who's the rock here?

I was asked to expound upon a statement I made in my book about the conversation between Peter and Jesus found in Matthew 16:18. I discussed this briefly in Chapter 3, page 48.

Jesus had just asked Peter who he thought he (Jesus) was. Peter responded by correctly stating that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God. Jesus then said that Peter was blessed because flesh and blood had not revealed this to him, but rather the Father who is in Heaven.

Then Jesus says "you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it".

Now, many take this to believe that Jesus founded the church upon Peter, which means "rock". However, Jesus used the word "petra" in the original text, a feminine form of rock, not the name of a person (Peter). Then Jesus said "I will build my church". I, obviously being Jesus. "Will build" is future tense. So, Peter being a mere human being could not possibly be the foundation for the church, nor could he build the future church himself. This is so simple to understand, yet millions have been led to believe that Peter established the first church in Rome, and was in fact, the first Pope. Nonsense, I say. Read the scripture again, and again if necessary. Jesus built the Church (that's us who are believers) Peter went on to deny Christ three times, remember, just before the crufixion. Not too solid a foundation for a church founder to go on and deny Christ, wouldn't you say?

Thanks for the question. I hope that is now clear.