Mark 3:16

And Simon he surnamed Peter;

And {G2532} Simon {G4613} he surnamed {G2007}{G3686} Peter {G4074};

Shim`on, to whom he gave another name, "Kefa";

These are the twelve He appointed: Simon (whom He named Peter),

and Simon he surnamed Peter;

Commentary

Context

This verse is part of the pivotal passage in Mark's Gospel where Jesus formally appoints His twelve apostles. After spending time in prayer, Jesus calls those He desired to be with Him, so that He might send them out to preach and to have authority to cast out devils. Simon is listed first among these chosen disciples, highlighting his prominent role even at this early stage of their ministry together.

Key Themes

  • Divine Authority and Renaming: Jesus, as the sovereign Lord, demonstrates His authority not only by calling individuals but also by giving them a new identity. This act of renaming signifies a change in destiny and purpose, reflecting God's transformative power in a person's life.
  • New Identity and Purpose: By bestowing the name "Peter" upon Simon, Jesus was declaring what Simon would become and what his future role would entail. It wasn't just a nickname but a prophetic declaration of his character and function within the nascent church.
  • Foundation of the Church: The new name, Peter (meaning "rock"), foreshadows his significant role in the early church, as further emphasized in other Gospel accounts where Jesus speaks of building His church upon this "rock." This highlights Peter's leadership and foundational contribution.

Linguistic Insights

The original name, Simon (Σίμων - Simōn), is a common Hebrew name meaning "he has heard" or "listening." The new name, Peter (Πέτρος - Petros), is Greek for "rock" or "stone." This Greek name is a translation of the Aramaic word Cephas (Κηφᾶς), which Jesus originally used for Simon in John 1:42. The significance of "rock" points to stability, strength, and foundational importance, qualities that would become evident in Peter's ministry, despite his initial human weaknesses.

Practical Application

Mark 3:16 reminds us that God often gives us a new identity and purpose when we commit our lives to Him. Just as Simon was transformed from a simple fisherman into Peter, the "rock" upon whom Jesus would build, so too does God see our potential beyond our current circumstances. This verse encourages believers to embrace the new identity they have in Christ, understanding that God equips and empowers those He calls for His divine purposes. It speaks to the idea that our past does not define our future in God's plan, and He often uses ordinary people for extraordinary tasks, transforming them in the process.

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Cross-References

  • John 1:42

    And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.

  • Acts 1:13

    And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James [the son] of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas [the brother] of James.

  • 2 Peter 1:1

    ¶ Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:

  • 1 Corinthians 1:12

    Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.

  • 1 Corinthians 3:22

    Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours;

  • Matthew 10:2

    Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James [the son] of Zebedee, and John his brother;

  • Matthew 10:4

    Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.
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