Matthew 16:19

Disciples’ Literal New Testament

Footnotes

1. Matthew 16:19 Keys are for opening and closing. Peter may be using these keys when he opens the kingdom to the Jews, Samaritans, and Gentiles, in Acts.
2. Matthew 16:19 This is singular. This power may have been held by Peter exclusively; or, by all the apostles; or, it may have passed on to other believers. Compare 18:18.
3. Matthew 16:19 bind... loose. Some think this means forbidding and permitting things, as the Rabbis used these terms; others, forgiving and retaining sins, Jn 20:23; others, the power of excommunication, Mt 18:18.
4. Matthew 16:19 will have been bound... loosed. Lit, will be having been bound... loosed. God does not second what Peter binds, but what Peter binds will correspond to what has been bound in heaven. In other words, Peter will speak with God’s authority, with divine guidance.