Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 16:22

"And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall never be unto thee." — Matthew 16:22 (ASV)

Peter’s rebuke reveals how little he understood the kind of messiahship Jesus had in mind. He used strong language: “Never, Lord! This shall never happen to you!” Peter’s strong will and warm heart linked to his ignorance produced a shocking bit of arrogance. He confessed that Jesus was the Messiah and then spoke in a way implying that he knew more of God’s will than the Messiah did himself.