Note 2 at Mt. 16:16: The word "Christ" comes from the Greek word "Christos" and means the same as the Old Testament Hebrew word "Messiah," which means "anointed." Therefore, the words "Messiah" and "Christ" can be used interchangeably (Jn. 1:41; 4:25). "Christ" is the New Testament term used to designate the anointed one of God, and is used 60 times in the gospels and 494 times in the epistles for a total of 554 times in the New Testament, all in reference to Jesus. Jesus applied this title to Himself in John 17:3. In addition, the possessive "Christ's" appears 16 times, "false Christs" 2 times and "anti-Christ" 5 times in the New Testament.

Because the word "Christ" means "anointed," some scholars have argued that Jesus was not the Christ until His baptism by John the Baptist. They conclude, therefore, that the term "Christ" could not refer to the deity of Jesus. However, the angels announced to the shepherds the birth of "Christ the Lord" (Lk. 2:11). Also, Luke 2:26 states that Simeon saw the "Lord's Christ" when Jesus was presented in the temple 40 days after His birth. Jesus was Christ at His birth.

The term "Christ" is used interchangeably with the term "Son of God" many times in the New Testament. Examples are here (i.e. Mt. 16:16); Matthew 26:63; Mark 14:14-61 ("Son of the Blessed"); John 6:69; 11:27; 20:31; Acts 8:37; 9:20; 2 Corinthians 1:19; Galatians 2:20; and 2 John 3 ("Son of the Father"). As already noted (see note 5 at Mk. 1:1, p. 30), the terms "Son of God" and "Christ" are always in reference to the deity of Jesus.

At Jesus' mock trial before His crucifixion (Mt. 26:63-66; Mk. 14:61-64), He was asked if He was the Christ. When He answered "yes," the high priest rent his clothes and said He had spoken blasphemy (which meant He had claimed deity for Himself) and condemned Him to death. Also, in light of 2 John 7-11, the term "Christ" must refer to more than just the humanity of Jesus.

Peter, here, was proclaiming Jesus to be God just as surely as Thomas did after Jesus' resurrection when he said to Jesus "my Lord and my God" (Jn 20:28). Jesus not only accepted Peter's claims but blessed Peter for what he said (Mt. 16:17).