The Keys Of Power
Written by: Delbert Magusara Haim
August 2012
In biblical studies, the primary source of exegesis conflict is when we failed to understand the writer’s art of writing. Though his word already translated into a common text, yet its context nothing has changed. For example, the Greek word “kleis” in Matthew chapter sixteen means a “key,” use in shutting a lock.
Here in Matthew sixteen we can see that the word “keys” Jesus mentioned is not a tangible/visible key with compare to the key in Revelation twenty stating;
You know why? Because the “keys” in Matthew sixteen is an art of speech in accordance with the statement, while the key in Revelation twenty is a visible image that the writer saw. They have similarity of expression but differed in application as the one revealed in a dream and the other in wisdom. But each expressing the same spiritual meaning when we use scriptures to elaborate its word, it is an act of shutting. Thus if we say literal keys it means something that you can touch and see but if an art of speech then it is about wisdom.
The plural word “keys” is matching to the kingdom of heaven that has twelve gates. And a singular word “key” to a one bottomless pit. No doubt so far if we interpret them in our earthy imagination. But by context, it is false because the keys that Jesus said is not used to open the twelve perimeter gates of the kingdom but to bind and to lose thing exists on earth as Peter’s given power and authority from Christ to shut it. In two phrases “whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth” and “whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth,” so it is not literal key when Jesus gave it unto Peter.
Now if you still doubt on this spiritual/biblical approach then let me ask you; have we any literal proof that Peter used this power, I mean the shutting off the lock of a bound person using a literal key? Of course, not.
If we know “How did God speak to his people,” I think it is a big help in our studies. For if we have learned how he revealed his word as in a dream, so this dream must be interpreted by the scripture itself as we have heard from the Old Testament dreamer. And if it were delivered actually by God, then let all his words give us understanding by studying.
At the moment when Jesus said; “I will give unto thee the keys” Peter will receive Christ’s authority to accept and to neglect, to open and to close, and to bind and to lose any man’s deeds/belief on the kingdom of God. We can also see this situation in the writings of Isaiah; the giving of power/authority to the Lord’s servant Eliakim the son of Hilkiah. It says;
But the writings in John’s Gospel are clearer than it says in Matthew and Isaiah. In this passage, when God gave the Holy Ghost to his disciples it concerned to authorize paying and retaining sins.
Therefore, what Peter heard from the mouth of Jesus is not literal keys but power and authority as they have received the Holy Ghost, a power and authority to govern the church.
Conclusion:
By merely reading texts with its secular meaning will only leads to foolishness but if by reading with wisdom and spiritual thought, will give us the key of understanding the power of God.
August 2012
In biblical studies, the primary source of exegesis conflict is when we failed to understand the writer’s art of writing. Though his word already translated into a common text, yet its context nothing has changed. For example, the Greek word “kleis” in Matthew chapter sixteen means a “key,” use in shutting a lock.
- Matthew 16:19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Here in Matthew sixteen we can see that the word “keys” Jesus mentioned is not a tangible/visible key with compare to the key in Revelation twenty stating;
- Revelation 20:1 And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.
You know why? Because the “keys” in Matthew sixteen is an art of speech in accordance with the statement, while the key in Revelation twenty is a visible image that the writer saw. They have similarity of expression but differed in application as the one revealed in a dream and the other in wisdom. But each expressing the same spiritual meaning when we use scriptures to elaborate its word, it is an act of shutting. Thus if we say literal keys it means something that you can touch and see but if an art of speech then it is about wisdom.
The plural word “keys” is matching to the kingdom of heaven that has twelve gates. And a singular word “key” to a one bottomless pit. No doubt so far if we interpret them in our earthy imagination. But by context, it is false because the keys that Jesus said is not used to open the twelve perimeter gates of the kingdom but to bind and to lose thing exists on earth as Peter’s given power and authority from Christ to shut it. In two phrases “whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth” and “whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth,” so it is not literal key when Jesus gave it unto Peter.
Now if you still doubt on this spiritual/biblical approach then let me ask you; have we any literal proof that Peter used this power, I mean the shutting off the lock of a bound person using a literal key? Of course, not.
If we know “How did God speak to his people,” I think it is a big help in our studies. For if we have learned how he revealed his word as in a dream, so this dream must be interpreted by the scripture itself as we have heard from the Old Testament dreamer. And if it were delivered actually by God, then let all his words give us understanding by studying.
At the moment when Jesus said; “I will give unto thee the keys” Peter will receive Christ’s authority to accept and to neglect, to open and to close, and to bind and to lose any man’s deeds/belief on the kingdom of God. We can also see this situation in the writings of Isaiah; the giving of power/authority to the Lord’s servant Eliakim the son of Hilkiah. It says;
- Isa 22:20 And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will call my servant Eliakim the son of Hilkiah: 21 And I will clothe him with thy robe, and strengthen him with thy girdle, and I will commit thy government into his hand: and he shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to the house of Judah. 22 And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder; so he shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open.
But the writings in John’s Gospel are clearer than it says in Matthew and Isaiah. In this passage, when God gave the Holy Ghost to his disciples it concerned to authorize paying and retaining sins.
- Joh 20:21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: 23 Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.
Therefore, what Peter heard from the mouth of Jesus is not literal keys but power and authority as they have received the Holy Ghost, a power and authority to govern the church.
- Mat 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Conclusion:
By merely reading texts with its secular meaning will only leads to foolishness but if by reading with wisdom and spiritual thought, will give us the key of understanding the power of God.