Jesus' Statement on Building the Church and Peter's Keys

Jesus' statement to Peter in Matthew 16:18, "You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my assembly, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it," is a foundational text for understanding the establishment of the church ^[1]. The phrase "on this rock" has been interpreted in various ways throughout history. Some scholars suggest that Jesus was referring to Peter himself as the rock, given the pun on his name, while others propose that the rock refers to Peter's confession of faith or to Jesus himself ^[12].

The term "assembly" or "church" (ekklesia in Greek) refers to the community of believers. This concept is developed further in the New Testament, where the church is described as the body of Christ, with Christ as its head ^{[3, 5]}. The church is composed of many members, each with different functions and roles, united together under Christ ^{[6, 7]}.

The image of the church as a body is used by Paul in 1 Corinthians 12:12-31, where he emphasizes the unity and diversity within the church. According to Paul, just as a human body has many parts that work together, the church is a unified body with diverse members, each contributing to its functioning ^{[5, 10]}. This unity is not limited to individual churches but is seen as a characteristic of the universal church, the collective body of Christ ^[8].

The statement about the "gates of Hades" not prevailing against the church is often understood as a promise of the church's endurance and protection. The "gates of Hades" likely refer to the power of death or the forces opposed to God ^[2]. Jesus' promise assures that despite opposition, the church will stand.

In the same passage, Jesus gives Peter "the keys of the kingdom of heaven," stating that whatever Peter binds or looses on earth will be bound or loosed in heaven (Matthew 16:19). The "keys" symbolize authority and the power to govern or administer ^[4]. This passage has been interpreted in different ways by various Christian traditions, with some seeing it as establishing a special role for Peter or his successors in the church.

The concept of the church as a unified body is further developed in other New Testament writings. In Ephesians 2:21, the church is described as a holy temple, built on the foundation of Christ and the apostles, with believers becoming living stones in this spiritual house ^[11]. Similarly, in 1 Peter 2:6-8, Christ is identified as the cornerstone of this new temple, a theme that resonates with Jesus' statement about building his church on a rock ^[13].

The New Testament thus presents a multifaceted understanding of the church, emphasizing its unity, diversity, and foundation in Christ. Jesus' statement to Peter serves as a cornerstone for this understanding, highlighting the church's establishment and its enduring nature despite opposition.

The early Christian understanding of the church as a unified body is reflected in various New Testament passages, including Galatians 3:28, where Paul emphasizes that believers are one in Christ Jesus, transcending social and cultural divisions ^[9]. This unity is seen as a hallmark of the church, reflecting the peace and harmony that come from allegiance to Jesus as Lord ^[8].

Sources

Matthew “I also tell you that you are Peter,and on this rock I will build my assembly, and the gates of Hadeswill not prevail against it. -- Matthew 16:18”
Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Gate — (1.) Of cities, as of Jerusalem (Jer. 37:13; Neh. 1:3; 2:3; 3:3), of Sodom (Gen. 19:1), of Gaza (Judg. 16:3). (2.) Of royal palaces (Neh. 2:8). (3.) Of the temple of Solomon (1 Kings 6:34, 35; 2 Kings 18:16); of the holy place (1 Kings 6:31, 32; Ezek. 41:23, 24); of the outer courts of the temple, the beautiful gate (Acts 3:2). (4.) Tombs (Matt. 27:60). (5.) Prisons (Acts 12:10; 16:27). (6.) Caverns (1 Kings 19:13). (7.) Camps (Ex. 32:26, 27; Heb. 13:12). The materials of which gates were made were, (1.) Iron and brass (Ps. 107:16; Isa. 45:2; Acts 12:10). (2.)”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Church, The — Belongs to God -- 1Ti 3:15. The body of Christ -- Eph 1:23; Col 1:24. Christ, the foundation-stone of -- 1Co 3:11; Eph 2:20; 1Pe 2:4,5. Christ, the head of -- Eph 1:22; 5:23. Loved by Christ -- Song 7:10; Eph 5:25. Purchased by the blood of Christ -- Ac 20:28; Eph 5:25; Heb 9:12. Sanctified and cleansed by Christ -- 1Co 6:11; Eph 5:26,27. Subject to Christ -- Ro 7:4; Eph 5:24. The object of the grace of God -- Isa 27:3; 2Co 8:1. Displays the wisdom of God -- Eph 3:10. Shows forth the praises of God -- Isa 60:6. God defends -- Ps 89:18; Isa 4:5; 49:25; M”
Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Key — Frequently mentioned in Scripture. It is called in Hebrew maphteah, i.e., the opener (Judg. 3:25); and in the Greek New Testament kleis, from its use in shutting (Matt. 16:19; Luke 11:52; Rev. 1:18, etc.). Figures of ancient Egyptian keys are frequently found on the monuments, also of Assyrian locks and keys of wood, and of a large size (comp. Isa. 22:22). The word is used figuratively of power or authority or office (Isa. 22:22; Rev. 3:7; Rev. 1:8; comp. 9:1; 20:1; comp. also Matt. 16:19; 18:18). The "key of knowledge" (Luke 11:52; comp. Matt. 23:13) is the me”
1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 12:12: 12:12-31 The church is like a body (see 12:27) composed of many different parts, each with its own function as determined by God (see 12:11, 18, 28; Rom 12:4-5).”
1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 12:27: members in particular--that is, severally members of it. Each church is in miniature what the whole aggregate of churches is collectively, "the body of Christ" (compare Co1 3:16): and its individual components are members, every one in his assigned place.”
1 Corinthians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Corinthians 12:20: But now are they many members,.... Of different make and shape, in different parts and places, and of different use and service: yet but one body; all are united together, and make up one complete body, and which without each of them would not be perfect: so there are many members in the body of Christ, the church; some are teachers, others are hearers; some give, and others receive; but all make up but one church, of which Christ is the head; nor can anyone of them be spared; was anyone wanting, even the meanest, there would be a deficiency, and the church ”
Colossians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Colossians 3:15: 3:15 Just as Christ is one, so there can be only one body of Christ (see 1:18; Eph 4:4-6). Allegiance to Jesus as Lord must transcend differences and will result in peace (harmonious relationships).”
Galatians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Galatians 3:28: 3:28 There is no longer: Everyone comes to Christ and receives God’s promises in exactly the same way (cp. 1 Cor 12:12-13; Eph 2:14; Col 3:11). • male and female: Cp. Gen 1:27. • you are all one: The community of believers is one body, the body of Christ (see Rom 12:4-5; 1 Cor 12:27; Eph 2:15-16, 19-22). • in Christ Jesus: See Col 2:6–3:11.”
1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 12:25: 12:25-26 The church is a unified body, so harmony and care for each other in the church is essential.”
Ephesians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Ephesians 2:21: 2:21 Joined together in Christ, Gentile and Jewish Christians become a holy temple for the Lord, because the Lord himself is among his people (see Matt 18:20; 28:20; 1 Cor 3:16; 1 Pet 2:4-5).”
Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 16:18: 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 the”
1 Peter (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Peter 2:6: 2:6-8 The three Old Testament quotations in these verses each identify Christ as some kind of stone: the cornerstone on which the new temple is built (2:6); the cornerstone that God, despite peoples’ rejection, has elevated to be the keystone of his redemptive plan (2:7); and the stone that makes people stumble (2:8). Jesus quotes Ps 118:22 (Matt 21:42), and Paul quotes both Isa 8:14 and 28:16 (Rom 9:33). Likely these three quotations were brought together very early as a combined Old Testament testimony to the nature and significance of Jesus the Messiah.”

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