The Confessio Petri in Luke 9:20: Is this an Overlooked Lukan Use of the Filiation Formula?

The Confessio Petri is a pivotal Christological declaration about the identity of Jesus. It is found in each of the Synoptics, albeit with noteworthy differences in the Greek text. This paper begins by looking at how patronymics are presented in Greek inscriptions found at archeological sites in the Greek East and in their related museums. How Greek filiation language is different than usage in Latin is briefly noted. The categorization of filiation language in grammars of koine Greek is then summarized. The filiation formula is ubiquitous in the Septuagint, and its various grammatical forms in the LXX are discussed. Filiation in the New Testament is reviewed next, particularly the genealogy in chapter 3, a prominent example of Luke’s use of the formula. Peter’s confession in Luke 9:10 is then examined, particularly its awkward translation in English versions. The paper argues that use of the filiation formula has been overlooked here and in 23:35. It then concludes with suggested new translations for these verses.