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Writer's pictureEdward D. Andrews
Jul 177 min read

What Did Peter Mean When He Said, "You Have the Words of Eternal Life" in John 6:68?

Introduction


In John 6:68, Peter’s declaration, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life," stands as a profound affirmation of faith and recognition of Jesus’ unique authority and role as the Messiah. To fully understand this passage, it is crucial to consider its context within the Gospel of John and to compare it with Peter’s confession in Matthew 16:17-19, where Jesus entrusts Peter with the "keys of the kingdom."



Peter's Role in Matthew 16:17-19


In Matthew 16:17-19, Jesus blesses Peter for his confession that Jesus is "the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus responds, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven." This passage is significant for understanding the authority granted to Peter and his role within the early church.


Contrastingly, in John 6:68, Peter acknowledges Jesus' unique position and the life-giving nature of His teachings. The context of John 6 is Jesus' discourse on the bread of life, where He explains that He is the true bread that came down from heaven, which gives life to the world. This teaching follows the miraculous feeding of the 5,000 and Jesus walking on water. When many of His disciples find His teachings difficult to accept and choose to leave, Jesus asks the Twelve if they also wish to go away. Peter's response is a powerful affirmation of faith in Jesus’ words and His divine mission.



Harmonizing Matthew and John


The differences between these passages highlight the complementary aspects of Peter's role and his understanding of Jesus’ identity. In Matthew, the focus is on the authority and foundational role of Peter in the establishment of the church. In John, the emphasis is on Peter's recognition of Jesus as the source of eternal life and the sole one to whom they can turn for salvation and truth.


These accounts can be harmonized without suggesting that Peter is returning any keys or authority to Jesus in John 6. Rather, Peter’s declaration in John is a reaffirmation of his faith and loyalty to Jesus amidst challenging teachings. This reflects a deepening understanding of who Jesus is and the significance of His words and works.



Jesus as the Bread of Life


To further understand the implications of Peter’s declaration in John 6:68, it is helpful to explore the broader themes in the Gospel of John. John's Gospel emphasizes the divinity of Jesus and His role as the Word made flesh, the light of the world, and the one who reveals the Father. John 1:14 states, "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we saw his glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth." This theme of revelation and the unique relationship between Jesus and the Father permeates the Gospel, culminating in Jesus' high priestly prayer in John 17, where He prays for His disciples and all future believers.


In John 6, Jesus’ discourse on the bread of life is a profound teaching on the necessity of spiritual nourishment through Him. Jesus contrasts the manna given to the Israelites in the wilderness with Himself, the true bread from heaven. John 6:35 records Jesus saying, "I am the bread of life; he who comes to me will not hunger, and he who believes in me will never thirst." This metaphor emphasizes the essential and sustaining nature of Jesus’ words and presence for eternal life.


Peter’s confession in John 6:68 acknowledges this truth. His question, "Lord, to whom shall we go?" underscores the uniqueness of Jesus as the source of eternal life, distinguishing Him from all other teachers and leaders. Peter recognizes that Jesus alone has the words that lead to eternal life, a theme that resonates with the broader Johannine emphasis on Jesus as the Word of God and the source of life and light.



The Foundation of the Church


The idea of Jesus having the "words of eternal life" connects to the Old Testament understanding of God’s word as life-giving and sustaining. Deuteronomy 8:3 states, "He humbled you and let you be hungry, and fed you with manna which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that he might make you understand that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by everything that proceeds out of the mouth of Jehovah." This passage, quoted by Jesus in Matthew 4:4 during His temptation in the wilderness, underscores the life-sustaining power of God’s word. In John’s Gospel, Jesus is presented as the ultimate embodiment of this divine word, providing spiritual nourishment and eternal life.


The interplay between the Matthean and Johannine traditions highlights different aspects of Peter’s role and his understanding of Jesus’ identity. In Matthew, Peter’s confession and the granting of the keys of the kingdom emphasize the authority and leadership role Peter would play in the early church. In John, Peter’s confession highlights his recognition of Jesus’ unique authority and the necessity of adhering to His teachings for eternal life.


It is essential to maintain a biblically grounded interpretation of these passages, recognizing that both accounts provide valuable insights into the nature of discipleship, authority, and the role of Jesus as the source of eternal life. Peter’s declarations in both Gospels underscore his pivotal role in the early Christian community and his profound recognition of Jesus’ identity and mission.



Historical Context and Theological Implications


Moreover, understanding the historical and theological context of these passages enhances our appreciation of their significance. The Gospel of John was likely written in the latter part of the first century C.E., a time when the early Christian community was facing various challenges, including internal divisions and external pressures. The emphasis on Jesus as the bread of life and the necessity of abiding in His teachings would have provided encouragement and direction for believers navigating these difficulties.


Peter’s declaration in John 6:68 is a profound affirmation of faith in Jesus’ unique role as the source of eternal life. This recognition is consistent with his confession in Matthew 16:17-19, where he acknowledges Jesus as the Christ and receives the keys of the kingdom. Together, these passages highlight the complementary aspects of Peter’s role and his understanding of Jesus’ identity, providing valuable insights into the nature of discipleship and the foundation of the early church. Through a careful and biblically grounded interpretation, we can appreciate the depth and significance of Peter’s faith and the life-giving words of Jesus.


The article does not suggest that Peter was the first Pope. Instead, it focuses on interpreting Peter's declarations in John 6:68 and Matthew 16:17-19 within their biblical and historical contexts, emphasizing the role and authority of Jesus Christ as the foundation of the church. The article aligns with a biblically grounded understanding that does not support the concept of papal primacy as traditionally upheld by the Roman Catholic Church. It highlights Peter's recognition of Jesus' unique role and authority, consistent with the teachings of Jesus and the broader biblical narrative.



Conclusion


In conclusion, Peter’s declaration in John 6:68 and his confession in Matthew 16:17-19 together underscore his pivotal role in the early Christian community and his profound recognition of Jesus’ identity and mission. These passages highlight the complementary aspects of Peter’s role and his understanding of Jesus’ identity, providing valuable insights into the nature of discipleship and the foundation of the early church. Through a careful and biblically grounded interpretation, we can appreciate the depth and significance of Peter’s faith and the life-giving words of Jesus. The Gospel of John, written in the latter part of the first century C.E., emphasizes the divinity of Jesus and His role as the Word made flesh, the light of the world, and the one who reveals the Father. John 1:14 states, "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we saw his glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth." This theme of revelation and the unique relationship between Jesus and the Father permeates the Gospel, culminating in Jesus' high priestly prayer in John 17, where He prays for His disciples and all future believers.


Was Peter the first pope? Investigate the historical and biblical context of his role in the early Church. Begin your exploration now!


About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).


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