The Confession of St. Peter marks when our Lord commends the apostle Peter for his insight into Christ's identity. The narrative opens with Jesus asking his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" 

After hearing their answers, Jesus then asks, “But who do you say that I am?” 

Simon Peter replies, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Jesus tells Peter that he is blessed because he received this revelation from God. Jesus also says Peter is a rock, "...and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven…"

Peter's revelation was pivotal for Jesus' followers for several reasons. Now they knew and understood that their teacher was the Messiah–their divine and sovereign Lord. This confession powerfully unified that band of believers. Today we still recognize the power of unified confession by proclaiming the Nicene Creed in corporate worship.  Additionally, St. Peter's confession was a key doctrinal element for the newborn Church. His proclamation of Jesus' identity gave the growing church a firm foundation as it matured and grew. Without this bedrock of understanding the church would have been swept away. Finally, this confessional faith strengthened Jesus' followers to withstand hellish persecution, loss and death. It proclaimed that Jesus, as God, is our ultimate reward and gave access to the kingdom of heaven through Jesus Christ our Lord.