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

Seventh Day Baptist General Conference

Seventh Day Baptist General Conference

Other Protestant

Nuanced

Peter as foundational; rejects papal primacy; Christ as the ultimate rock

Seventh Day Baptists interpret Matthew 16:18 ('upon this rock I will build my church') to affirm Peter's foundational role in the early church while firmly rejecting any doctrine of papal succession or primacy. The 'rock' (petros/petra) is understood to refer to Peter and his confession of faith, making him a foundational apostle.

Key Distinctions

Rock referent:
Peter role:
foundational apostle; not a papal successor
Papal primacy:

Scripture References

Sources

  • Seventh-day Baptist General Conference Statement of Belief