Definition: And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this really important verse from Matthew 16:16. It's a pivotal moment in Jesus’ ministry and it’s packed with meaning! Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: Jesus is telling Simon Peter that Peter is the Christ – which means he’s the Son of God as we understand him. It’s a HUGE statement, and it's meant to be taken seriously. Let’s unpack it word by word: “And Simon Peter answered…” : This sets up the scene - Jesus is talking to someone who was very close to him – Simon Peter, one of the twelve apostles. “…Thou art the Christ…” : This is the core of the verse. “Christ” means "the good news," or "the salvation" that comes from God through Jesus. So, this part says Jesus believes Peter is the person who brings this good news. “The Son of the living God.” : This is where it gets really significant. “Son of God” refers to Jesus’ divine nature – his connection with God as a human being. “The living God” means that Jesus isn't just any man, but God himself, in a way. What does this mean ? It’s a powerful declaration that: Jesus is divine: He is fully God. He is the Messiah: He is the person who was prophesied to come and save humanity. He is uniquely chosen: Because of his relationship with God, Jesus has been given special status and importance. Important Context (Why it’s important): This verse happens after Jesus had just announced that he was about to die. It’s a moment of profound faith and certainty for Peter. He’s realizing something incredibly significant – that Jesus is the one who will ultimately save everyone. It's a moment of great conviction for him. In short, it’s a declaration of Jesus’ divine identity and his role as the Messiah. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the significance of this verse in more detail (e.g., its theological meaning)?