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Matthew 16:18
Verse
Context
Peter’s Confession of Christ
17Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by My Father in heaven.18And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.19I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”
Sermons
B.H. Clendennen
A.W. Tozer
Carter ConlonCarter Conlon
David PlattSummary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
And I say also unto thee--that is, "As thou hast borne such testimony to Me, even so in return do I to thee." That thou art Peter--At his first calling, this new name was announced to him as an honor afterwards to be conferred on him (Joh 1:43). Now he gets it, with an explanation of what it was meant to convey. and upon this rock--As "Peter" and "Rock" are one word in the dialect familiarly spoken by our Lord--the Aramaic or Syro-Chaldaic, which was the mother tongue of the country--this exalted play upon the word can be fully seen only in languages which have one word for both. Even in the Greek it is imperfectly represented. In French, as WEBSTER and WILKINSON remark, it is perfect, Pierre--pierre. I will build my Church--not on the man Simon-Barjona; but on him as the heavenly-taught confessor of a faith. "My Church," says our Lord, calling the Church His OWN; a magnificent expression regarding Himself, remarks BENGEL--nowhere else occurring in the Gospel. and the gates of hell--"of Hades," or, the unseen world; meaning, the gates of Death: in other words, "It shall never perish." Some explain it of "the assaults of the powers of darkness"; but though that expresses a glorious truth, probably the former is the sense here.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven,.... By the kingdom of heaven is meant the Gospel, which comes from heaven, declares the king Messiah to be come, speaks of things concerning his kingdom, is the means of setting it up, and enlarging it, displays the riches of his grace, and gives an account of the kingdom of heaven, and of persons' right unto it, and meetness for it. "The keys" of it are abilities to open and explain the Gospel truths, and a mission and commission from Christ to make use of them; and being said to be given to Peter particularly, denotes his after qualifications, commission, work, and usefulness in opening the door of faith, or preaching the Gospel first to the Jews, Act 2:1 and then to the Gentiles, Act 10:1 and who was the first that made use of the keys of evangelical knowledge with respect to both, after he, with the rest of the apostles, had received an enlarged commission to preach the Gospel to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. Otherwise these keys belonged to them all alike; for to the same persons the keys, and the use of them, appertained, on whom the power of binding and loosing was bestowed; and this latter all the disciples had, as is manifest from Mat 18:18 wherefore this does not serve to establish the primacy and power of Peter over the rest of the apostles; nor do keys design any lordly domination or authority; nor did Christ allow of any such among his apostles; nor is it his will that the ministers of his word should lord it over his heritage: he only is king of saints, and head of his church; he has the key of David, with which he opens, and no man shuts, and shuts, and no man opens; and this he keeps in his own hand, and gives it to none. Peter is not the door-keeper of heaven to let in, nor keep out, whom he pleases; nor has his pretended successor the keys of hell and death; these also are only in Christ's hands: though it has been said of the pope of Rome, that if he sends millions of men to hell, none should say to him, what dost thou? but the keys here mentioned are the keys of the kingdom of heaven; or of the Gospel, which was shut up in the Jewish nation, through the ignorance, malice, and calumnies of the Scribes and Pharisees, who would neither embrace it, or enter into the kingdom of God themselves, nor suffer others that were going to enter into it; and through their taking away the key of knowledge, or the right interpretation of the word of God; and through a judicial blindness, which that nation in general was given up to: and this was shut up to the Gentiles through the natural darkness that was spread over them, and through want of a divine revelation, and persons sent of God to instruct them: but now Christ was about, and in a little time he would (for these words, with what follow, are in the future tense) give his apostles both a commission and gifts, qualifying them to open the sealed book of the Gospel, and unlock the mysteries of it, both to Jews and Gentiles, especially the latter. Keys are the ensigns of treasurers, and of stewards, and such the ministers of the Gospel are; they have the rich treasure of the word under their care, put into their earthen vessels to open and lay before others; and they are stewards of the mysteries and manifold grace of God, and of these things they have the keys. So that these words have nothing to do with church power and government in Peter, nor in the pope, nor in any other man, or set of men whatever; nor to be understood of church censures, excommunications, admissions, or exclusions of members: nor indeed are keys of any such similar use; they serve for locking and unlocking doors, and so for keeping out those that are without, and retaining those that are within, but not for the expulsion of any: but here they are used in a figurative sense, for the opening and explaining the truths of the Gospel, for which Peter had excellent gifts and abilities. And whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth, shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth, shall be loosed in heaven. This also is not to be understood of binding, or loosing men's sins, by laying on, or taking off censures, and excommunications; but only of doctrines, or declarations of what is lawful and unlawful, free, or prohibited to be received, or practised; in which sense the words, , "bound and loosed", are used in the Talmudic writings, times without number, for that which is forbidden and declared to be unlawful, and for that which is free of use, and pronounced to be so: in multitudes of places we read of one Rabbi "binding", and of another "loosing"; thousands, and ten thousands of instances of this kind might be produced; a whole volume of extracts on this head might be compiled. Dr. Lightfoot has transcribed a great many, sufficient to satisfy any man, and give him the true sense of these phrases; and after him to mention any other is needless; yet give me leave to produce one, as it is short, and full, and explains these phrases, and points at the persons that had this power, explaining Ecc 12:11 and that clause in it, "masters of the assemblies". "these (say they (t)) are the disciples of the wise men, who sit in different collections, and study in the law; these pronounce things or persons defiled, and these pronounce things or persons clean, "these bind, and these loose"; these reject, or pronounce persons or things profane, and these declare them right.'' And a little after, "get thyself an heart to hear the words of them that pronounce unclean, and the words of them that pronounce clean; the words of them that "bind", and the words of them that "loose"; the words of them that reject, and the words of them that declare it right'' But Christ gave a greater power of binding and loosing, to his disciples, than these men had, and which they used to better purpose. The sense of the words is this, that Peter, and so the rest of the apostles, should be empowered with authority from him, and so directed by his Holy Spirit, that whatever they bound, that is, declared to be forbidden, and unlawful, should be so: and that whatever they loosed, that is, declared to be lawful, and free of use, should be so; and accordingly they bound some things which before were loosed, and loosed some things which before were bound; for instance, they bound, that is, prohibited, or declared unlawful, the use of circumcision, which before, and until the death of Christ, was enjoined the natural seed of Abraham; but that, and all ceremonies, being abolished by the death of Christ, they declared it to be nothing, and of no avail, yea, hurtful and pernicious; that whoever was circumcised, Christ profited him nothing, and that he was a debtor to do the whole law: they affirmed, that the believing Gentiles were not to be troubled with it; that it was a yoke not fit to be put upon their necks, which they, and their fathers, were not able to bear, Gal 5:1. They bound, or forbid the observance of days, months, times, and years; the keeping holy days, new moons, and sabbaths, which had been used in the Jewish church for ages past; such as the first day of the new year, and of every month, the day of atonement, the feasts of the passover, pentecost, and tabernacles, the jubilee year, the sabbatical year, and seventh day sabbath, Gal 4:9. They loosed, or declared lawful and free, both civil and religious conversation between Jews and Gentiles; whereas, before, the Jews had no dealings with the Gentiles, nor would not enter into their houses, nor keep company with them, would have no conversation with them; neither eat, nor drink with them; but now it was determined and declared, that no man should be called common, or unclean; and that in Christ Jesus, and in his church, there is no distinction of Jew and Gentile, Act 10:28. They also loosed, or pronounced lawful, the eating of any sort of food, without distinction, even that which was before counted common and unclean, being persuaded by the Lord Jesus Christ, by the words he said, Mat 15:11. They asserted, that there is nothing unclean of itself; and that the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; or that true religion does not lie in the observance of those things; that every creature of God is good, and fit for food, and nothing to be refused, or abstained from, on a religious account, provided it be received with thanksgiving, Rom 14:14. And these things now being by them bound or loosed, pronounced unlawful or lawful, are confirmed as such by the authority of God, and are so to be considered by us. (t) T. Bab. Chagiga, fol. 3. 2.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
16:18 The phrase upon this rock is a pun on Peter’s name. Peter was the foundational rock in that he was the first confessor and leader of the apostles—he was the “founding member” of the church (see Eph 2:20-22; Rev 21:14). Some scholars have suggested that Jesus was referring to himself when he said this rock, but it seems clear that Jesus was referring either to Peter or to his confession. However, it is clearly Jesus’ church (my church), not Peter’s, and Jesus himself will build it. So it is not necessary to conclude that later church leaders must derive their authority from Peter. • Matthew is the only Gospel writer who uses the term church (also Matt 18:17). The idea here is more the community of God’s people than an ecclesiastical institution. • will not conquer it: The church will not be defeated by the attacks of Satan (see 11:12; 13:24-30, 36-43).
Matthew 16:18
Peter’s Confession of Christ
17Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by My Father in heaven.18And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.19I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Soldiers Hymn
By B.H. Clendennen5.4K02:28Spiritual WarfareMAT 16:18ROM 8:371CO 15:57EPH 6:122TI 2:3JAS 4:71PE 5:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the idea that as believers, we are soldiers in a spiritual war. He encourages us to endure hardships and not be deceived by false theology. The preacher asserts that if we are not facing problems, it means we are not a threat to the devil and not in the will of God. He emphasizes the importance of fighting against the devil in every aspect of our lives, using prayer as our weapon. The preacher concludes by declaring that victory is possible through the power of the cross and encourages believers to stand firm and reclaim their cities for God.
(2006 Conference) 9. Seven Wonderful Promises
By Zac Poonen4.8K1:00:50MAT 16:18LUK 5:37ROM 6:14ROM 8:282CO 1:20HEB 13:5
This sermon emphasizes the importance of surrendering to God and highlights the struggle to let go of earthly desires and embrace the promises of the New Covenant. It encourages believers to focus on becoming overcomers in Christ, overcoming sin, the world, the flesh, and the devil. The sermon also stresses the need to trust in God's grace, to keep a clear conscience, and to humbly submit to God's will, allowing Him to build His church and lead us in triumph.
How to Identify a False Cult
By A.W. Tozer4.0K28:54False CultPSA 145:17MAT 16:18ROM 14:111CO 15:291TI 3:2HEB 9:271PE 3:19In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of judgment and the role of Jesus in preaching to those who have died. He emphasizes that God treats every human being as an intelligent being and never violates their intelligence. The preacher also delves into the difficulty of understanding certain passages in the Bible, using the example of baptism and the resurrection of Christ. He concludes by highlighting the importance of seeking knowledge and not being content with ignorance.
(John - Part 45): A Biography of Judas Iscariot, Simons Son
By A.W. Tozer3.9K39:18ExpositionalPSA 95:7MAT 7:24MAT 16:18MAT 26:24JHN 1:1JHN 10:11HEB 3:15In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the seriousness and importance of Christianity. He warns against being deceived by the devil and urges the audience, particularly teenagers, to not let Satan influence their hearts. The preacher expresses his deep love for the audience and his desire to protect them from the clutches of hell. He references the story of Judas Iscariot, highlighting how even someone who witnessed Jesus' miracles and heard his divine words could still betray him. The sermon concludes with a plea to the audience to not harden their hearts and to heed the voice of God.
The Day the Sun Stood Still
By Carter Conlon3.7K55:03FaithJOS 10:8JOS 10:10PSA 119:105MAT 16:18MAT 21:18MRK 11:22In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Joshua and the battle against the five powerful kings. The preacher emphasizes the importance of learning from past experiences and seeking guidance from God to avoid unnecessary hardships. He highlights the power of God to stop any negative forces in our lives and to help us overcome our enemies. The sermon concludes with a prayer for those who have accepted Christ, asking for their lives to be transformed and for them to become strong warriors for God's kingdom.
Elijah (Time for Renewal Conference)
By Carter Conlon3.4K51:24ElijahPSA 23:1PRO 11:30MAT 6:33MAT 16:181CO 1:18JAS 1:51PE 2:10In this sermon, the preacher discusses the introductory message of the gospel, which is to trust in God and believe that He will provide. He uses the story of Elijah and the widow as an example of someone who received this message and experienced miraculous provision. The preacher emphasizes the importance of treating the little things with care and recognizing the awesomeness of representing God. He also prays for the speaker who will deliver the next message and asks for an anointing and a powerful impact on the listeners.
Christ the Center
By David Platt3.3K43:34MAT 16:18MAT 16:24JHN 3:30JHN 6:37JHN 12:32ACT 2:36ACT 11:24ACT 13:48ACT 18:9HEB 13:13
This sermon emphasizes the importance of knowing Christ intimately, trusting Him completely, proclaiming Him boldly, and obeying Him sacrificially. It highlights that the church is built on the foundation of Christ and the proclamation of His glory. The call is to lay down our lives for His mission, leading to ultimate satisfaction and fulfillment in Him.
Young Donald Mcphail Prays (Compilation)
By Compilations3.1K08:33CompilationJER 29:13EZK 1:1MAT 16:18ACT 2:3REV 4:1In this sermon, the preacher recounts his experience of struggling to preach in a church and feeling bound by the powers of hell. He then decides to seek the help of praying men from Baravas, including a young boy named Donald McPhail who had a powerful experience with the Holy Spirit. When they come to pray with him, the preacher notices that Donald is closer to God than he is. The sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking God's power and not dictating terms of revival, as well as the transformative impact of being baptized in the Holy Spirit.
A Great Revival Is Coming
By Rolfe Barnard3.0K49:51JER 31:18ZEC 11:12MAT 7:21MAT 16:18JHN 3:3ROM 11:25EPH 2:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for revival in the church. He mentions that two things are necessary for revival to occur, which are closely knit bonds of love among believers and the constant proclamation of Jesus as the crucified and exalted Lord. The preacher criticizes the current portrayal of Jesus in churches, stating that the Jesus preached today lacks power and cannot save. He highlights the importance of revival and mentions that it is a work of God that cannot be controlled or explained. The preacher encourages believers to have faith in a big God and to strive for unity in the body of Christ in order to experience the power of the gospel.
The Local Church 1 - Part 5
By William MacDonald2.9K08:38ISA 40:15MAT 16:18ACT 15:14EPH 3:10COL 1:251TI 3:1
This sermon emphasizes the significance of the church as a divine institution that will endure against all odds, serving as a witness to angelic beings and forming the capstone of scriptural revelation. The church is portrayed as a place where believers are refined and unified, fulfilling God's purpose to call people to His name and propagate the faith. The importance of elders in local assemblies is highlighted, showcasing God's deep regard for the church over worldly empires.
Be Ye Holy (Alternate 3)
By Leonard Ravenhill2.6K57:48HolinessMAT 16:18ACT 26:18HEB 4:91PE 1:41PE 2:221JN 3:2In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the ministry, which is to turn people from darkness to life and from the power of Satan to God. He references Paul's testimony before King Agrippa in Acts 26 and encourages preachers and missionaries to read this chapter regularly. The preacher also discusses the story of Joseph and how he was falsely accused but had evidence of his innocence. He highlights the difficulty of judging others and the importance of not misjudging. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the believers' inheritance in heaven, which is incorruptible and reserved for them, and the power of God that keeps them. The preacher also mentions a miniature Bible carried by the Apollo 15 astronauts and reflects on the wonder of the earth hanging in space. He challenges the idea that sin is necessary and encourages believers to live without sin.
The Real Roots of the Emergent Church Documentary
By Elliott Nesch2.5K2:01:45ISA 43:19MAT 7:13MAT 16:181CO 3:6COL 2:82TI 4:31PE 3:151JN 4:1JUD 1:3
This sermon discusses the concept of the emergent church, likening it to the emergent growth in forestry or agriculture, symbolizing a small beginning with potential for significant growth. It explores the emergence of a new breed of churches challenging traditional approaches and addressing cultural conflicts. The sermon delves into interpretations of hell, emphasizing disconnection from God over eternal damnation, and questions the exclusivity of heaven. It also touches on the dangers of post-modern thinking and the need to defend the foundational faith amidst evolving ideologies.
The Church That Overcomes Satan
By Zac Poonen2.3K52:58SatanMAT 6:33MAT 16:18MAT 18:20ROM 6:6HEB 2:14In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of unity between husband and wife in order to resist Satan and drive him out of their home and locality. The Bible teaches that if believers resist Satan, he will flee from them. The speaker also highlights the need for every believer, not just full-time Christian workers, to work towards building the body of Christ in their local community. Jesus set an example of doing the will of the Father for 33 years, and believers are called to do the same. The ultimate work of building the church and making two people one is the greater work that Jesus spoke of.
The King and the Kingdom
By Stephen Kaung2.0K1:02:12Kingdom Of GodNUM 23:19ISA 9:6MAT 16:18MAT 24:14LUK 2:7LUK 3:3ROM 9:23In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the nature of the kingdom of God by knowing the character of the king. The character of the king is demonstrated through the beatitudes, showing his humility, meekness, thirst for righteousness, mercy, purity, and peacemaking. The speaker also highlights the significance of the cross as a demonstration of the character of the kingdom. The sermon references Matthew 24:14, where it is stated that the gospel of the kingdom will be preached throughout the world before the end comes.
Spiritual Warfare - 1 "The Battle"
By Jim Logan2.0K45:47Spiritual WarfarePSA 10:4PSA 14:1PSA 36:1MAT 16:18MAT 17:20MAT 28:18ACT 15:14In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about a troubled young man who experienced a downward spiral in his life due to the influence of evil spirits. The speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing the reality of the enemy and its impact on our lives. He also highlights the destructive power of pride, which can lead to strife and contention. The sermon concludes with a missionary's story about using the three signs of a wicked person from Proverbs to make wise decisions in lending money.
The Disciplinarian Controversy
By J.I. Packer1.9K52:56MAT 16:18ACT 2:421CO 14:40EPH 4:111TI 3:15HEB 10:251PE 5:5In this video, the speaker discusses the points made in the admonition, a document written by Edwin Sam in 1573. The admonition criticizes young men who are seeking to overthrow the ecclesiastical authority and establish a new platform for the church. The speaker also mentions the division within the Puritan party regarding the approach to treating sin, with some believing that it should be ridiculed rather than deplored. The video concludes by summarizing the seven points presented in the admonition, which include the belief that the civil magistrate has no authority in ecclesiastical matters and that the government of the church should be entrusted to the clergy.
The True Church (Reading)
By J.C. Ryle1.7K1:01:31MAT 6:33MAT 16:18ROM 8:92CO 13:5EPH 2:201TI 1:15HEB 10:25In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the church of Jesus Christ as the foundation that will endure forever. He highlights the ongoing conflict and opposition faced by the true church from the devil, who hates it passionately. Despite persecution and attempts to destroy it, the church has always prevailed and will continue to do so. The preacher assures the listeners that Christ will never be without a witness in the world, and that every member of his army will be accounted for in the end.
God So Loved
By Les Wheeldon1.7K1:04:35Love Of GodHAG 1:14ZEC 4:6MAT 7:7MAT 16:18MAT 18:19MRK 4:35HEB 10:12In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the powerful message of God's love and the impact it should have on believers. He highlights that God's love is not just an idea, but a reality that has already been demonstrated through the giving of His Son and the pouring out of the Holy Spirit. The preacher encourages listeners to believe in this love and to understand that God has provided everything they need to live right and overcome challenges. He also warns against the dangers of withdrawing from the work of God, as seen in the example of the people who stopped working on the building site in the book of Ezra. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the unchangeable and generous nature of God's love, which is available to all who believe.
Breakthrough (P2)
By K.P. Yohannan1.7K23:48BreakthroughMAT 6:33MAT 9:36MAT 16:18JHN 4:4ACT 2:47In this sermon, K.P. Johannon emphasizes the importance of surrendering one's ambitions, plans, and self-centeredness to follow Jesus. He highlights the love and invitation of Jesus to come away from the mess of the world. Johannon discusses the need to see others the way Christ does and shares the startling reality that nearly 200,000 people die every day without knowing Christ. He encourages listeners to step into the way of Christ and trust that He will build His church.
Things Unshakable - an Unshakable Church
By Zac Poonen1.7K51:57UnshakableMAT 16:18EPH 2:19In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding God's ultimate purpose for believers, which is the church. He explains that the church is not just a physical building or a denomination, but a community of born-again believers brought together by Christ. The speaker highlights that Jesus himself is the builder of the church, and that the powers of darkness will never be able to overpower it. He also warns against compromising on sin and losing faith in the Bible and Christ, as these are ways in which the devil can prevail over churches. The sermon encourages believers to have a longing for their church to be built by Jesus according to his principles, so that it becomes an unshakable church.
Christ Is All - in Scripture
By Bill McLeod1.6K46:28Fulness Of ChristPSA 2:10PSA 40:7PSA 41:9MAT 1:21MAT 28:19MRK 14:62COL 3:11TIT 3:7PHM 1:1In this sermon, the speaker begins by referencing Mark 16 and Luke 1 from the Bible. He highlights how Jesus reproached his disciples for their lack of belief in his resurrection and then commanded them to preach the gospel to the world. The speaker also mentions that some versions of the Bible omit miracles and end with Jesus' death on the cross, portraying him as a good man and advocate of peace. However, the speaker emphasizes that the Bible is truly all about Jesus and explores the significance of his ministry and his role as the Son of God.
(Through the Bible) John 6
By Chuck Smith1.6K37:17MAT 16:18MAT 16:23JHN 2:19JHN 5:39JHN 6:63JHN 6:68JHN 20:31In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of satisfaction and how worldly pleasures and pursuits often leave us unsatisfied. He emphasizes that Jesus is the bread of God and the only source of true satisfaction. The speaker encourages the audience to believe in Jesus and partake of him, as he promises that those who do will never hunger or thirst again. The sermon also touches on the importance of faith and the assurance that Jesus will never cast out those who come to him.
A Remnant True to God
By Zac Poonen1.6K58:26MAT 16:18
This sermon delves into the biblical theme of movements from Babylon to Jerusalem, highlighting the importance of being part of a pure testimony for God. It emphasizes the need for individuals and churches to align with God's heart rather than relying on human wisdom or seeking worldly approval. The sermon draws parallels from Old Testament figures like Cain and Abel, Saul and David, as well as the remnant who left Babylon for Jerusalem, to illustrate the ongoing spiritual battle between Babylonian influences and the call to be a part of God's distinct, separated church.
From Simon to Peter #25 - the Holy Spirit and Peter's Personality
By J. Glyn Owen1.5K46:37Simon to PeterMAT 14:22MAT 16:18JHN 1:42ACT 1:14ACT 2:14ACT 4:13ACT 12:5In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the character of Peter and his journey from fear to boldness. The speaker highlights Peter's native timidity and fear, which was evident in his life. However, the speaker emphasizes that Peter's fear was short-lived when the Holy Spirit came upon him and his fellow believers at Pentecost. With the power of the Holy Spirit, Peter was able to overcome his fear and move forward towards his appointed destiny. The speaker encourages the audience to reflect on their own fears and challenges them to step out in faith, trusting in God's calling for their lives.
From Simon to Peter #06 - Called to Be Fishers of Men #1
By J. Glyn Owen1.5K41:54Simon to PeterMAT 4:18MAT 16:18MAT 28:19MRK 1:16LUK 5:1JHN 1:42ACT 1:8In this sermon, the speaker discusses the theme of becoming fishers of men, as mentioned in the Bible. The speaker highlights three main points: the task to which Simon and his followers were called, the training involved, and the token of success. The speaker emphasizes that just as Simon and his followers were called to be fishers of men, believers today are also called to bring people into the kingdom of God. The sermon draws from the biblical accounts in Matthew, Mark, and Luke to illustrate the different aspects of this calling.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
And I say also unto thee--that is, "As thou hast borne such testimony to Me, even so in return do I to thee." That thou art Peter--At his first calling, this new name was announced to him as an honor afterwards to be conferred on him (Joh 1:43). Now he gets it, with an explanation of what it was meant to convey. and upon this rock--As "Peter" and "Rock" are one word in the dialect familiarly spoken by our Lord--the Aramaic or Syro-Chaldaic, which was the mother tongue of the country--this exalted play upon the word can be fully seen only in languages which have one word for both. Even in the Greek it is imperfectly represented. In French, as WEBSTER and WILKINSON remark, it is perfect, Pierre--pierre. I will build my Church--not on the man Simon-Barjona; but on him as the heavenly-taught confessor of a faith. "My Church," says our Lord, calling the Church His OWN; a magnificent expression regarding Himself, remarks BENGEL--nowhere else occurring in the Gospel. and the gates of hell--"of Hades," or, the unseen world; meaning, the gates of Death: in other words, "It shall never perish." Some explain it of "the assaults of the powers of darkness"; but though that expresses a glorious truth, probably the former is the sense here.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven,.... By the kingdom of heaven is meant the Gospel, which comes from heaven, declares the king Messiah to be come, speaks of things concerning his kingdom, is the means of setting it up, and enlarging it, displays the riches of his grace, and gives an account of the kingdom of heaven, and of persons' right unto it, and meetness for it. "The keys" of it are abilities to open and explain the Gospel truths, and a mission and commission from Christ to make use of them; and being said to be given to Peter particularly, denotes his after qualifications, commission, work, and usefulness in opening the door of faith, or preaching the Gospel first to the Jews, Act 2:1 and then to the Gentiles, Act 10:1 and who was the first that made use of the keys of evangelical knowledge with respect to both, after he, with the rest of the apostles, had received an enlarged commission to preach the Gospel to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. Otherwise these keys belonged to them all alike; for to the same persons the keys, and the use of them, appertained, on whom the power of binding and loosing was bestowed; and this latter all the disciples had, as is manifest from Mat 18:18 wherefore this does not serve to establish the primacy and power of Peter over the rest of the apostles; nor do keys design any lordly domination or authority; nor did Christ allow of any such among his apostles; nor is it his will that the ministers of his word should lord it over his heritage: he only is king of saints, and head of his church; he has the key of David, with which he opens, and no man shuts, and shuts, and no man opens; and this he keeps in his own hand, and gives it to none. Peter is not the door-keeper of heaven to let in, nor keep out, whom he pleases; nor has his pretended successor the keys of hell and death; these also are only in Christ's hands: though it has been said of the pope of Rome, that if he sends millions of men to hell, none should say to him, what dost thou? but the keys here mentioned are the keys of the kingdom of heaven; or of the Gospel, which was shut up in the Jewish nation, through the ignorance, malice, and calumnies of the Scribes and Pharisees, who would neither embrace it, or enter into the kingdom of God themselves, nor suffer others that were going to enter into it; and through their taking away the key of knowledge, or the right interpretation of the word of God; and through a judicial blindness, which that nation in general was given up to: and this was shut up to the Gentiles through the natural darkness that was spread over them, and through want of a divine revelation, and persons sent of God to instruct them: but now Christ was about, and in a little time he would (for these words, with what follow, are in the future tense) give his apostles both a commission and gifts, qualifying them to open the sealed book of the Gospel, and unlock the mysteries of it, both to Jews and Gentiles, especially the latter. Keys are the ensigns of treasurers, and of stewards, and such the ministers of the Gospel are; they have the rich treasure of the word under their care, put into their earthen vessels to open and lay before others; and they are stewards of the mysteries and manifold grace of God, and of these things they have the keys. So that these words have nothing to do with church power and government in Peter, nor in the pope, nor in any other man, or set of men whatever; nor to be understood of church censures, excommunications, admissions, or exclusions of members: nor indeed are keys of any such similar use; they serve for locking and unlocking doors, and so for keeping out those that are without, and retaining those that are within, but not for the expulsion of any: but here they are used in a figurative sense, for the opening and explaining the truths of the Gospel, for which Peter had excellent gifts and abilities. And whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth, shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth, shall be loosed in heaven. This also is not to be understood of binding, or loosing men's sins, by laying on, or taking off censures, and excommunications; but only of doctrines, or declarations of what is lawful and unlawful, free, or prohibited to be received, or practised; in which sense the words, , "bound and loosed", are used in the Talmudic writings, times without number, for that which is forbidden and declared to be unlawful, and for that which is free of use, and pronounced to be so: in multitudes of places we read of one Rabbi "binding", and of another "loosing"; thousands, and ten thousands of instances of this kind might be produced; a whole volume of extracts on this head might be compiled. Dr. Lightfoot has transcribed a great many, sufficient to satisfy any man, and give him the true sense of these phrases; and after him to mention any other is needless; yet give me leave to produce one, as it is short, and full, and explains these phrases, and points at the persons that had this power, explaining Ecc 12:11 and that clause in it, "masters of the assemblies". "these (say they (t)) are the disciples of the wise men, who sit in different collections, and study in the law; these pronounce things or persons defiled, and these pronounce things or persons clean, "these bind, and these loose"; these reject, or pronounce persons or things profane, and these declare them right.'' And a little after, "get thyself an heart to hear the words of them that pronounce unclean, and the words of them that pronounce clean; the words of them that "bind", and the words of them that "loose"; the words of them that reject, and the words of them that declare it right'' But Christ gave a greater power of binding and loosing, to his disciples, than these men had, and which they used to better purpose. The sense of the words is this, that Peter, and so the rest of the apostles, should be empowered with authority from him, and so directed by his Holy Spirit, that whatever they bound, that is, declared to be forbidden, and unlawful, should be so: and that whatever they loosed, that is, declared to be lawful, and free of use, should be so; and accordingly they bound some things which before were loosed, and loosed some things which before were bound; for instance, they bound, that is, prohibited, or declared unlawful, the use of circumcision, which before, and until the death of Christ, was enjoined the natural seed of Abraham; but that, and all ceremonies, being abolished by the death of Christ, they declared it to be nothing, and of no avail, yea, hurtful and pernicious; that whoever was circumcised, Christ profited him nothing, and that he was a debtor to do the whole law: they affirmed, that the believing Gentiles were not to be troubled with it; that it was a yoke not fit to be put upon their necks, which they, and their fathers, were not able to bear, Gal 5:1. They bound, or forbid the observance of days, months, times, and years; the keeping holy days, new moons, and sabbaths, which had been used in the Jewish church for ages past; such as the first day of the new year, and of every month, the day of atonement, the feasts of the passover, pentecost, and tabernacles, the jubilee year, the sabbatical year, and seventh day sabbath, Gal 4:9. They loosed, or declared lawful and free, both civil and religious conversation between Jews and Gentiles; whereas, before, the Jews had no dealings with the Gentiles, nor would not enter into their houses, nor keep company with them, would have no conversation with them; neither eat, nor drink with them; but now it was determined and declared, that no man should be called common, or unclean; and that in Christ Jesus, and in his church, there is no distinction of Jew and Gentile, Act 10:28. They also loosed, or pronounced lawful, the eating of any sort of food, without distinction, even that which was before counted common and unclean, being persuaded by the Lord Jesus Christ, by the words he said, Mat 15:11. They asserted, that there is nothing unclean of itself; and that the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; or that true religion does not lie in the observance of those things; that every creature of God is good, and fit for food, and nothing to be refused, or abstained from, on a religious account, provided it be received with thanksgiving, Rom 14:14. And these things now being by them bound or loosed, pronounced unlawful or lawful, are confirmed as such by the authority of God, and are so to be considered by us. (t) T. Bab. Chagiga, fol. 3. 2.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
16:18 The phrase upon this rock is a pun on Peter’s name. Peter was the foundational rock in that he was the first confessor and leader of the apostles—he was the “founding member” of the church (see Eph 2:20-22; Rev 21:14). Some scholars have suggested that Jesus was referring to himself when he said this rock, but it seems clear that Jesus was referring either to Peter or to his confession. However, it is clearly Jesus’ church (my church), not Peter’s, and Jesus himself will build it. So it is not necessary to conclude that later church leaders must derive their authority from Peter. • Matthew is the only Gospel writer who uses the term church (also Matt 18:17). The idea here is more the community of God’s people than an ecclesiastical institution. • will not conquer it: The church will not be defeated by the attacks of Satan (see 11:12; 13:24-30, 36-43).