MAtthew 16:18-other views

[ortizzlejay]

i've met alot of people that had never even heard this verse. one being my girlfriend (which didn't surprise me because she is baptist... no offense intended). But jesus gives peter the keys to the kingdom of heavend and says upon peter he will build his church (let us note that JESUS was the one who gave Simon Peter the name PETER and in Aramaic the language which jesus spoke, Cephas meant rock and peter). I understand that this is widely debated subject because he also told peter. What you bound on earth will be bound in heaven, and what you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Let's keep in mind that binding and loosing were jewish Judiciary terms like making laws. In only one other part of the bible was someone given a key, and that was when god gave Eliakim the key to the house of david thus giving him authority. LEt the debate/argument/discussion/opinions begin.

 

[arielette]

I wonder what exactly he had the authority to "bind and lose"?

 

[Steve Petersen]

Binding and loosing are Rabbinic terms for 'forbidding' and 'permitting.'
This is authority given to the priests and judges of Israel to make legally binding rulings for Israel in the absence of clear laws from God. This did not permit them to override a commandment. There are a couple of examples in the Torah where additional instruction was required because of a lack of clarity in the Law.

 

[ortizzlejay]

i like that you pointed out the fact that it was the power to permit or not allow things... but i think the power of those priests was a bit different than the power peter had. He was bestowed this power buy jesus christ and was told basically what ever rules he made would be rules in heaven

 

[Steve Petersen]

i like that you pointed out the fact that it was the power to permit or not allow things... but i think the power of those priests was a bit different than the power peter had. He was bestowed this power buy jesus christ and was told basically what ever rules he made would be rules in heaven

I have a hard time imagining that Peter could overule God's Law when God Himself made it eternal.

 

[français]

matthew 16:18 is Jesus instructing Peter to build the church.

"upon this rock I will build my church."

some ardline protestants seem to come to the conclusion that peter was merely building a church on a rock.. how bogus! because 1. how do you buld a church on a rock? and 2. do you not use greek when studying!

the word Peter means Little Rock. so jesus was saying that upon Peter he will build his church. so he's basically instructing peter to start the church.

and peter went to rome, and years later, the church was eventually called the Roman Catholic Church.

i'm not too smart on info about judiasm, but if i'm not mistaking, jews, when they had their second temple, had a "Prime Minister." which is like a pope in a way. and i'm guessing that jesus was telling peter that he would be something like that.

as a catholic, we believe that the Catholic Church was started by Peter, hence, by jesus!

now of course, the early Church didn't have papacy, or any of that. but they still held similar beliefs, and all the churches eventually merged, so they could all agree what was right and what was not. after all, paul speaks many times on how it's VERY essential that there is unity, and universalism within the church.

 

[hosea6v6]

i've met alot of people that had never even heard this verse. one being my girlfriend (which didn't surprise me because she is baptist... no offense intended). But jesus gives peter the keys to the kingdom of heavend and says upon peter he will build his church (let us note that JESUS was the one who gave Simon Peter the name PETER and in Aramaic the language which jesus spoke, Cephas meant rock and peter). I understand that this is widely debated subject because he also told peter. What you bound on earth will be bound in heaven, and what you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Let's keep in mind that binding and loosing were jewish Judiciary terms like making laws. In only one other part of the bible was someone given a key, and that was when god gave Eliakim the key to the house of david thus giving him authority. LEt the debate/argument/discussion/opinions begin.

Read these verses slow and over and over to you see.
Peter was not the object here, but what peter said is the object. The Object is in verse 16 and 17.
Jesus says thou are Petro which means little rock, but Peter on what you confessed "thou art the Christ the Son of the living God" I will build my Church.

The building of the church comes form the fact that Jesus was the son of the living God. Peter then goes on to mess many things up.
I am not at all sure that Peter even knew what he said. It was the Holy spirit with in him at the time that cried out who Jesus was.

Hosea6v6

 

[français]

peter was a great disciple!! and he was probably one of jesus's favorites.. take this into consideration..

Matt. to Rev. - Peter is mentioned 155 times and the rest of apostles combined are only mentioned 130 times. Peter is also always listed first except in 1 Cor. 3:22 and Gal. 2:9 (which are obvious exceptions to the rule).
Matt. 10:2; Mark 1:36; 3:16; Luke 6:14-16; Acts 1:3; 2:37; 5:29 - these are some of many examples where Peter is mentioned first among the apostles.
Matt. 14:28-29 - only Peter has the faith to walk on water. No other man in Scripture is said to have the faith to walk on water. This faith ultimately did not fail.
Matt. 16:16, Mark 8:29; John 6:69 - Peter is first among the apostles to confess the divinity of Christ.
Matt. 16:17 - Peter alone is told he has received divine knowledge by a special revelation from God the Father.
Matt. 16:18 - Jesus builds the Church only on Peter, the rock, with the other apostles as the foundation and Jesus as the Head.
Matt. 16:19 - only Peter receives the keys, which represent authority over the Church and facilitate dynastic succession to his authority.
Matt. 17:24-25 - the tax collector approaches Peter for Jesus' tax. Peter is the spokesman for Jesus. He is the Vicar of Christ.
Matt. 17:26-27 - Jesus pays the half-shekel tax with one shekel, for both Jesus and Peter. Peter is Christ's representative on earth.
Matt. 18:21 - in the presence of the disciples, Peter asks Jesus about the rule of forgiveness. One of many examples where Peter takes a leadership role among the apostles in understanding Jesus' teachings.
Matt. 19:27 - Peter speaks on behalf of the apostles by telling Jesus that they have left everything to follow Him.
Mark 10:28 - here also, Peter speaks on behalf of the disciples by declaring that they have left everything to follow Him.
Mark 11:21 - Peter speaks on behalf of the disciples in remembering Jesus' curse on the fig tree.
Mark 14:37 - at Gethsemane, Jesus asks Peter, and no one else, why he was asleep. Peter is accountable to Jesus for his actions on behalf of the apostles because he has been appointed by Jesus as their leader.
Mark 16:7 - Peter is specified by an angel as the leader of the apostles as the angel confirms the resurrection of Christ.
Luke 5:3 – Jesus teaches from Peter’s boat which is metaphor for the Church. Jesus guides Peter and the Church into all truth.
Luke 5:4,10 - Jesus instructs Peter to let down the nets for a catch, and the miraculous catch follows. Peter, the Pope, is the "fisher of men."
Luke 7:40-50- Jesus addresses Peter regarding the rule of forgiveness and Peter answers on behalf of the disciples. Jesus also singles Peter out and judges his conduct vis-à-vis the conduct of the woman who anointed Him.
Luke 8:45 - when Jesus asked who touched His garment, it is Peter who answers on behalf of the disciples.
Luke 8:51; 9:28; 22:8; Acts 1:13; 3:1,3,11; 4:13,19; 8:14 - Peter is always mentioned before John, the disciple whom Jesus loved.
Luke 9:28;33 - Peter is mentioned first as going to mountain of transfiguration and the only one to speak at the transfiguration.
Luke 12:41 - Peter seeks clarification of a parable on behalf on the disciples. This is part of Peter's formation as the chief shepherd of the flock after Jesus ascended into heaven.
Luke 22:31-32 - Jesus prays for Peter alone, that his faith may not fail, and charges him to strengthen the rest of the apostles.
Luke 24:12, John 20:4-6 - John arrived at the tomb first but stopped and waited for Peter. Peter then arrived and entered the tomb first.
Luke 24:34 - the two disciples distinguish Peter even though they both had seen the risen Jesus the previous hour. See Luke 24:33.
John 6:68 - after the disciples leave, Peter is the first to speak and confess his belief in Christ after the Eucharistic discourse.
John 13:6-9 - Peter speaks out to the Lord in front of the apostles concerning the washing of feet.
John 13:36; 21:18 - Jesus predicts Peter's death. Peter was martyred at Rome in 67 A.D. Several hundred years of papal successors were also martyred.
John 21:2-3,11 - Peter leads the fishing and his net does not break. The boat (the "barque of Peter") is a metaphor for the Church.
John 21:7 - only Peter got out of the boat and ran to the shore to meet Jesus. Peter is the earthly shepherd leading us to God.
John 21:15 - in front of the apostles, Jesus asks Peter if he loves Jesus "more than these," which refers to the other apostles. Peter is the head of the apostolic see.
John 21:15-17 - Jesus charges Peter to "feed my lambs," "tend my sheep," "feed my sheep." Sheep means all people, even the apostles.
Acts 1:13 - Peter is first when entering upper room after our Lord's ascension. The first Eucharist and Pentecost were given in this room.
Acts 1:15 - Peter initiates the selection of a successor to Judas right after Jesus ascended into heaven, and no one questions him. Further, if the Church needed a successor to Judas, wouldn't it need one to Peter? Of course.
Acts 2:14 - Peter is first to speak for the apostles after the Holy Spirit descended upon them at Pentecost. Peter is the first to preach the Gospel.
Acts 2:38 - Peter gives first preaching in the early Church on repentance and baptism in the name of Jesus Christ.
Acts 3:1,3,4 - Peter is mentioned first as going to the Temple to pray.
Acts 3:6-7 - Peter works the first healing of the apostles.
Acts 3:12-26, 4:8-12 - Peter teaches the early Church the healing through Jesus and that there is no salvation other than Christ.
Acts 5:3 - Peter declares the first anathema of Ananias and Sapphira which is ratified by God, and brings about their death. Peter exercises his binding authority.
Acts 5:15 - Peter's shadow has healing power. No other apostle is said to have this power.
Acts 8:14 - Peter is mentioned first in conferring the sacrament of confirmation.
Acts 8:20-23 - Peter casts judgment on Simon's quest for gaining authority through the laying on of hands. Peter exercises his binding and loosing authority.
Acts 9:32-34 - Peter is mentioned first among the apostles and works the healing of Aeneas.
Acts 9:38-40 - Peter is mentioned first among the apostles and raises Tabitha from the dead.
Acts 10:5 - Cornelius is told by an angel to call upon Peter. Angels are messengers of God. Peter was granted this divine vision.
Acts 10:34-48, 11:1-18 - Peter is first to teach about salvation for all (Jews and Gentiles).
Acts 12:5 - this verse implies that the "whole Church" offered "earnest prayers" for Peter, their leader, during his imprisonment.
Acts 12:6-11 - Peter is freed from jail by an angel. He is the first object of divine intervention in the early Church.
Acts 15:7-12 - Peter resolves the first doctrinal issue on circumcision at the Church's first council at Jerusalem, and no one questions him. After Peter the Papa spoke, all were kept silent.
Acts 15:12 - only after Peter (the Pope) speaks do Paul and Barnabas (bishops) speak in support of Peter's definitive teaching.
Acts 15:13-14 - then James speaks to further acknowledge Peter's definitive teaching. "Simeon (Peter) has related how God first visited..."
Rom. 15:20 - Paul says he doesn't want to build on "another man's foundation" referring to Peter, who built the Church in Rome.
1 Cor. 9:5 – Peter is distinguished from the rest of the apostles and brethren of the Lord.
1 Cor. 15:4-8 - Paul distinguishes Jesus' post-resurrection appearances to Peter from those of the other apostles. Christ appeared “to Cephas, then to the twelve.”
Gal.1:18 - Paul spends fifteen days with Peter privately before beginning his ministry, even after Christ's Revelation to Paul.
1 Peter 5:1 - Peter acts as the chief bishop by "exhorting" all the other bishops and elders of the Church.
1 Peter 5:13 - Some Protestants argue against the Papacy by trying to prove Peter was never in Rome. First, this argument is irrelevant to whether Jesus instituted the Papacy. Secondly, this verse demonstrates that Peter was in fact in Rome. Peter writes from "Babylon" which was a code name for Rome during these days of persecution. See, for example, Rev. 14:8, 16:19, 17:5, 18:2,10,21, which show that "Babylon" meant Rome. Rome was the "great city" of the New Testament period. Because Rome during this age was considered the center of the world, the Lord wanted His Church to be established in Rome.
2 Peter 1:14 - Peter writes about Jesus' prediction of Peter's death, embracing the eventual martyrdom that he would suffer.
2 Peter 3:16 - Peter is making a judgment on the proper interpretation of Paul's letters. Peter is the chief shepherd of the flock.
Matt. 23:11; Mark 9:35; 10:44 - yet Peter, as the first, humbled himself to be the last and servant of all servants.

 

[hosea6v6]

peter was a great disciple!! and he was probably one of jesus's favorites.. take this into consideration..

Matt. to Rev. - Peter is mentioned 155 times and the rest of apostles combined are only mentioned 130 times. Peter is also always listed first except in 1 Cor. 3:22 and Gal. 2:9 (which are obvious exceptions to the rule).
Matt. 10:2; Mark 1:36; 3:16; Luke 6:14-16; Acts 1:3; 2:37; 5:29 - these are some of many examples where Peter is mentioned first among the apostles.
Matt. 14:28-29 - only Peter has the faith to walk on water. No other man in Scripture is said to have the faith to walk on water. This faith ultimately did not fail.
Matt. 16:16, Mark 8:29; John 6:69 - Peter is first among the apostles to confess the divinity of Christ.
Matt. 16:17 - Peter alone is told he has received divine knowledge by a special revelation from God the Father.
Matt. 16:18 - Jesus builds the Church only on Peter, the rock, with the other apostles as the foundation and Jesus as the Head.
Matt. 16:19 - only Peter receives the keys, which represent authority over the Church and facilitate dynastic succession to his authority.
Matt. 17:24-25 - the tax collector approaches Peter for Jesus' tax. Peter is the spokesman for Jesus. He is the Vicar of Christ.
Matt. 17:26-27 - Jesus pays the half-shekel tax with one shekel, for both Jesus and Peter. Peter is Christ's representative on earth.
Matt. 18:21 - in the presence of the disciples, Peter asks Jesus about the rule of forgiveness. One of many examples where Peter takes a leadership role among the apostles in understanding Jesus' teachings.
Matt. 19:27 - Peter speaks on behalf of the apostles by telling Jesus that they have left everything to follow Him.
Mark 10:28 - here also, Peter speaks on behalf of the disciples by declaring that they have left everything to follow Him.
Mark 11:21 - Peter speaks on behalf of the disciples in remembering Jesus' curse on the fig tree.
Mark 14:37 - at Gethsemane, Jesus asks Peter, and no one else, why he was asleep. Peter is accountable to Jesus for his actions on behalf of the apostles because he has been appointed by Jesus as their leader.
Mark 16:7 - Peter is specified by an angel as the leader of the apostles as the angel confirms the resurrection of Christ.
Luke 5:3 – Jesus teaches from Peter’s boat which is metaphor for the Church. Jesus guides Peter and the Church into all truth.
Luke 5:4,10 - Jesus instructs Peter to let down the nets for a catch, and the miraculous catch follows. Peter, the Pope, is the "fisher of men."
Luke 7:40-50- Jesus addresses Peter regarding the rule of forgiveness and Peter answers on behalf of the disciples. Jesus also singles Peter out and judges his conduct vis-à-vis the conduct of the woman who anointed Him.
Luke 8:45 - when Jesus asked who touched His garment, it is Peter who answers on behalf of the disciples.
Luke 8:51; 9:28; 22:8; Acts 1:13; 3:1,3,11; 4:13,19; 8:14 - Peter is always mentioned before John, the disciple whom Jesus loved.
Luke 9:28;33 - Peter is mentioned first as going to mountain of transfiguration and the only one to speak at the transfiguration.
Luke 12:41 - Peter seeks clarification of a parable on behalf on the disciples. This is part of Peter's formation as the chief shepherd of the flock after Jesus ascended into heaven.
Luke 22:31-32 - Jesus prays for Peter alone, that his faith may not fail, and charges him to strengthen the rest of the apostles.
Luke 24:12, John 20:4-6 - John arrived at the tomb first but stopped and waited for Peter. Peter then arrived and entered the tomb first.
Luke 24:34 - the two disciples distinguish Peter even though they both had seen the risen Jesus the previous hour. See Luke 24:33.
John 6:68 - after the disciples leave, Peter is the first to speak and confess his belief in Christ after the Eucharistic discourse.
John 13:6-9 - Peter speaks out to the Lord in front of the apostles concerning the washing of feet.
John 13:36; 21:18 - Jesus predicts Peter's death. Peter was martyred at Rome in 67 A.D. Several hundred years of papal successors were also martyred.
John 21:2-3,11 - Peter leads the fishing and his net does not break. The boat (the "barque of Peter") is a metaphor for the Church.
John 21:7 - only Peter got out of the boat and ran to the shore to meet Jesus. Peter is the earthly shepherd leading us to God.
John 21:15 - in front of the apostles, Jesus asks Peter if he loves Jesus "more than these," which refers to the other apostles. Peter is the head of the apostolic see.
John 21:15-17 - Jesus charges Peter to "feed my lambs," "tend my sheep," "feed my sheep." Sheep means all people, even the apostles.
Acts 1:13 - Peter is first when entering upper room after our Lord's ascension. The first Eucharist and Pentecost were given in this room.
Acts 1:15 - Peter initiates the selection of a successor to Judas right after Jesus ascended into heaven, and no one questions him. Further, if the Church needed a successor to Judas, wouldn't it need one to Peter? Of course.
Acts 2:14 - Peter is first to speak for the apostles after the Holy Spirit descended upon them at Pentecost. Peter is the first to preach the Gospel.
Acts 2:38 - Peter gives first preaching in the early Church on repentance and baptism in the name of Jesus Christ.
Acts 3:1,3,4 - Peter is mentioned first as going to the Temple to pray.
Acts 3:6-7 - Peter works the first healing of the apostles.
Acts 3:12-26, 4:8-12 - Peter teaches the early Church the healing through Jesus and that there is no salvation other than Christ.
Acts 5:3 - Peter declares the first anathema of Ananias and Sapphira which is ratified by God, and brings about their death. Peter exercises his binding authority.
Acts 5:15 - Peter's shadow has healing power. No other apostle is said to have this power.
Acts 8:14 - Peter is mentioned first in conferring the sacrament of confirmation.
Acts 8:20-23 - Peter casts judgment on Simon's quest for gaining authority through the laying on of hands. Peter exercises his binding and loosing authority.
Acts 9:32-34 - Peter is mentioned first among the apostles and works the healing of Aeneas.
Acts 9:38-40 - Peter is mentioned first among the apostles and raises Tabitha from the dead.
Acts 10:5 - Cornelius is told by an angel to call upon Peter. Angels are messengers of God. Peter was granted this divine vision.
Acts 10:34-48, 11:1-18 - Peter is first to teach about salvation for all (Jews and Gentiles).
Acts 12:5 - this verse implies that the "whole Church" offered "earnest prayers" for Peter, their leader, during his imprisonment.
Acts 12:6-11 - Peter is freed from jail by an angel. He is the first object of divine intervention in the early Church.
Acts 15:7-12 - Peter resolves the first doctrinal issue on circumcision at the Church's first council at Jerusalem, and no one questions him. After Peter the Papa spoke, all were kept silent.
Acts 15:12 - only after Peter (the Pope) speaks do Paul and Barnabas (bishops) speak in support of Peter's definitive teaching.
Acts 15:13-14 - then James speaks to further acknowledge Peter's definitive teaching. "Simeon (Peter) has related how God first visited..."
Rom. 15:20 - Paul says he doesn't want to build on "another man's foundation" referring to Peter, who built the Church in Rome.
1 Cor. 9:5 – Peter is distinguished from the rest of the apostles and brethren of the Lord.
1 Cor. 15:4-8 - Paul distinguishes Jesus' post-resurrection appearances to Peter from those of the other apostles. Christ appeared “to Cephas, then to the twelve.”
Gal.1:18 - Paul spends fifteen days with Peter privately before beginning his ministry, even after Christ's Revelation to Paul.
1 Peter 5:1 - Peter acts as the chief bishop by "exhorting" all the other bishops and elders of the Church.
1 Peter 5:13 - Some Protestants argue against the Papacy by trying to prove Peter was never in Rome. First, this argument is irrelevant to whether Jesus instituted the Papacy. Secondly, this verse demonstrates that Peter was in fact in Rome. Peter writes from "Babylon" which was a code name for Rome during these days of persecution. See, for example, Rev. 14:8, 16:19, 17:5, 18:2,10,21, which show that "Babylon" meant Rome. Rome was the "great city" of the New Testament period. Because Rome during this age was considered the center of the world, the Lord wanted His Church to be established in Rome.
2 Peter 1:14 - Peter writes about Jesus' prediction of Peter's death, embracing the eventual martyrdom that he would suffer.
2 Peter 3:16 - Peter is making a judgment on the proper interpretation of Paul's letters. Peter is the chief shepherd of the flock.
Matt. 23:11; Mark 9:35; 10:44 - yet Peter, as the first, humbled himself to be the last and servant of all servants.

So you are fawn of the only one of the 12 to deny Christ three times. Cut off and ear when Christ said not too. The Spirit had to kick Peter in the behind for him to go to the gentiles. He and Paul had words and he made it hard on gentiles at first makng them act like Jews

Trying to make Peter perfect is harder then walking on water.


Hosea 6v6

 

[StatePSO]

I'm sure we have to get beyond the Greek and get to the Aramaic. Because that's what Jesus and the Apostles spoke. The correct rendering of Matt. 16:18 is large rock. (Kepha) as was used in Mk.3:16. They were also speaking in the area of Cesarea Philippi in which is located a massive rock. Don't forget this was also prophetic. St. Peter was crucified upside down on Vatican hill before Nero and Pompea (his concubine). When God changes somebodies name it's significant ie. Jacob=Isreal, Abram=Abraham etc. He has the power of binding and loosening. And don't forget the canon of scripture was closed on 72 books in 397 under Pope Siricus. There were many gospels out there and alot of confusion. Protestants have to acknowledge this fact it's proven history. It was Luther who took out 7 books and he even took out the book of James and called St. James a prophet of straw because it is written faith without works is dead. Peter was the first Pope. Then Linus, clement on to Benedict XVI. And it's members number over a billion souls now. It can trace its lineage directly to Christ. It's the only Christian church that can make that statement. After Luther's document "Sola Scriptora" the bible alone, we have over some 20,000 different denominations all saying the Holy Spirit has told them the truth. All with different ideas of justification, conduct, types of worship etc. Blessed be Benedict XVI. He who hears him hears Christ. He who denies him denies Christ and denies the one who sent Him.

 

[français]

So you are fawn of the only one of the 12 to deny Christ three times. Cut off and ear when Christ said not too. The Spirit had to kick Peter in the behind for him to go to the gentiles. He and Paul had words and he made it hard on gentiles at first makng them act like Jews

Trying to make Peter perfect is harder then walking on water.


Hosea 6v6

hmm, well let's see.. judas betrayed christ all together. so technically peter was supposingly 1 of the 11 to deny christ. BUT, he always came back, now didn't he!

let's not forget about paul, who, before he became a christian, he was going to kill christians!

no one is saying peter was perfect.. but nevertheless, jesus instructed him to build the Catholic Church

 

[ArcticFox]

hmm, well let's see.. judas betrayed christ all together. so technically peter was supposingly 1 of the 11 to deny christ. BUT, he always came back, now didn't he!

let's not forget about paul, who, before he became a christian, he was going to kill christians!

no one is saying peter was perfect.. but nevertheless, jesus instructed him to build the Catholic Church

I agree that, working backwards from the Catholic Church and looking at these verses, it can seem plausible, even necessary, to reach such an interpretation.

However, trying to create anything even remotely close to the Roman Catholic church looking at Scripture is not only impossible, but it is contrary to parts of Scripture. Granted that the Catholic church does not require Scriptural backing for everything it does.

Whatever the meaning of these verses, it cannot mean what the RC would like it to mean. Although these verses may continually be thrust at us often by Catholics who desire that their "divorced brethren" return to the fold, it is unlikely to convince many. I have never been one to let a few unclear verses completely restructure my spiritual life. There are a couple more examples of small sections of Scripture that remain mysterious to us, but I refuse to take an extreme position based solely on those few difficult verses.

Now, if these verses were supported by other verses speaking of Peter as a leader who would have spiritual descendants after him who would look after the church and make decisions about the church's spiritual life, well then, I think I'd be disobedient not to take another serious look at the RCC.

Such is not the case, and any look I make towards the RCC leaves me confident that Scripture does not teach any such thing.

 

[Codger]

Matthew 16:13-20 (NASB)
Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He began asking His disciples, saying, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" [14] And they said, "Some say John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets." [15] He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" [16] And Simon Peter answered and said, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." [17] And Jesus answered and said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. [18] "And I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades shall not overpower it. [19] "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." [20] Then He warned the disciples that they should tell no one that He was the Christ.

Key points
"Who do people say that the Son of Man is?"
“Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
“flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven“
“you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church”

The Catholics have had this passage “patented” and exclusively theirs for millennia. But it isn’t “Peter” on whom the Church is built - it is a play on words that indicates that the Church will be built on the “rock” (bed rock) which is the revelation given by God himself. Without this supernatural guidance all is chaos and confusion.

The concept of binding and loosening is an age old practice whereby leaders, kings, rulers would arrest those who opposed them and release those who were being held by the previous administration. This is still in effect today if you think of any type of political or organizationsl leadership in existence - including the Church. This can range from rewarding your supporters and ignoring or excluding those who oppose you - to arresting and even executing those who oppose you. Very much in force today.
.

 

[Elrond]

Some use this passage to teach that Peter was the foundation stone of the church, that he had a primacy among the apostles, and that he became Bishop of Rome. Peter may be meant by the rock, but he is not the exclusive foundation. The twelvefold foundation of the apostles of the church is spoken of in Ephesians 2:20 and Revelation 21:14. This is borne out by the fact that the same words are spoken to all the disciples in Matthew 18:18 as are spoken to Peter in 16:19. So, the rock or foundation of the church is the confession, doctrine, of the apostles which became normative for the true church.

Elrond

 

[Tractor1]

"In the Old Testament, humanity was divided into two groups, Jews and Gentiles; but by New Testament times, humanity was consistently divided into three groups: Jews, Samaritans, and Gentiles (Matt. 10:5-6). A knowledge of this will also help in understanding the meaning of the keys of the kingdom and Peter's special role in connection with them.
Having the keys, already known from the Old Testament, carried two concepts: first, authority (Isa. 22:20-24) and, second, the right to unlock the door.
Therefore, the basic point of Matthew 16:19 is that Jesus gives the authority to Peter to open the door of the Church, or the Body of Christ, to all three segments of humanity. Once he opens the door for a segment of humanity, it will remain open for them. This helps explain Peter's special role in the book of Acts and the sometimes delay of the Baptism of the Spirit in believers" Keys of the Kingdom, Dictionary of Premillennial Theology, pgs. 229-230.

Read the separate accounts for Jews (Acts 2), Samaritans (Acts 8), and Gentiles (Acts 9). By the time Paul begins his work of evangelism, all doors have been opened. From that point on there was no longer a delay in receiving the baptism of the Spirit upon salvation, and by the time Paul wrote (1 Corinthians 12:13), the truth was that by one Spirit all were baptized into one Body.

In Christ,
Tracey

 

[jeffweeder]

REV 21

14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundation stones, and on them were the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

The keys to getting into the kingdom of God were first used here;

ACTS 2
36 "Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ[35][I.e. Messiah]—this Jesus whom you crucified."

The Ingathering
37 Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brethren, what shall we do?"
38 Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
39 "For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself."
40 And with many other words he solemnly testified and kept on exhorting them, saying, "Be saved from this perverse generation!"
41 So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls.
42 They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.


Upon this rock--Jesus is the Christ, he will build his Church.

 

[plmarquette]

believers authority: loose people from oppression and bind them to the word & will of God Luke 9.1, 10.9 ; Mark 16.16-20 ; Mark 11.23-4 ; 1 John 5.14-18 ....

as with moses and the rulers of the congregation and the succession of Aaron and his seed ... Peter and the 12 set up a church oversight system similar to what was already in place ... a stone , a boulder, a mountain ... do , dah , do dah ... it is , what it is ... Jesus will explain the nuiances later ... amen ?

 

[winslow]

I wonder what exactly he had the authority to "bind and lose"?

The keys weren't given to Peter exclusevely but to all the apostles. And their authority to "bind and lose" was restricted to what was already "bound and lose" in heaven.

Mat 16:19 And I will give to you the keys of the kingdom of Heaven. And whatever you bind on earth shall occur, having been bound in Heaven. And whatever you may loose on the earth shall be, having been loosed in Heaven.

 

[A Brother In Christ]

i've met alot of people that had never even heard this verse. one being my girlfriend (which didn't surprise me because she is baptist... no offense intended). But jesus gives peter the keys to the kingdom of heavend and says upon peter he will build his church (let us note that JESUS was the one who gave Simon Peter the name PETER and in Aramaic the language which jesus spoke, Cephas meant rock and peter). I understand that this is widely debated subject because he also told peter. What you bound on earth will be bound in heaven, and what you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Let's keep in mind that binding and loosing were jewish Judiciary terms like making laws. In only one other part of the bible was someone given a key, and that was when god gave Eliakim the key to the house of david thus giving him authority. LEt the debate/argument/discussion/opinions begin.

Peter was the first stone on the foundation of Christ to start the church. act 2....

Paul is the steward of this dispensation