For who [is] God, save the LORD? and who [is] a rock, save our God? 2 Sam 22:32
Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: - Matt 7:4
Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; And did all eat the same spiritual meat; And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. 1 Cor 10:1-4
Unto you therefore which believe [he is] precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, [even to them] which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. 1 Peter 2:7-8
Jesus giving Simon a "nickname"?... while speaking a metaphor?.. Maybe, Maybe not.. I think not.. However the other Apostles calling him "Peter" henceforth(after that) is possible.. people do that with nicknames.. The metaphorical church is built with rocks.. Rock on rock with Jesus the cornerstone.. Which rock is more important than any other?.. Is the church the Bride of Christ?.. If so; where does Peter relate to the bride, within the bride?.. Which metaphor about the same subject is more important/accurate?..
I think both metaphors are equal and Peter is and was merely a rock.. Linking both metaphors must be done.. Unless God is a moron or thinks we are.. Jesus, as always, was making a point.. and the point was NOT about Peter..
I suppose it is a waste to make the point the RCC didn't assume form until about 300 a.d... to many.. according to Millers Church History.. Constantine making every Roman a christian overnight would indeed require making priests and a hierarchy to control it all.. out of mostly a pagan people.. The pagans were used to priests performing strange rites.. the emperors were already called "Pontifex Maximus"...
Excellent point and very pertinent Scripture.
The first two "rocks", by the way, are problematic. Where do you see "rock" in the Hebrew or in the Septuagint in Dut 32 or 2 Sam 22?
It is not incorrect, however, to see rock as a type of Christ in light of the book of Daniel and 1 Cor 10. Therefore, when Christ names Simon Peter, he is grafting Peter onto Himself, and it is because of the revelation of the Father, correct.
Again, the renaming eposide should be seen together with the giving of the keys, the charge to feed the sheep and the promise of Christ's prayer so that Peter coverts his brethren.