You are Peter

There is a very interesting moment in John’s gospel chapter one. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which, when translated, is Peter). John 1 v 42. Don’t you think this is a bizarre moment? How many times have you had someone walk up to you and say, “You are no longer Rich, you are now Bob”! So, why did Jesus do this and why did he think he could?

In biblical times, names held significant meaning. Renaming someone often indicated a change in their status or role and this is what Jesus was doing. “Cephas” (Peter) means “rock.” Jesus was essentially saying that Simon would become a foundational figure in the early church. This is supported by Matthew 16:18 “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” The renaming was a prophetic act, foreshadowing Simon’s future role. It had symbolic significance.

Jesus’s actions consistently demonstrated his divine authority. He performed miracles, forgave sins, and taught with an authority that astounded those around him. Renaming Simon was another expression of this authority. It suggested that Jesus had the power to redefine a person’s identity and destiny. Jesus being the son of God, and having divine authority, gives him the right to do this. The act demonstrated Jesus had authority.

Simon’s life was about to undergo a radical transformation. He was a fisherman, but Jesus called him to be a “fisher of men” (Matthew 4:19). The new name signified this new beginning and his commitment to following Jesus.

Isn’t this all very exciting. In changing his name Jesus was empowering Peter and he was using his authority to define Peter’s future role. This is the same Peter who would deny Jesus 3 times. Jesus knew he would but he also knew the man Peter would become.

However, isn’t all this a bit weird? While it might seem unusual to us, in that cultural context, it was not unheard of for a respected figure or leader to give a new name. People recognised Jesus as a Rabbi, and a prophet. The disciples, including Simon, recognised Jesus’s authority and accepted his actions. Simon following Jesus did not give Jesus the authority, Jesus already had the authority, Simon following him was a sign of Simon accepting Jesus’s authority.

In essence, Jesus renamed Simon to signify his new role, to assert his own divine authority, and to mark the beginning of Simon’s transformation into a key figure in the Christian faith.