The Keys to the Kingdom of the Heavens

In Matthew 16:19, Jesus speaks to Peter concerning the Kingdom of the Heavens. The preceding verse is often misunderstood due to a translation that seemingly suggests Jesus will build His Church on Peter. However, when the original language is examined, it becomes evident that translating the word Πέτρος as stone—rather than as a proper name—is more appropriate. In John 1:42, Jesus gave Simon the name Stone. Furthermore, Jesus’ statement in Matthew 16:18 affirms that Simon is a small rock, or stone, in response to his confession that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God (Matthew 16:16).

And also, indeed, you are a stone, and upon this foundational rock I will build My Church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it (Matthew 16:18).

It is upon the foundational rock—Jesus Himself—that the Church is built, not upon the small rock referring to Simon (1 Corinthians 3:11).

The Kingdom of the Heavens refers to Christ’s rule. While Jesus affirmed that His Church would be built upon Himself rather than Peter, He promised to give Peter the keys to the Kingdom of the Heavens. These keys pertain to both heavenly and earthly matters, which relate exclusively to access to the Kingdom.

The use of keys in Scripture signifies authority to control access. In Luke 11:52, Jesus pronounces woe upon the lawyers who have taken away the key of knowledge from the people. In Revelation 1:18, Jesus now possesses the keys to Hades and Death. After Satan is cast down from heaven, he will be given the key to the abyss to release demons upon the earth (Revelation 9:1). At Christ’s return to establish His Kingdom on earth, an angel holding the key to the abyss will bind Satan for a thousand years (Revelation 20:1–2).

Now that we have established the symbolic meaning of keys in Scripture, we can consider their significance for Peter.

During the early ministry of the Church, God worked through Peter to offer the Kingdom of the Heavens to Israel. This was a genuine offer for Israel to partake in the blessings of the Messiah’s resurrection and the Kingdom. Israel was given the placement of sons, glory, covenant, the giving of the law, religious service to God, and promises (Romans 9:4-5). Prophecy foretold that the Messiah would die and be raised on the third day, washing away Israel’s transgressions and perversity. Now, Israel is offered the opportunity to partake in the fulfillment of that promise through the Messiah’s resurrection.

The keys do not pertain to the Law. Therefore, Peter did not continue the ministry of the Mosaic Law after Christ’s resurrection. For all who believe, Christ is the end of the Law for righteousness (Romans 10:4). Within the Church Peter is appointed as a shepherd (pastor), indicating that he did not have authority over the doctrine of the Church but was responsible for feeding and guarding the flock with the doctrine provided by the steward (John 21:15–17).

Peter did not have the authority to appoint individuals to positions within the Kingdom or the Church—keys do not give this type of authority—such as selecting a replacement for Judas among the Twelve (Acts 1:15–26). Instead, Peter was granted authority to open access into the Kingdom for Israel; however, Israel rejected God’s offer and is now in exile until the time of her restoration at the end of the Dispensation of Grace. God said in Deuteronomy 32:21 that He would provoke Israel to jealousy for Him by a people who is not a nation. Due to Israel’s rejection of the Kingdom of the Heavens, the believing Jews and Gentiles are being built up to a spiritual house, a holy nation, to proclaim His praise (1 Peter 2:9).