Matthew 16:22Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Peter, approaching the situation from a human and worldly perspective, perceived suffering as something dishonorable and uncharitable toward Christ. In response to his thoughts, Christ declared, ‘Suffering is not at all inconsistent with My nature; rather, you evaluate it through your own earthly mindset. Conversely, if you were guided by the divine Spirit and detached from worldly considerations, you would see that it is entirely fitting for Me. You regard My suffering as beneath Me, but I tell you that this avoidance of suffering is influenced by the adversary.’ He alleviates Peter's concerns by countering with the fear of the opposite.

What was disclosed, Peter acknowledged with sincerity; however, regarding what was concealed, he made a mistake so that we could grasp that without God, he would never have articulated such profound truths. Thus, lacking awareness of the mystery of the resurrection and wishing to shield Christ from suffering, the apostle implored, ‘Be merciful to Thyself, O Lord, that it be not so with Thee.’

Refer to the commentary on Matthew 16:18. "Behold, ... we are going up to Jerusalem, and all that is written about me will be fulfilled, for the Son of Man must be led to the cross and put to death" (see Matthew 20:18-19, Luke 18:31-33). Satan has returned to challenge the Lord through Simon, the leader of the disciples, just as he previously did through Eve. "Let it not be that this shall happen to Thee, ... Lord!" To this, the Lord responded, "Get behind me, ... Satan" (see Matt. 16:22-23).

We have frequently mentioned that Peter was filled with an ardent and profound love for the Lord. Therefore, following his declaration, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God,” and the Savior's affirmation, “Blessed art thou, Simon, son of Jonah: for it is not flesh and blood that hath revealed these things unto thee, but my Father which art in heaven,” when he suddenly heard the Lord state that He must go to Jerusalem, endure many sufferings at the hands of the elders, scribes, and chief priests, be killed, and rise again on the third day, he does not wish to challenge his confession. He cannot even entertain the thought of the Son of God facing death.

Peter expressed doubt when he pleaded, ‘Have mercy, Lord, let it not be so.’ Although he was the first believer without having been informed that Christ was the Son of God and yet held faith (cf. Matt. 16:16), he struggled to accept Christ's words regarding His own death. This dilemma arose from a place of divine love, rather than a descent into unfaithfulness. Peter also declined to have his feet washed (see Jn. 13:8), failing to comprehend its profound significance and feeling discomforted by the Lord's humble act. Thus, even the saints struggled to believe in Christ's impending death. As it is written, 'For eye hath not seen these things, neither ear heard them, neither have they come into the heart of man, which God hath prepared for them that love Him' (1 Cor. 2:9, Is. 64:4). Therefore, for those who revere God, any misstep born out of love does not hinder them from holding firm to their faith.

Upon learning that Christ was destined to suffer and die, Peter was unable to accept it, as he deemed it unworthy of the divine nature of Christ. Empowered by a sense of blessing, he boldly took it upon himself to privately admonish the Lord. It is important to understand that the term επιτιμαν (to rebuke) as used by the Evangelist can sometimes denote silencing. For instance, when the unclean spirit recognized Jesus as the Holy One of God, it was commanded to be silent (Mk. 1:25). Likewise, when Christ rebuked the wind and the sea (Mt. 8:26), it also conveyed the essence of imposing quiet. At other times, the same term can indicate affirmation, as seen when silencing the wind and sea to ensure they did not reveal His identity (Mk. 8:30).

He then admonished Peter, who acknowledged Him as the Messiah based on human perceptions, yet rejected the idea of His suffering.

In the midst of the disciples' collective confusion and uncertainty, Peter, with his passionate spirit, takes it upon himself to address the matter, not in front of others, but privately. After dismissing him, he takes Jesus aside and begins to recognize Him, boldly reprimanding the one he had recently acknowledged as God. “Show mercy to Yourself, O LORD! Let this not happen to You!” Although he had recently been commended by the Lord for his faith, Peter attempted passionately to dissuade Christ from journeying to Jerusalem, where His sufferings awaited. St. Chrysostom reflects on this, questioning how someone honored with divine revelation and called blessed could so quickly stumble and fear suffering.

Peter’s plea for self-compassion illustrates the gradual preparation required for the apostles. Despite their profound faith in Christ, the notion of the Messiah, the Son of God, enduring suffering and death was utterly foreign to them. When Jesus communicated this reality, the fervent Peter took Him aside and implored, “Be merciful to yourself, Lord, that this may not happen to you.” These words reflect Peter’s deep longing for God’s compassion towards Jesus, hoping to shield Him from the impending suffering and death, believing that “God is merciful; this will not happen to you!”

This revelation stirred considerable concern among the disciples, and once again, the apostle Peter spoke to Christ on their behalf, expressing a request that revealed the apostles' struggle to fully grasp the profound mystery of salvation. “Have compassion on Yourself, O Lord,” he implored Him, attempting to draw Him aside as much as possible; “let it not be so for You!”

“Calling Him aside”: The Greek term is sometimes interpreted as taking Him by the hand or greeting Him as a friend, but that is a misunderstanding; it actually refers to withdrawing or calling someone away from others (cf. Matt. 17:1). - “Began to hesitate”: Peter, who was deeply loyal to his Master and had fervently acknowledged Him as the Messiah, the Son of God, could not bear the thought of Jesus' impending suffering and death. Despite his recent confession, he begins to waver against the one he has just recognized as God. - “God forbid! This shall not happen to You, O Lord”: This expression conveys a plea for mercy, a heartfelt desire and hope with the conviction that God's compassion will prevent such a fate for Him. “What does this signify?

Though the enigma of the cross had not yet been articulated in this context, the foretelling of the sufferings and death of the beloved Lord profoundly affected Peter, more so than anyone else. Relying on human and earthly logic, he deemed it unnecessary and inappropriate for Christ, whom he had only just acknowledged as the Son of God, to endure suffering. What he grasped through divine revelation was accurate, yet he faltered in comprehending the redeeming significance of the God-man's suffering and death. When he took Jesus aside, he began to oppose Him, saying, “You are merciful, O Lord, this cannot be done to You.”