Matthew Chapter 16, Verse 16/commentary
From BibleWiki
And Simon Peter answered, etc. Peter, expressing the views of the apostles, with characteristic forwardness, answered the question proposed to them by Jesus: "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God."
The Christ. The Messiah, the Anointed of God. See Barnes "Mt 11:14.
The Son. That is, the Son by way of eminence, in a peculiar sense. See Barnes "Mt 1:17".
This appellation was understood as implying Divinity, Jn 10:29ff.
Of the living God. The term living, was given to the true God, to distinguish him from idols, that are dead or lifeless - blocks and stones. He is also the Source of life - temporal, spiritual, and eternal. The term living is often given to him in the Old Testament, Josh 3:10, 1Sam 17:26, 1Sam 17:36, Jer 10:9, Jer 10:10 etc. In this noble confession, Peter expressed the full belief of himself and his brethren that he was the long-expected Messiah.
