Matthew 16:18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. Some people have mistakenly interpreted this passage to say that Peter was the foundation on which Christ would build His church. However, that would violate many scriptures that state that Jesus is the chief corner stone (1Cor. 3:10-11 - foundation, Ephesians 2:20-22, and 1 Peter 2:4-9). Ephesians 2:20 does mention the apostles as being part of the foundation of Christs church, but it doesnt single Peter out above any of the other apostles. That same scripture says Jesus Himself is the chief corner stone. It is implied that the Apostle James, the brother of our Lord, was actually the head of the Jerusalem church (Acts 12:17, 15:13, 21:18; Galatians 2:9, and 12). Two different Greek words are used for Peter and rock respectively in this verse. The word used for Peter means rock but signifies a detached stone or boulder (Vines Expository Dictionary). In contrast, the word translated rock signifies a massive rock; that certainly refers to Jesus, the chief corner stone. Some have suggested that the foundation rock referred to was this confession that Peter made that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the living God (Matthew 16:16). Although it is true that people do have to confess Jesus is Lord (Romans 10:9-10) to enter Gods kingdom, in light of the O.T. prophecies and N.T. references to Jesus being the chief corner stone, this passage of Scripture must be referring directly to Jesus as this rock upon which He would build His church. Compare this with other statements Jesus made about Himself in the third person (John 2:19; 6:32-33, 50, and 58). This statement about the gates of hell not prevailing against us shows that the church is supposed to be on the offensive, not the defensive, in our spiritual warfare. We shouldnt be just trying to hold out behind our own defenses until Jesus comes to rescue us, but we should be pressing the battle to the very gates of hell itself. The devil and his imps should be in retreat and hiding behind their walls, not the church. (AWM)
Posted on: Mon, 10 Nov 2014 05:00:06 +0000
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