Keys Of The Kingdom - Explaining Mat 16:19
This verse is used to argue that authority is passed down through Peter's successors, forming the foundation of apostolic succession.
Matthew 16:19 – And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Shutting The Kingdom
The Pharisees and scribes, as religious leaders, held spiritual authority and responsibility over the people. They were meant to guide others to God and His kingdom. However, Jesus rebuked them for misusing their authority, for their hypocrisy, and for hindering others from entering the Kingdom of Heaven. This verse serves as a negative example of how spiritual authority can be abused.
Matthew 23:13 – But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.
Similarly, Jesus condemns religious leaders who "take away the key of knowledge," preventing people from entering God’s kingdom.
Luke 11:52 – Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered.
Their legalism, hypocrisy, and misinterpretation of God's laws created barriers, keeping people from understanding and embracing the true message of salvation. The Pharisees failed in their responsibility, effectively "locking" people out of heaven.
Paul also mentions the opposition he and the early church faced, particularly from certain Jewish leaders who rejected the message of Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 2:15-16 – Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men: Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.
The Pharisees and scribes prevented people from entering the kingdom of heaven by "taking away the key of knowledge."
Meaning Of The Keys
The "keys of the kingdom of heaven" represent the responsibility to proclaim the gospel under Christ’s authority, opening the way to salvation. Sharing the gospel invites people into the kingdom. It reveals Jesus as the way to eternal life (John 14:6), and proclaiming this message is how we "unlock" the kingdom for others.
Romans 1:16 – For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Meaning Of Bind And Loose
Matthew 16:19 – And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
While Jesus initially addressed Peter, this authority extends to all the apostles.
Matthew 18:1,18 – At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?… Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Applies To All Believers
This chapter is addressed to the entire church, not exclusively to the apostles. Jesus teaches how the whole community of believers should function together. These instructions emphasize church discipline and dealing with sins committed against one another. The concepts of "binding" and "loosing" specifically apply to resolving disputes and maintaining order within the body of believers.
Matthew 18:15-17 – Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.
The immediate context outlines a process for addressing sin within the church:
1. Go to them privately to discuss the trespass.
2. If they do not listen, bring one or two others as witnesses.
3. If they still refuse to listen, bring the matter before the church.
4. If they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as "a pagan or a tax collector" (symbolizing exclusion from the community).
The chapter as a whole deals with community relationships and practices applicable to all believers:
• Humility and becoming like children (verses 1-5)
• Avoiding causing others to stumble (verses 6-9)
• The parable of the lost sheep (verses 10-14)
• Dealing with conflict between believers (verses 15-20)
• Forgiveness (verses 21-35)
The terms "bind" and "loose" refer to the authority granted to the community of believers to make decisions regarding church discipline and reconciliation. Specifically, these terms pertain to resolving disputes, addressing sin within the church, and preserving the community's spiritual well-being. When such decisions align with God's will, they are affirmed by heaven, underscoring the spiritual responsibility and accountability entrusted to the church.
This verse does not confer arbitrary power but emphasizes the collective responsibility to exercise discernment and follow God's guidance in matters of church discipline.
Keys Of Authority And Responsibility
STRONG'S HEBREW AND GREEK DICTIONARIES
📜CHURCH
ekklēsia (ek-klay-see'-ah)
From a compound of G1537 and a derivative of G2564; a calling out, that is, (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (Jewish synagogue, or Christian community of members on earth or saints in heaven or both): - assembly, church.
The Church's authority serves to fulfill its role as stewards of God's kingdom, proclaiming the gospel, teaching sound doctrine, and governing the Church's spiritual life.
1 Corinthians 4:1-2 – Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
2 Corinthians 5:19-20 – To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
Colossians 1:25 – Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;
TIMING AND PURPOSE
Matthew 16:20 – Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.
Jesus' command was purposeful and time-sensitive. Though He entrusted the disciples with the "keys of the kingdom," their mission to proclaim Him as the Christ could only commence after His death and resurrection, when the full revelation of the gospel became clear. Until that time, maintaining secrecy about His messianic identity was necessary for God's redemptive plan to unfold as intended.
