[evangmlw]

" and upon THIS rock." Context is of utmost importance in the interpretation of Scripture. What is the context that leads into this statement by Jesus? The context is Peter's confession of Christ as the Messiah, as GOD. The context is Peter's belief in who Christ is. And what did Paul reiterate in Romans 10:9,10? "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord......" Peter confessed Christ, and his confession of Christ is the key to understanding what Jesus is say. Jesus is not setting up a group of succesional Popes here, but laying the foundation of salvation, confession and belief in Christ the rOCK, not Peter the rock.

[FatherofFive]

not Peter the rock

But Peter the Rock is Scripture. Your belief is not what Scripture says. That is the beauty of the "reformation" - everyone can believe what they want to believe. "Heresy is Us"

[FatherofFive]

“And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter (Rock, petra), and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Mat 6:18

Scripture clearly calls Peter the rock upon which the church will be built. If it meant what you believe, why doesn't Scripture say what you want it to mean?