Matthew 16

keys of the kingdom

Not the keys of the church, but of the kingdom of heaven in the sense of Mat 13., i.e. the sphere of Christian profession. A key is a badge of power or authority (cf) Isaiah 22:22 ; Revelation 3:7 . The apostolic history explains and limits this trust, for it was Peter who opened the door of Christian opportunity to Israel on the day of Pentecost Acts 2:38-42 and to Gentiles in the house of Cornelius. Acts 10:34-46 . There was no assumption by Peter of any other authority Acts 15:7-11 . In the council James, not Peter, seems to have presided ; Acts 15:19 ; Galatians 2:11-15 . Peter claimed no more for himself than to be an apostle by gift 1 Peter 1:1 and an elder by office 1 Peter 5:1 .

The power of binding and loosing was shared Matthew 18:18 ; John 20:23 by the other disciples. That it did not involve the determination of the eternal destiny of souls is clear from Revelation 1:18 . The keys of death and the place of departed spirits are held by Christ alone.

kingdom (See Scofield "Matthew 3:2")

charged

The disciples had been proclaiming Jesus as the Christ, i.e. the covenanted King of a kingdom promised to the Jews, and "at hand." The church, on the contrary, must be built upon testimony to Him as crucified, risen from the dead, ascended, and made "Head over all things to the church." Ephesians 1:20-23 . The former testimony was ended, the new testimony was not yet ready, because the blood of the new covenant had not yet been shed, but our Lord begins to speak of His death and resurrection Matthew 16:21 . It is a turning- point of immense significance:

Jesus Omit "Jesus."

For Another Point of View: See Topic 301192

Additional Factors to Consider See Topic 301207

world

kosmos = world-system. John 7:7 (See Scofield "Revelation 13:8") .

his kingdom

(See Scofield "Matthew 3:2") .