Matthew 16:13-20 – Peter’s Confession
What makes Peter’s confession so amazing is that he makes it when few are on Christ’s side and many are against Him. He makes it when the rulers of his own nation, the scribes and Pharisees, are all opposed to his Master, and it requires great faith.
Jesus is not saying in this passage that He is building His Church on Peter, a sinful human being, but on the truth that Peter has just confessed. The Church is built on the truth that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God. What does it mean when Jesus tells Peter that He will give him the keys of the kingdom? Jesus is not saying that Peter has the right to admit souls to Heaven. This is the special prerogative of Christ Himself. He is not saying that Peter is superior to the other apostles. There is no evidence of this in the rest of the New Testament. The true meaning of the promise to Peter appears to be that he is to have the special privilege of first opening the door of salvation, both to the Jews and Gentiles. This is fulfiled when he preaches on the day of Pentecost to the Jews, and visits the Gentile Cornelius at his own house. On each occasion he uses the Gospel as the key that throws open the door to the kingdom of Heaven. Jesus also makes clear that Peter and the other apostles will have a special authority to teach in His name and lay down rules and regulations to guide the Church on disputed matters – in a sense this is Jesus giving His stamp of authority to the writings of the New Testament.
Christ promises that the power of Satan will never destroy His people. Though often persecuted, afflicted, distressed, and brought low, the Church shall never come to an end. Visible churches may come to nothing; but the true Church never dies.
Questions
- What does Christ build His Church on?
- What does Christ promise about His Church?
Prayer Points
- Give thanks that Christ is building His Church.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.