Matthew 16:18 - I also tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my assembly, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Matthew 16:18" mean?
This verse, Matthew 16:18, is a pivotal and often debated passage in Christianity. Let's break down the different elements and interpretations:
"I also tell you that you are Peter..." Jesus is giving Simon a new name: Peter. The Greek word for Peter is Petros, which means "rock" or "stone."
"...and on this rock I will build my assembly..." This is the core of the debate. The question is, what "rock" is Jesus referring to?
The Roman Catholic Interpretation: This view holds that Jesus is directly referring to Peter himself as the foundation rock upon which the Church will be built. They see Peter as the first Pope, given authority by Jesus to lead the Church. They often point to the change in name from Simon to Peter (meaning "rock") as confirmation of this. The succession of Popes, according to this view, continues Peter's role as the foundation of the Church.
The Protestant Interpretation: Protestant theologians generally reject the idea that Peter is the rock. They offer several alternative interpretations:
Peter's Confession of Faith: Some believe that the "rock" refers to Peter's declaration in the preceding verse (Matthew 16:16): "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." In this view, the foundation of the Church is the belief in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God.
Jesus Himself: Some argue that Jesus is the rock. They cite other passages in the Bible where God or Christ is referred to as a rock or cornerstone.
The Apostles and Prophets: Some interpret the "rock" as referring to the foundation of the Church laid by all the apostles and prophets (Ephesians 2:20). Peter is seen as one of the foundational apostles, not the sole foundation.
"...and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it." "Hades" refers to the realm of the dead, often seen as a symbol of death, evil, and spiritual forces against the church. "Prevail" means to overcome or conquer. This phrase assures believers that the Church, built on the foundation Jesus establishes, will not be destroyed or overcome by these forces. In other words, despite the difficulties and opposition the Church will face, it will ultimately triumph.
In Summary:
The verse is about the establishment of the Church.
The key question is what or who the "rock" is.
The Roman Catholic Church interprets the "rock" as Peter, making him the foundation of the Church and the first Pope.
Protestant interpretations vary, seeing the "rock" as Peter's confession of faith, Jesus himself, or the foundation laid by all the apostles and prophets.
The promise that "the gates of Hades will not prevail" assures believers that the Church will endure.
The word 'assembly' is a translation of the word 'ekklesia' which means gathering of people, church.
The interpretation of this verse has significant implications for understanding Church authority and structure. It's a topic with a long history of theological debate.
Matthew 16:18 - I also tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my assembly, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.
What does "Matthew 16:18" mean?
This verse, Matthew 16:18, is a pivotal and often debated passage in Christianity. Let's break down the different elements and interpretations:
"I also tell you that you are Peter..." Jesus is giving Simon a new name: Peter. The Greek word for Peter is Petros, which means "rock" or "stone."
"...and on this rock I will build my assembly..." This is the core of the debate. The question is, what "rock" is Jesus referring to?
The Roman Catholic Interpretation: This view holds that Jesus is directly referring to Peter himself as the foundation rock upon which the Church will be built. They see Peter as the first Pope, given authority by Jesus to lead the Church. They often point to the change in name from Simon to Peter (meaning "rock") as confirmation of this. The succession of Popes, according to this view, continues Peter's role as the foundation of the Church.
The Protestant Interpretation: Protestant theologians generally reject the idea that Peter is the rock. They offer several alternative interpretations:
Peter's Confession of Faith: Some believe that the "rock" refers to Peter's declaration in the preceding verse (Matthew 16:16): "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." In this view, the foundation of the Church is the belief in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God.
Jesus Himself: Some argue that Jesus is the rock. They cite other passages in the Bible where God or Christ is referred to as a rock or cornerstone.
The Apostles and Prophets: Some interpret the "rock" as referring to the foundation of the Church laid by all the apostles and prophets (Ephesians 2:20). Peter is seen as one of the foundational apostles, not the sole foundation.
"...and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it." "Hades" refers to the realm of the dead, often seen as a symbol of death, evil, and spiritual forces against the church. "Prevail" means to overcome or conquer. This phrase assures believers that the Church, built on the foundation Jesus establishes, will not be destroyed or overcome by these forces. In other words, despite the difficulties and opposition the Church will face, it will ultimately triumph.
In Summary:
The verse is about the establishment of the Church.
The key question is what or who the "rock" is.
The Roman Catholic Church interprets the "rock" as Peter, making him the foundation of the Church and the first Pope.
Protestant interpretations vary, seeing the "rock" as Peter's confession of faith, Jesus himself, or the foundation laid by all the apostles and prophets.
The promise that "the gates of Hades will not prevail" assures believers that the Church will endure.
The word 'assembly' is a translation of the word 'ekklesia' which means gathering of people, church.
The interpretation of this verse has significant implications for understanding Church authority and structure. It's a topic with a long history of theological debate.