The key to understanding the scripture about Peter and the rock lies in the correct translation of the Greek words. The word translated as Peter is *petros*, meaning pebble or small stone, while the word rendered as rock is *petra*, meaning big rock or huge boulder. Christ declares that He would build His church on the boulder, not on Peter the pebble.

The term *petra* (G4073), representing a massive, immovable rock, is central to understanding Jesus Christ as the foundation of the church of God. Jesus Christ is The Rock on which the church is built, embodying qualities of enduring strength and impregnable stability. This imagery reflects a sure foundation that withstands any storm or flood, ensuring that what is built upon it will not be washed away. Unlike an unsure foundation of sand, which leads to ruin, building on The Rock provides unyielding security. Jesus Himself clarifies this role, distinguishing between Peter, addressed as a smaller stone, and Himself as The Rock, the true foundation of the church. The apostles, including Peter, recognized this distinction, viewing Jesus Christ as the chief cornerstone and foundation stone. Peter saw himself merely as a living stone within the superstructure, not the primary foundation, affirming that salvation and the church's stability begin and end with Jesus Christ, The Rock underlying everything. Furthermore, The Rock is also a Rock of Offense to the disobedient, presenting an insurmountable obstruction in their path. Like a massive rock blocking a mountain trail, it cannot be bypassed or broken without injury, symbolizing a stumbling block to those who reject Him. In a future aspect, The Rock manifests as a stone cut without hands, smiting nations with judgment and destruction, embodying both the majestic, awesome nature for believers and the severe side of judgment for those who oppose Him.

God shows that He intends to spare a group of people in a wilderness, a place of rocks, possibly in modern Jordan, as a place of safety during the end times. This location, strongly implied to be Petra, is described as a fortress of rocks, a desolate wilderness where life cannot be sustained without miraculous provision from God. Though not absolutely provable by Scripture, Petra is the most indicated place of protection, characterized by its inhospitable conditions with extreme temperatures, no water, and minimal amenities. It is a place where one must depend on God for daily sustenance, facing significant physical and spiritual challenges. Despite these hardships, being in Petra would be far better than enduring the tribulation. The focus must remain on preparing for the return of Jesus Christ, with the hope that God may grant the added blessing of protection in such a place for those who respond rightly to His call.