Biblical Verses Biblical Verses & Resources

Book of Mark - Chapter 3 - Verse 16

3:16
And Simon he surnamed Peter;

Meaning

In the Bible, the verse "And Simon he surnamed Peter;" holds great significance as it signifies a pivotal moment in the life of Simon, who later becomes known as Peter. The name Peter, which means "rock" in Greek, was given to Simon by Jesus Christ himself, symbolizing Peter's role as a foundation stone of the Christian church. This renaming marked a turning point in Peter's life, as he went from being a simple fisherman to becoming one of the twelve apostles of Jesus and a key leader in the early Christian community. Peter's faith, courage, and leadership qualities were evident throughout his journey, making him a central figure in the spread of Christianity. By commemorating this moment where Simon was renamed Peter, we are reminded of the power of faith and the transformative impact of following Jesus' teachings.

Theological Overview

When Jesus met Simon for the first time, he gave him the name Peter which means "rock" in Aramaic. This name change symbolized the transformation that Simon would undergo as he followed Jesus. In the biblical context, names hold significant meaning and carry implications for an individual's destiny or character. The name Peter reflected Jesus' recognition of Simon's potential to become a solid foundation for the early Christian church. Through his experiences and interactions with Jesus, Peter indeed grew in his faith and leadership, becoming one of the key figures in the establishment of the Christian faith. This theological interpretation highlights the importance of recognizing one's true identity and purpose in Christ, as well as the transformative power of being called by name into a deeper relationship with God.

American Standard Version

and Simon he surnamed Peter;
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