The challenge that Peter can't be the rock in Matthew 16:18 because God is the rock in Isaiah 51:1 misunderstands the way metaphors work, as metaphors can be used to refer to non-divine individuals like Peter.
Metaphors are used in various ways and can have different meanings in different passages, so the objection that Peter considers Jesus the rock is insubstantial as these metaphors must be interpreted primarily with reference to their immediate contexts.
Deep dives
Peter as the Rock
The challenge that Peter can't be the rock in Matthew 16:18 because God is the rock in Isaiah 51:1 misunderstands the way metaphors work. Whether Isaiah is referring to God or Abraham as the rock, it does not exclude Peter from being called the rock. Jesus giving Peter the nickname Peter or Rock shows that the metaphor of a rock can be used to refer to non-divine individuals.
Interpreting Metaphors
Metaphors are not used in a single way and can have different meanings in different passages. The objection that Peter considers Jesus the rock is insubstantial because metaphors are commonly used variously. In different passages, Jesus is compared to a builder, a foundation, a cornerstone, and a holder of keys, while his disciples are compared to light. These metaphors are not threatening Jesus' uniqueness but must be interpreted primarily with reference to their immediate contexts.
DAY 271
CHALLENGE
“Peter can’t be the rock in Matthew 16:18 because Scripture says God is the rock (Isa. 51:1). Further, Peter describes Jesus as a stone (1 Pet. 2:4–8). Therefore, Jesus must be the rock.”
DEFENSE
This challenge does not understand the way metaphors work.
Although Isaiah does refer to God as “the rock from which you were hewn,” there is nothing about this passage indicating that only God can be described as a rock.
If only God could be described as a rock then Jesus could not have given Simon bar-Jonah the nickname Cephas/Peter/Rock (John 1:42; Matt. 16:18). The fact…
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