Footnotes

1. Matthew 16:18 Gr petros, a small or detached stone.
2. Matthew 16:18 Gr petra, bedrock or a huge rock. Jesus uses a simple play on the Greek words petros and petra in this verse. Throughout the N.T. Christ is clearly depicted as both the foundation petra and chief cornerstone of the church. Here He praises Peter for his accurate confession of faith in Him as Messiah. Peter explains the role of believers as “living stones” in the church which is built on Christ as the foundation and cornerstone (1 Pet 2:5, 6).
3. Matthew 16:18 The physical death of Christ will not hinder the establishment of the church nor will death overtake the church.