than we (myself included) realize. I have seen today that my Biblical eyes are not nearly as perceptive as they could and should be, and I am sure many reminders of this truth await me in the future. I hope this has served to sharpen your vision, as I did for me.
Nick, not only do i admire your blogs, i have been inspired to start my own. This is a great way to think openly and allow others to comment on what you think and write. Hope Oxford is going well. Trying the best i can to be consistent with praying for you.
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