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A: Peter is known to hold the keys of the church, hence, that church is the modern day Roman Catholic Church. Many other Christian denominations or other non Christian organizations will spin this interpretation until they feel comfortable about the passage and it's meaning. But after thousands and thousands of hours of research and interpretation by independent translators, Catholic, and honest Protestant scholars, the meaning is that Peter is the Rock of God's church and Peter holds the keys to the kingdom of heaven on earth. The church that was started by Peter is what we call today the Holy Roman Catholic Church, the Greek Orthodox Church, and several other smaller Christian churches that have been around since this same time. At one time the Catholic and Orthodox church were the same church until they split over doctrinal disputes. Churches like the Ethiopian Orthodox church and about 6 other churches that have been around since this time are also considered to have the holy blessing's of Christ. Look at the verse below.
"Upon this rock I will build my church"
" TV ES PETRVS ET SVPER HANC PETRAM ÆDIFICABO ECCLESIAM MEAM ET TIBI DABO CLAVES REGNI CÆLORVM. "-Mt 16: 18-19
In the Catholic Church, Jesus' words, "upon this rock I will build my church" are interpreted as the foundation of the doctrine of the papacy, whereby the Church of Christ is founded upon Peter and his successors, the Bishops of Rome. Jesus' next statement, "and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." are interpreted as the foundation of the doctrine of papal infallibility. Christ's charge to the Apostle Peter to "feed my sheep" and "tend my lambs", as well as Peter's authoritative position in the early Church are seen as emphasising St. Peter's, and thus his successors', the Popes, unique role as vicarious head of the Christ's Catholic
The verse in reference to your question is Matthew 16:18, and it reads;
And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it.
In English, some of the impact of this phrase is lost - the name "Peter" means "rock" and in many languages the same word would be used for both. So, a better understanding of what Christ actually said would be;
You are Rock, and on this rock I will build my Church
Even if this verse is taken in isolation (something which is not recommended we should do when reading Scripture) it reads as a very solid support of Petrine Primacy. While it contains no complex doctrines, it does make it very clear that the Church of Christ is built on Saint Peter as a person. Christ calls him a rock, and then says He will build His Church (singular, thus showing there is only one Church) on him.
There are, however, many people who wish to discredit this verse by trying to "prove" that it does not mean what the Catholic Church (correctly) says it means. There are a number of techniques which they may choose to use, and as a Catholic you should be ready to respond to all of them.
What else can I help you with?
How many keys did Saint Peter have?
In Christian tradition, Saint Peter is often depicted with the keys to the kingdom of heaven, symbolizing his role as the gatekeeper. While the exact number of keys may vary in artistic representations, the concept emphasizes Peter's authority and responsibility in the spiritual realm.
Which saint holds two keys?
In Matthew 16: 18-19 Our Lord appoints Peter as the head of the Church:"I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven."This is the origin of Saint Peter traditionally illustrated holding keys.
Who is the saint who waits at the door of heaven?
There is no specific saint known for waiting at the door of heaven. In Christian tradition, Saint Peter is often depicted as the gatekeeper of heaven, with the keys to the kingdom.
What is the sign of authority that Saint Peter is given as leader of the Christian church?
St. Peter is given the "keys to the kingdom of Heaven" by Jesus, which symbolizes his authority as the leader of the Christian church. This is referenced in the Bible in the Gospel of Matthew 16:18-19.
What is Saint Peter's job?
He has the Keys to the Gates of Heaven.
What is the papal banner?
The papal banner, also known as the flag of the Holy See, features the crossed keys of Saint Peter and the Papal Tiara. The keys, one gold and one silver, symbolize the keys to Heaven given to Saint Peter, representing the Pope's authority. The background is typically white and yellow, reflecting the colors of the Vatican City. This banner is used during official ceremonies, papal events, and represents the Pope's sovereignty and the Catholic Church's mission.
What do keys represent?
When Our Lord appointed Peter to lead the church as the first pope he said, "I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven. . . . . " Peter is usually pictured holding two keys.
Who is the Catholic saint that holds a Bible in one hand and a cross on the other hand?
That saint is typically depicted as Saint Peter, who was one of Jesus's twelve apostles and is considered the first pope of the Catholic Church. The keys to the kingdom of heaven are also often associated with him in iconography.
What do the gold and silver keys represent on the pope benedict's coat of arms?
the keys represent the time when god entusted saint Peter with the keys to heaven
Who was the rock to whom Jesus gave the keys to the kingdom appointing him to lead the church?
to peter
Why does st peter hold keys in his pictures?
In Christian tradition, St. Peter is often depicted holding keys as a symbol of his role as the keeper of the keys to heaven. This imagery is based on a passage in the Bible where Jesus gives Peter the keys to the kingdom of heaven, granting him the authority to govern the church on earth.
How to identify Saint Peter in painting or carving?
St Peter is usually depicted holding keys (the keys of heaven). Or, sometimes he is depicted being crucified upside down (as it seems to have been St Peter's wishes when he too was crucified).
