8:32 he said this plainly. In contrast to His public teaching in parables (4:10, 11), the Twelve privately receive plain instruction (cf. John 16:25, 29). Jesus’ clear, private teaching will become the basis of His disciples’ public preaching after Easter (Acts 2:29; 4:13, 29, 31; 28:31).

Peter . . . began to rebuke him. When even Peter, leader among the Twelve, fails to accept that the Messiah must suffer, one can appreciate the wisdom of Jesus’ secrecy regarding His messianic office. Note Paul’s remark that for many “the word of the cross is folly” (1 Cor. 1:18; cf. Gal. 3:13).