Matthew 16:22

Peter here appears in a new character; a minute ago speaking under inspiration from heaven, now under inspiration from the opposite quarter. ἤρξατο, began to chide or admonish. He did not get far. As soon as his meaning became apparent he encountered prompt, abrupt, peremptory contradiction. ἶλεώς σοι : Elsner renders sis bono placidoque animo, but most (Erasmus, Grotius, Kypke, Fritzsche, etc.) take it = absit! God avert it! Vehement utterance of a man confounded and horrified. Perfectly honest and in one sense thoroughly creditable, but suggesting the question: Did Peter after all call Jesus Christ in the true sense? The answer must be: Yes, ethically. He understood what kind of man was fit to be a Christ. But he did not yet understand what kind of treatment such a man might expect from the world. A noble, benignant, really righteous man Messiah must be, said Peter; but why a man of sorrow he had yet to learn. οὐ μὴ ἔσται, future of perfect assurance: it will not, cannot be.