11-25-23-ENG.

"No man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. " 
1 Corinthians 3:11 
ONLY ONE FOUNDATION
 
Read It: Matthew 16:18;
Ephesians 2:19-22 
When you read Matthew 16:18, you wouldn't think it's a verse that Christendom would spend about 1,500 years arguing about. This is not the place to argue church hierarchy and structure. I want to stick to the text, because the Bible is its own best interpreter. On Friday we'll go to Peter's own writings to see what he understood about headship ship in the Church. For today, let me make some observations about this important verse. First, remember that Jesus is addressing all the disciples here, not just Peter. That's evident from the context on both sides of verse 18. So whatever ever Jesus said to Peter, the other apostles also had a key part in it. For example, we know from John 20:23 that all the apostles were given the authority to bind and loose. Second, you probably know that the two words Peter and rock are a play on words in the Greek language. They both mean rock, stone. In my research I found that the word rock could be used of a rocky ledge or a large slab-a larger composition of stones made up of smaller stones. I believe what Jesus is saying here is not that Peter himself is the rock on which He will build His Church or even that Peter's confession is that rock.

Jesus is telling Peter, "I am singling you out as the lead stone, as the spokesman. But when I build My Church, I won't build it on just one stone. I need all the stones coming together [the other apostles] to make a mighty slab of stone on which to build My Church." Ephesians 2:20 confirms firms that all the apostles, not just Peter, are part of the one foundation stone that the Church is built on, with Jesus Christ as the "cornerstone." See, no matter what your particular view of the structure or syntax of Matthew 16:18, there is one absolutely indisputable fact about the Church: Jesus Christ and He alone is the Head of the Church. He purchased chased the Church with His blood. And He will not share His glory with anyone. Think About It Don't miss the best part of this verse. Jesus is talking about the Church knocking over hell, not about us trying to hang in there while Satan knocks us to the ground!