Matthew 16:18-19

The Context Jesus asks His disciples, “Who do men say that I am?” They give various answers “But who do YOU say that I am?”

The Context Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” Based upon that “confession”, Jesus said:

The Context “Blessed are you Simon, Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father in heaven…” Matt. 16:17

The Context “…And I say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church and the gates of hades shall not prevail against it.” Matt. 16:17

What was the rock? Catholicism says that it was Peter, but grammatically that is not possible. Peter (Petros) means a small stone (& is masculine), where as the rock Jesus spoke of (Petra) means a boulder or cliff (& is feminine).

What was the rock? “Upon this rock” is reference to the confession of Peter, “You are the Christ.” That is the foundation of the church He would build

“Upon this Rock I Will Build My Church” Matthew 16:18

What is the church? From Greek, Ecclesia means to call out of. In describing the body of Christ it is reference to the body of the saved Universally – Ac. 2:47, Heb. 12:23 Locally – 1 Cor. 1:2, Gal. 1:2

It is HIS Church In God’s eternal plan – Eph. 3:10-11 He is its head – Eph. 1:22-23, 4:15; Col. 1:18 Savior of the body Eph. 5:23

It is HIS Church Purchased with His blood – Acts 20:28, Eph. 5:25 That is why we call ourselves, “churches of Christ.” NOT a title!

“MY church” A singular collective noun Only ONE Eph. 4:4-6 Many congregations, but they were in complete agreement – Jn. 17:20-21, 1 Cor. 4:17, 7:17, 16:1 Rev. 2 & 3,“Hear what the Spirit says to the churches”

He built His church Not the building – the people! He taught church/kingdom was in near future– Matt. 16:18-19, 4:17; Mark 9:1, Matt. 16:28

Which church is His?

When was His church established? Prophesied – Isa. 2:2, Dan. 2:31-44 Kingdoms – 1st – Babylon (626-539 BC) 2nd - Medo-Persian (539-332) 3rd – Macedonian (332-63 BC) The 4th kingdom – Rome (63BC -476 AD) - when Christ was born and lived – cf. Luke 3:1, Mark 9:1

Where was His church established? Prophesied – Isa. 2:1-4, Joel 2:32 (Zion reference to Jerusalem) – cf. 2 Sam. 5:7, 2 Chron. 5:2)

How would His church established? Prophesied –Joel 2:28-32 With power cf. Acts 1:4-8 – instructed to go to Jerusalem and wait

His church established? Pentecost – Acts 2:1-4 Fulfilled all prophesies. Peter even quotes Joel 2:28-32 Acts 2:47 – the Lord added to the church…

His church established? AFTER Pentecost, spoken of as in existence – Col. 1:13 Acts 8:12, 8:1-3, 5:11 1 Cor. 4:20 NOT a physical kingdom. Epistles written to churches

Which church belongs to Him? There are many factors that help us determine the true church: Respect for pattern In worship In work In organization In name In doctrine

Which church belongs to Him? Another factor is to note its origin. Does your church meet the test of Jesus in Matt. 16:18-19 Denominations have their origins with men which disqualifies them from being the TRUE church!

Which church belongs to Him? NOT authority for denominations – 1 Cor. 1:10-13, John 17:20-21 When they boast of their founders they prove they are NOT the true church!

Are you a member of His church? Matthew 16:18