Slideshow image

In our exploration of Apostolic Foundation, we're diving into Matthew 16 to understand what it means to be the Church, or as it's called in Greek, the "Ecclesia." This passage reveals fundamental truths about who Jesus is, who we are in Him, and what we're called to build together.

Who is Jesus? The Foundation of Everything

In Matthew 16, Jesus takes His disciples to Caesarea Philippi, a significant location filled with pagan worship sites. There, He asks them the most important question anyone will ever answer: "Who do you say that I am?"

Peter responds with divine revelation: "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."

This declaration is monumental. Your answer to who Jesus is determines your eternal destiny. When Peter received this revelation about Jesus, he was then able to receive revelation about his own identity. The same is true for us - when we truly understand who Jesus is, we begin to understand who we are in Him.

What's the difference between "Peter" and "rock"?

There's been significant confusion about Jesus' response to Peter. When Jesus says, "You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church," He's using a play on words that's clearer in the original Greek:

  • "Peter" (Petros) means a small, throwable stone
  • "Rock" (Petra) means massive bedrock

 

Jesus wasn't saying He would build His church on Peter himself, but on the bedrock of Peter's confession that Jesus is "the Christ, the Son of the living God." This is the foundation of the Church - not a person, but the truth of who Jesus is.

What are the keys of the kingdom?

Jesus tells Peter, "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven." Notice the future tense - they didn't have these keys yet. These keys would allow them to bind and loose things on earth with heaven's authority.

When did they receive these keys? After Jesus' death, resurrection, and ascension, when the Holy Spirit empowered them. The gospel couldn't be preached until Jesus had died and risen again. Once that happened, Peter used these keys:

  • At Pentecost, when 3,000 were saved
  • In Samaria, when the Holy Spirit fell
  • At Cornelius' house, opening the kingdom to Gentiles

 

These keys have been passed to us through the gospel message. We can use them to bring people into God's kingdom.

What are the gates of Hades that cannot prevail?

Interestingly, in Caesarea Philippi where Jesus spoke these words, there was a literal place called "the gates of Hades" - a cave where pagan worship occurred. It was a center for idolatry, with temples to various gods like Pan, Zeus, and Caesar.

When Jesus said "the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it," He was declaring that all the ways the devil receives worship would not stand against the Church armed with the keys of the kingdom. Today, those pagan temples lie in ruins, but the Church continues to thrive - a fulfilled prophecy!

What does it mean to be living stones?

Peter later wrote about this concept in 1 Peter 2:4-10. He describes Jesus as "a living stone rejected by men but chosen by God," and believers as "living stones being built up as a spiritual house."

This reveals our identity and purpose:

  • We are living stones being built on Christ, the cornerstone
  • Together, we form a spiritual house where God dwells
  • We are a holy priesthood offering spiritual sacrifices
  • We are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation
  • We are God's special people called to proclaim His praises
  • We have been called out of darkness into His marvelous light
  • We who once were not a people are now God's people
  • We who had not received mercy have now received mercy

 

Life Application

Understanding the Ecclesia transforms how we see ourselves and our purpose:

  • Build your life on Jesus Christ alone - He is the only foundation that will stand. Not your good works, not religious traditions, but Jesus Himself.

 

  • Embrace your identity as a living stone - You belong in God's building. When you trust Christ, you're placed exactly where you need to be in His structure.

 

  • Use the keys of the kingdom - Share the gospel that unlocks salvation for others. You have authority to invite people into God's kingdom.

 

  • Stand against the gates of Hades - The powers of darkness cannot prevail against Christ's Church. Walk in this confidence.

 

  • Connect with other living stones - We're not meant to stand alone. Find your place in the local expression of Christ's body.

 

 

Questions to Consider:

  • Have I truly built my life on the foundation of Jesus Christ?
  • Am I living in the identity God has given me as His chosen, royal priesthood?
  • How am I using the keys of the kingdom to help others enter God's family?
  • Where do I fit in God's spiritual house? Am I connected to other believers?
  • What "gates of Hades" (strongholds of darkness) need to be confronted in my life or community?

 

When we understand who Jesus is and who we are in Him, we find our place in His eternal building project - the Ecclesia that will stand forever.