Matthew 16:18 — "Upon This Rock"

Brethren in Christ interpret Matthew 16:18 as affirming Peter's confession of faith in Jesus as the Messiah. The 'rock' refers to Peter's faith and his witness to Christ, not to Peter's person establishing an ecclesiastical office. This reading aligns with Anabaptist ecclesiology, which rejects hierarchical church structures and clerical authority.

For BIC, the church's foundation rests on faith in Christ, lived out through discipleship and community discernment. Peter's role is apostolic teaching and leadership, not institutional authority. The passage supports congregational governance and the priesthood of all believers—core Anabaptist principles.