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These keys that were given to Peter...were they not the keys of the kingdom of heaven. These keys represent authority (Is. 22:22; Rev. 3:7) There is more than one key mentioned here...KEYS. One key was used by Peter to open the door to Israel on the day of Petecost, to the Gentiles in Acts 10. .
Kriss said in another thread (parables & idoms)“One of the primary rules of Biblical interpretation is to understand what the original readers would have understood. This necessarily implies an awareness of the culture that would have affected that understanding. In other words, in order to understand the meaning of words from a different culture, we must understand the culture of the people using that language. The meaning of the word is in its use. I am convinced that a majority of our doctrinal differences would be resolved if more Believers had an intimate acquaintance and understanding of the ancient Jewish culture that serves as the background for Scripture.”I think he is right. One of the things we need to understand about the Hebrew culture is that they thought in concrete terms not abstract. The idea of keys being the key to knowledge or to understanding would have had no meaning for them, apart from having no scriptural basis.The idea that the keys represented keys to the door to Israel and to the Gentiles is speculation. I do not see any scripture to back this up. As you say the keys were the keys of/to the kingdom of heaven. Key to, key of – same thing. If I have the key of a door it is a key to the doorIn giving Peter the keys Jesus was giving Peter authority over his Church as “prime minister” just as Eliakim was given authority as “prime minister” over the Davidic kingdom in Is 22:22 is quite clear. Not only in terms of the keys to the kingdom, but also in the binding and loosing and opening and shutting.Moreover in alluding to this passage Jesus is claiming that he is the true heir to the throne of David, the one who will sit on the throne that would “be established forever” (2 Sam 7:16); the one who would have “length of days forever and ever” (Ps 21:4). He was to be the everlasting king of the Davidic kingdom.(setfree;54282)
But I do not see that Peter has any other authority. The power of binding and loosing was shared by the other disciples.(Matt. 18:18; John 20:23) .
Yes, all the apostles received the authority to bind and loose later on, but that was as a group. This is why Catholics believe the Pope, as Peter’s successor has unique authority to define doctrine under certain (very limited) conditions, and the whole assembly of bishops (successors of the apostles) has that same authority as a group (at an Ecumenical Council). But only Peter was given the keys.There are many other times when Peter is given a preferential position over the other apostles which indicate his special status. For example he is the only one to whom Jesus gives a new name. He brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas” (which is translated Peter). (Jn 1:42).And in the verse just before the one we are considering about the keys (after Peter’s profession of faith)And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven.” (Mt 16:16)Now as far as I know Peter is the only one of the apostles to whom the Father made a special revelation.Another example is when Jesus prophecies Peter’s lapse but prays that he will encourage the others.“Simon, Simon, listen! Satan has demanded to sift all of you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your own faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” (Lk 22:31-32)Again Peter is the one who is given the leadership. The same thing can be said about “feed my sheep” in Jn 21I can give more examples of this. It is very clear in scripture that Peter was given a leadership role, and that the others accepted his leadership.(setfree;54282)
I believe it was on Peter's profession that he will build his church(called out ones). He professed that...Jesus was the Christ! This group of people(called out ones) will be so powerful that even the gates of hell will not be stronger than them. These keys are given to the called out ones-Peter was not the only one with power. .
No The Church was to be built on Peter. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. Very clear it was Peter.But I agree it is the Church that will prevail over the gates of Hell. (setfree;54282)
These keys are not to the kingdom but of the kingdom. These keys unlock the power of the kingdom. We should have access to a power(Holy Spirit) that others(unbelievers) cannot explain. So the key to the keys, as Kriss said, is the knowledge-knowing what the keys ar for and how to use them. This knowledge has been given to us(Luke8:10)Jesus knew how to open heaven and bring it to earth..all it's power. .
See above(setfree;54282)
The Holy Spirit was given to us to teach us how to walk in the power of the Spirit.
Amen to that
