John 1:42 Commentary and Bible Study

It seems that before Andrew could introduce his brother Christ spoke to him. There must have been some wonder in Simon that Jesus knew his name. Each one of us who believes in the Lord comes to him for the first time, but we are no strangers to him. He has considered us from all eternity and rejoiced in this day when he will reveal himself to us. Peter was perhaps uncomfortable that his character was read, nevertheless Christ uses his old name and then assigns him a new name indicating the change that will be made. Simon means I am listening. And Jonah means dove. A dove is an easily alarmed bird, but it is significant in what Christ is going to say. ‘Thou shalt be called Cephas’, an Aramaic name meaning ‘a stone’. We are called to be changed by the Lord. Peter needed change and even as a believer you still see aspects of his character that need changing. He is a rather loveable man. He is always putting himself into the breach, but he could not always cope with what he took on, even denying the Lord. There is a certain element of instability about him, and yet he is told he will be a rock. His character will be changed. He will become a martyr ultimately and be faithful unto death. ‘And when Jesus beheld him’: the Greek is strong – When Jesus looked intently upon him. What did Christ need to know about Peter that he did not already know? He is God as well as man. He knows all things. Yes, but this was an interesting experience to Christ, because Christ Jesus the Lord who knew Peter from eternity past, who set his love upon Peter before the world began – he knew what he would do with him. He knew that he would make him into a veritable rock, a person of conviction, and resolution, and courage all the way to a martyr’s death.