Verse 19
keys of the kingdom
Not the keys of the church, but of the kingdom of heaven in the sense of Mat 13., i.e. the sphere of Christian profession. A key is a badge of power or authority (cf) Isaiah 22:22; Revelation 3:7. The apostolic history explains and limits this trust, for it was Peter who opened the door of Christian opportunity to Israel on the day of Pentecost Acts 2:38-42 and to Gentiles in the house of Cornelius. Acts 10:34-46. There was no assumption by Peter of any other authority Acts 15:7-11. In the council James, not Peter, seems to have presided ; Acts 15:19; Galatians 2:11-15. Peter claimed no more for himself than to be an apostle by gift 1 Peter 1:1 and an elder by office 1 Peter 5:1.
The power of binding and loosing was shared Matthew 18:18; John 20:23 by the other disciples. That it did not involve the determination of the eternal destiny of souls is clear from Revelation 1:18. The keys of death and the place of departed spirits are held by Christ alone.
kingdom (See Scofield "Revelation 1:18- :")
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