Matthew 16:18 — "Upon This Rock"

Whether 'this rock' in Jesus's declaration to Peter refers to Peter himself, to Peter's confession of faith, or to Christ, and the implications for church authority and papal primacy.

Overall consensus76/100

Church of God (Anderson, Indiana)

Church of God (Anderson, Indiana)

Charismatic

Nuanced

Rock = Peter's faith-confession; Church built on Christ; no papal authority

The Church of God (Anderson) interprets Matthew 16:18 as the Church being founded upon the confession that Jesus is the Christ. Peter is instrumental but not the foundation. The Church of God rejects hierarchical church structures and papal authority.

Key Distinctions

Rock referent:
Christ-confession is foundation
Peter role:
instrumental
Papal primacy:

Scripture References

Sources

  • Church of God (Anderson) Doctrinal Statement
  • Wesleyan-Holiness Theology