What are the "keys" in Matthew 16:19?

[Marcia]

Someone asked this in the Bible Versions forum as sort of an aside to the main topic so no answer was given.

What are the keys in this statement by Jesus to Peter in Matt. 16:19?

"I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven."

Are the keys "authority?" Does this have to do with statements in Matt. 18 about church discipline? Is it the authority to discipline believers or more than that?

"Truly I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven. Matt. 18:18

 

[swaimj]

My understanding is that the keys were used by Peter on the day of Pentecost to inaugurate the new era of the coming of the Spirit and they were used again by Peter on two occasions to show that the Gentiles were included in the new age.

 

[canadyjd]

The "binding and loosing" terminology has to do with teaching.

For example, a rabbi may be asked "is it lawful to divorce for such and such a reason?"

The rabbi may answer "the school of Himmel (made up name) binds you (does not allow) but the school of Shemmel (made up name) looses you (allows you).

I do believe the "keys" have to do with authority with regard to teaching.

peace to youraying:

 

[Marcia]

The "binding and loosing" terminology has to do with teaching.

For example, a rabbi may be asked "is it lawful to divorce for such and such a reason?"

The rabbi may answer "the school of Himmel (made up name) binds you (does not allow) but the school of Shemmel (made up name) looses you (allows you).

I do believe the "keys" have to do with authority with regard to teaching.

peace to youraying:

Well, this is totally different from the other answer!

 

[Jerome]

Are the keys "authority?" Does this have to do with statements in Matt. 18 about church discipline? Is it the authority to discipline believers or more than that?

John Gill:
"these words have nothing to do with church power and government in Peter, nor in the pope, nor in any other man, or set of men whatever; nor to be understood of church censures, excommunications, admissions, or exclusions of members:"

 

[Thinkingstuff]

John Gill:
"these words have nothing to do with church power and government in Peter, nor in the pope, nor in any other man, or set of men whatever; nor to be understood of church censures, excommunications, admissions, or exclusions of members:"

Fine but the question, I believe is, what does it mean? There are Three opinions put forth 1) School of thought or teaching with regard to something 2)inaguration of christianity into the world by peter and ended with peter. 3) Church authority to discipline. So you've stated what it is not so what is it?

 

[Jim1999]

Let's try using keys in a modern sense. This is the key to starting our motorcar. Not the physical key but the method of starting the motorcar.

We know that Jesus is Himself the Rock, yet Peter is called the rock or stone of he church. Peter, you have been given the key that allows people to either enter or be denied the Kingdom. The key is the gospel that Jesus saves. Peter used this "key" at Pentecost. He preached the word. Following OT mentions of "key" it is the same thought throughout. If I am the gatekeeper, I have the key that allows or denies entry to anyone. So to-day, I peach the word and I hold the key to your salvation..It is Him; Jesus the Christ.

That is my simple answer.

Cheers,

Jim

 

[Followeroftheway]

Let's try using keys in a modern sense. This is the key to starting our motorcar. Not the physical key but the method of starting the motorcar.

We know that Jesus is Himself the Rock, yet Peter is called the rock or stone of he church. Peter, you have been given the key that allows people to either enter or be denied the Kingdom. The key is the gospel that Jesus saves. Peter used this "key" at Pentecost. He preached the word. Following OT mentions of "key" it is the same thought throughout. If I am the gatekeeper, I have the key that allows or denies entry to anyone. So to-day, I peach the word and I hold the key to your salvation..It is Him; Jesus the Christ.

That is my simple answer.

Cheers,

Jim

What does the binding and loosing portion of that mean?

 

[Jim1999]

Quote: What does the binding and loosing portion of that mean?
----------------------------------------
Broadus believes it follows the teaching of the Talmud; interpret and apply the law and traditions on any subject with strictness (binding) or with laxity (loosing) or in general to forbid or allow.
Broadus on Matthew (Judson Press).

I tend to agree with this.

Cheers,

Jim

 

[Followeroftheway]

Quote: What does the binding and loosing portion of that mean?
----------------------------------------
Broadus believes it follows the teaching of the Talmud; interpret and apply the law and traditions on any subject with strictness (binding) or with laxity (loosing) or in general to forbid or allow.
Broadus on Matthew (Judson Press).

I tend to agree with this.

Cheers,

Jim

So Peter had the authority to decide how strictly we followed traditions? Did that end with Peter?

 

[Jim1999]

If you read the passage fully, Peter was given certain instructions. He was not put in place of God, but he was instructed so to lead the followers. Did it end? I don't see any recall in scripture..............the same application of the truth was there at the end of writing the New Testament.

However, Peter's instructions were not his inventions, but the very word of the Lord.

Cheers,

Jim

 

[TCGreek]

I believe the "keys" referring to the preaching of the gospel.

 

[Tom Butler]

My understanding is that the keys were used by Peter on the day of Pentecost to inaugurate the new era of the coming of the Spirit and they were used again by Peter on two occasions to show that the Gentiles were included in the new age.

I don't agree that these were the keys used by Peter on the Day of Pentecost. However, I do think there is some relationship between the keys and Peter's presence at the pouring out of the Spirit at Cornelius house and in Samaria.

I don't think the keys were given exclusively to Peter. Remember, the other disciples were present, as well. That said, it seems that when Peter shows up, the Spirit is poured out. In Jerusalem (Pentecost) Judea (Cornelius' house) and Samaria (where Stephen preached and many hated Samaritans were saved. Hmm, Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria. Where have I heard that before?

What are the keys? A former pastor of mine described them as the authority to declare the terms of entry into heaven. Those terms are repentance and faith, I believe. Thus, all believers who witness have the keys to the kingdom.

 

[Jim1999]

I sugget you read the passage again....Jesus speaking...."He saith unto THEM, "But who say YE that I am? And Simon Peter answered....and Jesus answered and sain unto HIM (Peter) Blessed art THOU Simon.....And I say also unto THEE (Peter) and I will give unto THEE the keys..and whatever YOU Peter bind on earth,,,,,etc.

They are given to Peter alone even though the others are there. Peter was the stone (the pebble) of the church not all the disciples that happened to be present.

My opinion,

Cheers,

Jim

 

[TCGreek]

I sugget you read the passage again....Jesus speaking...."He saith unto THEM, "But who say YE that I am? And Simon Peter answered....and Jesus answered and sain unto HIM (Peter) Blessed art THOU Simon.....And I say also unto THEE (Peter) and I will give unto THEE the keys..and whatever YOU Peter bind on earth,,,,,etc.

They are given to Peter alone even though the others are there. Peter was the stone (the pebble) of the church not all the disciples that happened to be present.

My opinion,

Cheers,

Jim

I just looked at my Ryrie Study Bible, and he says it refers to "The authority to open the doors of Christendom was given to Peter, who used that authority for Jews on the Day of Pentecost and for Gentiles in the house of Cornelius (Acts 10)."

He's got a solid point. One I find difficult to refute.

 

[Jim1999]

T.C. Greek,,That lines up with what said about OT use of the word "key"..........the keeper of the gate holding the keys controls who comes and goes through the gates.

Cheers,

Jim

 

[TCGreek]

T.C. Greek,,That lines up with what said about OT use of the word "key"..........the keeper of the gate holding the keys controls who comes and goes through the gates.

Cheers,

Jim

Yes, and I even looked at the passage in Greek to make certain that "you" was singular. It is. A clear reference to Mr. Peter.

 

[Jim1999]

Well, mate, I am greatly relieved that what I have been teaching for more than 50 years has been confirmed....:thumbsup:

Cheers,

Jim

 

[TCGreek]

ahh... :thumbsup:

 

[LeBuick]

T.C. Greek,,That lines up with what said about OT use of the word "key"..........the keeper of the gate holding the keys controls who comes and goes through the gates.

Cheers,

Jim

I just preached this the other Sunday. I used the subject, "The Heavenly Concierge".

I believe these are direct references to the Church which was spoke of in v18.

Upon this rock I will build my Church... Then he says and I am giving you the keys which is as Jim points out...

Whoever binds or joins the Church will be bound likewise in heaven. The caveat is this is not the brick and mortar building they much join, it is the divine institution which Christ built on the rock.