Early mss do not contain the rest of v 2 and all of v 3 beginning with “When it is evening” in v 2.
Here, leaven represents the man-made traditions and false teachings of the Pharisees which were preventing the nation of Israel from attaining right standing with God and from recognizing and accepting the Messiah.
In Jesus’ day this was Gentile territory. Today this region is known as the Golan Heights. The ancient city of Caesarea Philippi was located at the foot of Mt. Hermon, near the Banias Spring, one of the three springs which feeds into the Jordan River.
Gr petros, a small or detached stone.
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).
The physical death of Christ will not hinder the establishment of the church nor will death overtake the church.
Gr estai dedemenon, future perfect passive referring to a state of having already been bound.
Gr estai lelumenon, future perfect passive.
This marks a turning point in the book. 4:17 marked the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry offering the kingdom to Israel. Since Israel rejected the Messiah, the kingdom is held in abeyance and the Messiah must suffer death. But He had to die in any case to provide salvation.
Undoubtedly a reference to Peter, John, and James, who were to witness the transfiguration a few days later.
