Luke 9:20
He said unto them, But whom say ye that I am? Peter answering said, The Christ of God.
Luke 9:20 · King James Version
Meaning
When Jesus asked his disciples who they believed him to be, Peter responded, confidently declaring him as the Christ of God. This statement holds significant meaning as it signifies Peter's acknowledgment of Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, the anointed one of God who would bring salvation to the world. By proclaiming Jesus as the Christ, Peter affirmed his faith in Jesus as the ultimate savior and the fulfillment of the prophecies found in the Old Testament. This moment highlights Peter's recognition of Jesus' true identity and sets the stage for Jesus to further reveal his divine mission on earth. The title "Christ" carries with it the weight of centuries of Jewish expectation and hope, making Peter's declaration a crucial moment in understanding the significance of Jesus' ministry and message.
Theological Overview
In this verse, Jesus poses a question to his disciples about his identity, asking them who they believe him to be. Peter responds, "The Christ of God." This theological interpretation reveals Peter's recognition of Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, the anointed one sent by God to fulfill the prophecies in the Old Testament. The title "Christ" is derived from the Greek word for "anointed one" and carries significant theological implications for believers. By acknowledging Jesus as the Christ of God, Peter affirms his belief in Jesus as the promised savior and ultimate authority. This word study emphasizes the significance of recognizing Jesus as the central figure in God's plan for redemption and underscores the disciples' growing understanding of his divinity and mission. The confession of Jesus as the Christ of God serves as a pivotal moment in the disciples' journey of faith and highlights the importance of recognizing and professing Jesus' true identity as the Son of God.
Luke 9:20 in other translations
American Standard Version
And he said unto them, But who say ye that I am? And Peter answering said, The Christ of God.
World English Bible
He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered, “The Christ of God.”
Douay-Rheims
And he said to them: But whom do you say that I am? Simon Peter answering, said: The Christ of God.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And he sayd vnto them, But whom say ye that I am? Peter answered, and sayd, That Christ of God.