Peter’s Declaration That Jesus Is the Christ

Matthew 16

Matthew 16:13 Then Jesus went into parts of Caesarea Philippi. And he questioned his disciples, saying, “Who do men say that the Son of man is?”

Matthew 16:14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, and others say Elijah, still others say Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”

Matthew 16:15 Jesus said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”

Matthew 16:16 Simon Peter responded by saying, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Matthew 16:17 And in response, Jesus said to him: “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father, who is in heaven.

Matthew 16:18 And I say to you, that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it.

Matthew 16:19 And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. And whatever you shall bind on earth shall be bound, even in heaven. And whatever you shall release on earth shall be released, even in heaven.”

Matthew 16:20 Then he instructed his disciples that they should tell no one that he is Jesus the Christ.