This is one of the best known passages in Matthew's gospel, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?".
Jesus addresses this question to the disciples. Why does Jesus do this?
Whatever the reason, the people had various theories on who Jesus was. Some thought he was John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets. No one realised who He really was. The Elijah reference was prompted by Malachi 4, where it says that Elijah must come before the end.
Jesus then asks the disciple who they think He is.
Peter replies immediately: "You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God".
Jesus declares Peter blessed, because it was the Father who revealed the truth to him. Human reasoning and wisdom cannot lead anyone to Christ, we need revelation from God.
"This rock" refers both to Peter and to the revelation. The church us built on the revelation of who Jesus is. It is not built on tradition, it is not built on wealth, it is not built on human wisdom and human plans. It is built on the revelation of who Jesus is. The gates of Hades. This does not say gates of hell. Hades is the realm of the dead, and death will not defeat the church.
The church has great authority. "Will be loosed" can be translated "will have been loosed". The church has authority when it acts in accordance with the will of God.
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