Expert: George A. Card,sfo, M.I - 1/15/2007

Question
Dear Mr. Card:

I believe in Peter as the first Pope and rock of the Church. But a Protestant has made me question Peter as the rock in Matthew's Gospel. He claims that petros means a small stone and petra a large immovable rock. I do not know Greek. He says that what he says is suppoted by Greek dictionaries. He mentioned one called "Vines". How valid is what he is saying?

Please help me understand this.

Sincerely,
Maria

Answer
Peace

dear Maria

Your friend is correct about the Greek words petros(small stone) and petra(large stone. However in the Aramaic and Hebrew, the mother tongue of our Savior the word(s) be really one word: Kepha. The Gospel of St. Mathew was original written in Hebrew.

I have used the Vine's dictionary plenty of times. You might point out to your friend some facts. If he believes the Holy Bible is only source of doctrine,why does he use a man made book? Or ask if he doesn't know Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic how does he validate the English translation(s) he uses or if Vine is correct.

I recommend the following book: "Jesus,Peter and the Keys"
it has three co-authors. Its very easy to read and very complete. If you are in USA, I can possibly send you one of my extra copies free. Let know if you are interested, and I will explain how.


                       your servant but His first
                          George/rav Jerome72