Tue, May 26, 2009
Wrong Rock?
For years, we have struggled with the meaning of the Great Commission. Upon whom is the Church built? Peter, the Rock? Confession of Peter, the rock? or the Gentiles, the Rock?
Love the gentile concept. Keys to concept. . .
1. Since Jesus was in Caesarea Philippi, he was well aware of the Pan cult. Synagogue in Caesarea Philippi is very close to this site.
2. Peter's reference - 'son of the living God' may be in reference to the contrast of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to the 'gods' represented on the niches' at this site.
3. Upon This Rock. If Jesus is near this site or at the synagogue, his reference to 'this rock' may be the rock in the valley below - the rock at the Pan site. 'Upon This Rock' may have in reference 'the gentiles,' ---'upon the Gentiles will I build my church.'
4. The Gates of Hell. May not be in reference to hell only. Instead. The reference may be to the gateway to the underworld here at the mouth the spring, which is known as "the gates of hell,' the entrance to the underworld into which Pan would enter each night. Pan and his dominion cannot prevail against the work of God among the Gentile church.
A contextualized perspective. Comments?
Love the gentile concept. Keys to concept. . .
1. Since Jesus was in Caesarea Philippi, he was well aware of the Pan cult. Synagogue in Caesarea Philippi is very close to this site.
2. Peter's reference - 'son of the living God' may be in reference to the contrast of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to the 'gods' represented on the niches' at this site.
3. Upon This Rock. If Jesus is near this site or at the synagogue, his reference to 'this rock' may be the rock in the valley below - the rock at the Pan site. 'Upon This Rock' may have in reference 'the gentiles,' ---'upon the Gentiles will I build my church.'
4. The Gates of Hell. May not be in reference to hell only. Instead. The reference may be to the gateway to the underworld here at the mouth the spring, which is known as "the gates of hell,' the entrance to the underworld into which Pan would enter each night. Pan and his dominion cannot prevail against the work of God among the Gentile church.
A contextualized perspective. Comments?