Actually apart from one other all modern versions have it HeavenS .Which can be demonstrated is a wrong translation .When it should be HEAVEN .
Actually the Hebrew word is e·shmim which is plural Heavens
peter = petros = peter small stone or pebble in greek <<<<<< that was an attempt a humor
[URL='http://www.scripture4all.org/OnlineInterlinear/Hebrew_Index.htm[/QUOTE']http://www.scripture4all.org/OnlineInterlinear/Hebrew_Index.htm[/URL][/QUOTE]
This I also have heard claimed .
Yet does not answer or resolve the problem and genuine argument as presented .
I have also spoken to a Rabbi and he said the word should be translated HEAVEN.
I have also heard it from Christians who say they understand Hebrew that it can be translated both ways .
That I can accept or find more reasonable .
Then it comes down to context .
That too I have presented and the why of HEAVEN.
About Peter . if it is understood that like unto Mary so with Peter some would take him and think of him above what they should.
Then as with Mary when she tried to command him or make Him do something at HER will at the marriage supper . He denied she had any authority or power over Him and said "Woman what has thou to do with me ,seeing that mine hour has not yet come"
So with Peter .God in His wisdom showed all of Peters weaknesses and failures and here that he was but a pebble or little stone or rock. and not THE Rock as of Deutronomy 32:4 "He is the rock, His work is perfect, for all his ways are judgement , A God of truth and without iniquity,just and right is he" as to Deut 32:15, 32 18, Indeed those who say otherwise it goes on in the same book about false rocks.
Thus it was not humor so much as teaching and comparison between Peter and Christ .
That you don't build an eternal church that even the gates of hell will have trouble with . Upon a man of Adam and in THAT respect a weak man and an unsuitable foundation for the church to be built on .
For did he not elsewhere talk about a "wise man who dug deep and built his house upon a rock"?
THE Rock is Jesus Christ and the revelation of who is and any mans faith in HIM (not another) will "overcome the world "
in Christ
gerald