NOTES for Mat 16:13-19
The days when people doubted the existence of the “historical” Jesus are almost over. Now nearly everyone believes that such a man apparently lived in first-century Palestine. But it is not the acceptance or rejection of the fact of Jesus’ existence, but the question of Who He is for us that proves decisive on our path. Peter’s absolutely correct answer was a leap beyond himself, demonstrating his openness to God’s action. We now know this correct answer, but our inner assent to it requires no smaller leap of faith. Then the Gospel becomes for us not merely a beautiful moral teaching, but an opening door into the life of Christ.