Matthew Chapter 16, Verse 23
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23: ο δε στραφεις ειπεν τω πετρω υπαγε οπισω μου σατανα σκανδαλον μου ει οτι ου φρονεις τα του θεου αλλα τα των ανθρωπων
23: But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan:
thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things
that be of God, but those that be of men.
23: Who turning, said to Peter: Go behind me, Satan, thou art a
scandal unto me: because thou savourest not the things that are of God,
but the things that are of men.
Get thee behind me, Satan. The word Satan means, literally, an adversary, or one that opposes us in the accomplishment of our designs. It is applied to the devil commonly, as the opposer or adversary of man. But there is no evidence that Jesus meant to apply this term to Peter, as signifying that he was Satan or the devil, or that he used the term in anger. He may have used it in the general sense which the word bore, as an adversary or opposer; and the meaning may be, that such sentiments as Peter expressed then were opposed to him and his plans. His interference was improper. His views and feelings stood in the way of the accomplishment of Jesus's designs. There was, undoubtedly, a rebuke in this language; for the conduct of Peter was improper; but the idea which is commonly attached to it, and which, perhaps, our translation conveys, implies a more severe and harsh rebuke than Jesus intended, and than the language which he used would express.
Thou art an offence. That is, a stumbling-block: Your advice and wishes are in my way. If followed, they would prevent the very thing for which I came.
Thou savourest not. That is, thou thinkest not. You think that those things should not be done which God wishes to be done. You judge of this matter as men do, who are desirous of honour; and not as God, who sees it best that I should die, to promote the great interests of mankind.
