GREAT THINGS ENTERPRISE
CLAUDE BLACK
Mark 3:16
What is in a Name
Parents often give serious consideration to the names they bestow on their children. Sometimes they select the names of relatives—grandparents or others. Sometimes children not only have birth names but nicknames as well. Friends sometimes start using made-up names—the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Elvis Presley; the Iron Lady, Margaret Thatcher; Old Blue Eyes, Frank Sinatra; Scarface, Al Capone; or the Father of the Nation, George Washington.
St. Mark said that as Jesus chose his close followers, the disciples, he bestowed his own names on some of them. For example, “And he appointed the twelve, and he gave Simon the name Peter.” (3:16) The word “Petros” or “Cephas” (John 1:42) refers to a small rock such as one found along a pathway or road, as distinguished from “petra,” meaning a rock, large stone, or cliff. Jesus contrasted the two words when he said, “And I tell you that you are Peter (Petros), and on this rock (petra) I will build my church…” (Matt. 16:18)
Since Jesus did not explain his motive for selecting this surname, writers have used many words to explain its significance. One possible explanation is that little stones are used to build large edifices, as opposed to massive rocks (petra), which stand alone. Peter was not to be the foundation; he was to be one of the stones Jesus would use to build his ministry. Of course, it’s also possible that Jesus was jesting with Simon as friends often do. One picture of Simon is that of a large, burly man, a tough fisherman, and Jesus gave him a diminutive title that he would use affectionately. Hmm. I wonder what name Jesus would bestow upon me? Or you?
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