The answer is: Cephas

John 1:42 - Cephas or Peter means stone

One of the interesting things about the name "Cephas" is its origin in Aramaic, which was the language commonly spoken in Jesus' time. In ancient cultures, names often had deep symbolism, and "rock" symbolizes strength and stability – attributes that Jesus saw in Simon, ultimately transforming him into a foundational figure of the early Church. It’s fascinating because people often think of Peter as a simple fisherman, but from the get-go, he had a profound role in the unfolding story of community leadership in the growing movement of Jesus’ followers.

Have you ever wondered how you could tell scholars apart in the early church? Well, they were keen on this name narrative too, considering how many different words for "rock" and "stone" pop up everywhere. For instance, in Matthew 16:18, when Jesus says "upon this rock, I will build My church," the dual meanings in the Greek—’Peter’ AND 'confession of Christ'—strongly resonate.

Not to mention, the symbolism of rock shows continued up the biblical chain—think of God as a rock (Psalm 18) or Jesus as the cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20). So, every time you hear "Peter" or "Cephas," just remember there’s more than a name; there's a legacy of faith that shaped communities and prompted near-mythical allegiance among believers. It's about foundational stones built on love!