Journal: Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society
Volume: JETS 36:2 (Jun 1993)
Article: “Out Of My Sight!”, “Get Behind Me!”, Or “Follow After Me!”: There Is No Choice In God’s Kingdom
Author: Dennis C. Stoutenburg

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JETS 36:2 (June 1993) p. 173

“Out Of My Sight!”, “Get Behind Me!”, Or “Follow After Me!”: There Is No Choice In God’s Kingdom

Dennis C. Stoutenburg*

Three translational and interpretative traditions dominate research of Matt 16:23–24, which discusses Jesus’ counter-rebuke of Peter in the context of Peter’s confession, Jesus’ commission to his disciples, and the transfiguration. The first position is most severe in tone and demand, commanding that Peter completely remove himself from the presence and sight of Jesus. The second contains what is viewed as a moderate rebuke, one that merely obligates Peter to move into a position somewhere behind Jesus. The third interpretation combines the directive for Peter to place himself behind Jesus with a further understanding that this designates a sign of discipleship: Peter is to place himself behind his Master and in so doing take up the characteristic position of a disciple. Two of these three traditions are reflected in modern Bible versions, while the third is represented by current commentary study. Prominent scholars lead the way in support of each of the divergent positions.

My purpose is twofold: (1) to identify and to understand how, through linguistic and contextual analyses, each of these traditions has come about, and (2) to emphasize that Jesus was concerned with a weightier matter than any of these interpretative traditions reflect: When it comes to discipleship in the kingdom of God, there is no room for compromise. There is no choice in the matter of obedience.

I. The Three Traditions

1. “Out of my sight!” The NIV views the rebuke of Jesus to Peter as a command to remove himself from Jesus’ sight because Peter has become a stumbling block for Jesus: “Jesus turned and said to Peter, ‘Out of my sight, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.’ Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me’ “ (Matt 16:23–24). This tradition is supported by other versions such as that of Williams (“Get out of my way, you Satan!”) and TEV (“Get away from me, Satan!”).

Commentators have explained this translation in various ways but have most commonly understood it to be a severe reprimand by Jesus for

* Dennis Stoutenburg is associate professor of New Testament at Providence College and Seminary, Otterburne, Manitoba R0A 1G0, Canada.

JETS 36:2 (June 1993) p. 174

Peter to remove himself from Jesus’ presence. It excludes the idea of discipleship. They oft...

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