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Why did Jesus address Peter as "Bar Jonah" in Matt 16:17?

Discussion in 'General Baptist Discussions' started by Squidward, Feb 7, 2012.

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  1. Squidward

    Squidward Member

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    I do realize that Peter was one of two Simon disciples. Usually he was referred to Simon Peter. Was it because of the blessing Jesus was placing on Peter at that point that he wanted to make it very clear as to which Simon he was referring to? As in Simon, son of Jonah?
     
    #1 Squidward, Feb 7, 2012
  2. HAMel

    HAMel Well-Known Member
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    I thought it was because the word "Bar" in Aramaic means “son?
     
    #2 HAMel, Feb 7, 2012
  3. Squidward

    Squidward Member

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    It does, but I was curious as to why Jesus referred to him as the son of Jonah at that moment yet called him Simon Peter or just Simon any other time. My thought is Jesus wanted it to be clear as to which Simon he referred to, then Jesus called him simply "Peter."
     
    #3 Squidward, Feb 7, 2012
  4. preachinjesus

    preachinjesus Well-Known Member
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    Cuz his dads name was Jonah....not that Jonah but Jonah...
     
    #4 preachinjesus, Feb 7, 2012
  5. Tom Butler

    Tom Butler New Member

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    The modern equivalent would be Pete Johnson.

    Or Simon P. Johnson.

    Or S. Peter Johnson.
     
    #5 Tom Butler, Feb 7, 2012
  6. Squidward

    Squidward Member

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    Right. I understand that. My questions is referring to why Jesus referred to him as Bar Jonah at that moment instead of Simon or Simon Peter.

    As I said, there were two Simons in the group. Since this was an era before surnames when people were referred to as "the offspring of" or "of insert generic city name here" did Jesus refer to him as "son of" to avoid confusion as to which Simon he was referring to? Afterall, this was a great call Jesus put on Peter and he knew it so he referred to him as "the son of" to be specific as to which Simon he was speaking to.
     
    #6 Squidward, Feb 7, 2012
    Last edited by a moderator: Feb 7, 2012
  7. Squidward

    Squidward Member

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    This is what I was thinking. This was equal to today's standards of Bob Smith and Bob Jones, and the importance of the moment. If I said "I'm giving you a $100 bill, Bob," that wouldn't be near as clear as saying "I'm giving you a $100 bill, Bob Smith."

    The blessing of Jesus at that moment was so grand that there did not need to be any confusion as to which Simon he spoke to.

    Just wondering if anyone agrees with this observation.
     
    #7 Squidward, Feb 7, 2012
  8. MNJacob

    MNJacob Member

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    Don't make this too tough folks.

    What was the context.

    "Who do you say that I am?"

    "You are the Christ the son of the Living God."

    "Blessings to you Simon, son of Jonah."

    Jesus was confirming the difference, in a gentle but magnificent way. It is absolutely georgeous. The Son of Man blessing a son of a man.
     
    #8 MNJacob, Feb 9, 2012
  9. James Benjamin

    James Benjamin New Member

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    "And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven." As human beings our focus is always on blessings. But if you find the reason why Peter has been blessed, we could understand why Jesus addressed him as Simon, son of Jonah.

    Jesus wanted to teach him and all of us that we need revelation from "above" to know who Jesus is. It is not acquired but revealed. It is not from earth but from heaven. It is not through flesh and blood (Jonah, father on earth) but by Spirit (Father in heaven)

    Thank God for the revelation that Jesus is the Messiah! Praise the Lord!
     
    #9 James Benjamin, Aug 16, 2016
  10. Zenas

    Zenas Active Member

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    It was probably the gravity of the occasion. Jesus confirms that Simon has just stated a profound truth. He is about to change his name to Peter and confer a blessing upon him. We see the same formality in a modern day baptism. The administrator doesn't use just a first name or a nickname, he uses the full name of the candidate.
     
    #10 Zenas, Aug 16, 2016
  11. Van

    Van Well-Known Member
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    There is a TV commercial where it is said that when a father uses his son's middle name, it is not good.

    First, I do not think the bible tells us why Jesus uses a more expansive designation. And so for anyone to say Jesus did it because of "x" or "y" or "z" would be error. But we are free to speculate as long as it is clearly seen as our speculation and not something found in scripture.

    Jesus uses a similar designation at John 21:15, and 16, and 17. I believe Jesus was focusing attention of Peter, just as He has now brought Peter to the center of our attention. And what were the circumstances, Peter realizing that Jesus was the Messiah, and Peter (eventually) realizing that Jesus wanted him just as he was, warts and all, and that one day, Peter would love Jesus unconditionally. Praise God indeed.
     
    #11 Van, Aug 16, 2016
  12. Red.Letter

    Red.Letter New Member

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    Hi Squid... maybe it points to what the Master said about 4 verses earlier, "4"A wicked and adulterous generation seeks a sign, and a sign is not given to it, but the sign of Jonah The Prophet." And he left them and departed."
     
    #12 Red.Letter, Sep 30, 2017
  13. TCassidy

    TCassidy Late-Administator Emeritus
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    This thread is over a year old. Please check the date before resurrecting an zombie thread.
     
    #13 TCassidy, Sep 30, 2017
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