Matthew 16:13–19; 28:18–20

Bible Studies for Life By James R. Barnette
Associate professor of religion, Department of Religion, Samford University

Jesus Works Through His Church
Matthew 16:13–19; 28:18–20

Jesus’ Work Misunderstood (16:13–14)
Caesarea Philippi is about 25 miles north of Galilee. The city was built by Herod Philip and named Caesarea in honor of the emperor, and Philippi to distinguish it from the Caesarea on the Mediterranean coast. Near the base of Mount Hermon, an ascent of about 1,800 feet, it was a long trek away. However, the snow-capped mountain can be seen on a clear day as far as Nazareth, where Jesus grew up. Caesarea Philippi was a border town where the people of Israel met the people of the Gentile world. It was also a site of the worship of the idol Pan, the so-called universal god. In this unique setting, Judaism was exposed both to the worship of nature and the worship of humanity.

Jesus asked the question of His disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”  Herod Antipas thought that Jesus was John the Baptist risen from the dead (see Matt. 14:2). Many believed that the great prophet Elijah would return some day to anoint the long-awaited messiah. Some saw John the Baptist as Elijah returned from heaven (see Matt. 11:4; 17:10). Among the Gospel accounts, Matthew alone mentions Jeremiah by name instead of merely “one of the prophets.”

Jesus’ Work Manifested (16:15–19)
“But … who do you say that I am.” The “you” here is emphatic, contrasting the opinions of other persons with those of the disciples who know Jesus more intimately. Simon Peter declares Jesus to be “the Christ,” which is the Greek translation of the Hebrew “Messiah,” meaning “anointed one.”

The three following verses of the section introduce a most significant element, the church. This is the first appearance of the word “church” in the New Testament. This word, ecclesia, literally “called-out ones,” refers to an assembly of citizens regularly summoned to represent the head of this assembly. That this assembly is regularly summoned serves as a helpful reminder that regular participation in the church is a biblical expectation.

Jesus announced His church in direct relation to Peter and his confession. The church is built on a confessing people. Peter’s name means “rock” — contrary to popular thought, however, many posit that his name has nothing to do with the disciple’s stability of character. Verse 17 clearly affirms that Peter’s personal qualities and qualifications matter little. To be open to God’s revelation and to be willing to confess that revelation is what qualifies a believer to help uphold the foundation of Christ’s church.

Jesus declares a course of action that is on the offensive, not the defensive. Christ-followers are the aggressors as they engage a world so overwhelmed with evil, and the gates will not prevail against the Messiah or His church.
The practice of “binding and loosing” is developed in chapter 18 of Matthew, as the disciplinary function of the church. The only two uses of the term “church” in the Gospels are the two associated with “binding and loosing.” The called-out people are to hold each other accountable to living by their covenant with Christ.

Jesus’ Work Mandated (Matt. 28:18–20)
Jesus’ statement, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me,” is a declaration of the ultimate victory of Christ. The entire Gospel of Matthew highlights the authority of Christ. There was authority to His teaching (7:29). He exercised authority in healing (8:1–13), and in forgiving sins (9:6). He had authority over Satan, and He delegated that authority to his apostles (10:1). Now, at the close, Matthew makes it clear that Jesus has all authority. The complete authority of Christ points us to a profound but simple outline that the Great Commission makes us of the word “all” — all authority … all nations … all things … and always.

“Therefore go,” is better translated, “Therefore, while going in the world, make disciples.” The emphasis in verse 19 is on “making disciples,” this being the main verb of the verse, with “going,” “baptizing” and “teaching” supplementing this main calling.

The Commission to teach disciples who “obey everything I have commanded you” is related directly to the content of Jesus’ ministry. Salvation is not simply a pietistic experience of receiving insurance against damnation; it is a bold confession of faith coupled with commitment to obey Christ’s commands. We are called to a righteousness of relationship, a new life in which we walk with Christ (Phil. 3:9), Who is with us to the very end of all things.

James Barnette is the teaching pastor of Brookwood Baptist Church, Birmingham.