How did Peter and the disciples recognize Jesus as the Messiah?
Peter and the disciples recognized Jesus as the Messiah not through human wisdom or flesh and blood, but because the Father in heaven revealed it to them. The Lord, the Spirit of God, opened their understanding so they could recognize Him as the one they must follow.
Les explains that Peter and the other ten disciples were believers, but their recognition of Jesus as Messiah did not come from their own intelligence. Jesus told Peter that flesh and blood had not revealed it, but the Father in heaven. As the Messiah came and put the finger on them, the Lord, the Spirit of God, opened their understanding so they recognized the one they had to follow. They did not have it on their own.
And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
More Questions
Why couldn't Peter figure out on his own that Jesus was the Christ?
No one can comprehend spiritual truths unless God opens their understanding, just as the Father revealed to Peter that Jesus is the Christ rather than flesh and blood revealing it.