They said they wanted a sign from Jesus, but they refused to acknowledge what He had already shown them. This was hypocrisy.
Compare Matthew 12:38-41.
Matthew 16:5-12
The disciples were focused on physical things and missed Jesus’ point completely. Jesus was warning about the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
Compare Galatians 5:7-9.
Matthew 16:13-20
Jesus did not set in place any order of succession for the apostles, nor for a pope.
See Matthew 18:1-4; 14:22, 33.
John 6:66-69; 11:27 – People were recognizing that Jesus was the Christ.
Matthew 21:42-44; Romans 9:33
Matthew 7:24
I Corinthians 3:11
Ephesians 2:20
Jesus is the chief cornerstone. The apostles were part of the foundation. Jesus was not building His church on Peter. Jesus Himself was the cornerstone.
Matthew 16:21-28
If Jesus had bowed to Satan at any point, His entire mission on earth would be lost. Jesus was going to complete His mission, no matter the physical consequences.