More here than meets the eye!
Matt 16:15-19
15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
1 Timothy 2:5
For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
How is it that Peter is operating as a mediator between the Father (God) and the apostles (men) with Jesus approving? Why is Peter allowed to act as mediator?
Matt 17:24-27
24 And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute?
25 He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers?
26 Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free.
27 Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.
Jesus identifies Himself with Peter!
Why only Jesus & Peter?
Why not all the apostles if they are equal with peter?
Here Peter acts as mediator between men & God! (Jesus Christ)
Again Peter is allowed by Christ to act as mediator?
Is Peter being prepared to act for Christ is His church when Christ ascends to heaven?
Not peters confession of faith but Gods, the Father’s revelation about Christ!
Peter is only the mouthpiece of the Father, to bring truth to the apostles!
Apostolic church is the mouthpiece
Truth to the nations!
God chose Peter! Acts 15:7
And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago (referring to matt 16:18) God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.
Again Peter acting as mediator between God and men and is the teacher who acts in union with Christ our teacher. Heb 1:1-3
Why does the father teach the apostles thru Peter when christ is right there?
Christ defers unto peter to be the minister of this truth, why?
Christ is establishing peter the head and chief minister of His church!
Apostles learn the true faith from God thru Peter!
Jn 21:15-17
15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
Again Peter is united with Christ acting as mediator between God and men as Christ’s personal representative at Christ’s command!
Your insights are welcome!