Word Pictures in the New Testament - David Cox

Word Pictures in the NT [Matthew: Chapter 16].
profoundly moved by Peter's great confession on behalf of the
disciples. He was grateful and confident of the final outcome.
But he foresaw peril to all. Peter had confessed him as the
Messiah and on this rock of faith thus confessed he would build
his church or kingdom. They will all have and use the keys to
this greatest of all buildings, but for the present they must be
silent.
16:21 {From that time began} (\apo tote •rxato\). It was a
suitable time for the disclosure of the greatest secret of his
death. It is now just a little over six months before the cross.
They must know it now to be ready then. The great confession of
Peter made this seem an appropriate time. He will repeat the
warnings (17:22f. with mention of betrayal; 20:17-19 with the
cross) which he now "began." So the necessity (\dei\, must) of
his suffering death at the hands of the Jerusalem ecclesiastics
who have dogged his steps in Galilee is now plainly stated. Jesus
added his resurrection "on the third day" (\t•i trit•i h•mer•i\),
not "on the fourth day," please observe. Dimly the shocked
disciples grasped something of what Jesus said.
16:22 {Peter took him} (\proslabomenos auton ho Petros\). Middle
voice, "taking to himself," aside and apart, "as if by a right of
his own. He acted with greater familiarity after the token of
acknowledgment had been given. Jesus, however, reduces him to his
level" (Bengel). "Peter here appears in a new character; a minute
ago speaking under inspiration from heaven, now under inspiration
from the opposite quarter" (Bruce). Syriac Sinaitic for Mr 8:32
has it "as though pitying him." But this exclamation and
remonstrance of Peter was soon interrupted by Jesus. {God have
mercy on thee} (\hile•s\. Supply \ei•\ or \est• ho theos\). {This
shall never be} (\ou m• estai soi touto\). Strongest kind of
negation, as if Peter would not let it happen. Peter had perfect
assurance.
16:23 {But he turned} (\ho de strapheis\). Second aorist passive
participle, quick ingressive action, away from Peter in
revulsion, and toward the other disciples (Mr 8:33 has
\epistrapheis\ and \id•n tous math•tas autou\). {Get thee behind
me, Satan} (\Hupage opis• mou, Satan•\). Just before Peter played
the part of a rock in the noble confession and was given a place
of leadership. Now he is playing the part of Satan and is ordered
to the rear. Peter was tempting Jesus not to go on to the cross
as Satan had done in the wilderness. "None are more formidable
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