The answer is: Cephas

John 1:42 - Cephas or Peter means stone

In John 1:42, Jesus famously changes Simon's name to Cephas, which intriguingly also means "stone." This nomenclature is rich in symbolism. Stones are often seen in biblical texts as symbols of strength, steadfastness, and endurance. For Jesus to refer to Simon as a stone was, in essence, a declaration of his significant role within the foundation of the early church.

Fun fact: The name Peter itself comes from the Greek word "petros," which also translates to stone. Isn't it cool how languages work? Names can carry such weight; they can hold ideals and visions of what a person is meant to be. So Simon’s transformation into Peter echoes not just a change in identity but a glimpse into his future influence among the followers of Jesus.

Ironically, the church that built upon this "rock” would sometimes also be noted for its fragility. Throughout history, Peter—a man with glimpses of bold faith but also flashes of doubt—can remind us that strength is found in our vulnerabilities.

Moreover, this theme doesn’t go unnoticed in other biblical tales. Think of the Gospel of Matthew, where Jesus refers to himself as the cornerstone that was rejected (Matthew 21:42). These stones—whether Peter or Jesus—are intricately woven into the very fabric of Christian teachings, illustrating how solid anchoring faith can lead to transformative journeys.