Matthew 16:18

“Moved by the grace of the Holy Spirit and drawn by the Father, we believe in Jesus and confess: 'You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.' On the rock of this faith confessed by St. Peter, Christ built his Church.” — Catechism footnote: Cf. Mt 16:18; St. Leo the Great, Sermo 4 3: PL 54,150 - 152; 51,1: PL 54, 309B; 62, 2: PL 54, 350-351; 83, 3: PL 54, 431-432.

“Jesus accepted Peter's profession of faith, which acknowledged him to be the Messiah, by announcing the imminent Passion of the Son of Man.” — Catechism footnote: Cf. Mt 16:16-23.

“…the beginning this acknowledgment of Christ's divine sonship will be the centre of the apostolic faith, first professed by Peter as the Church's foundation.” — Catechism footnote: Cf. I Th 1:10; Jn 20:31; Mt 16:18.

“Our Lord then declared to him: "You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it."” — Catechism footnote: Mt 16:18.

“Far from having been hostile to the Temple, where he gave the essential part of his teaching, Jesus was willing to pay the Temple-tax, associating with him Peter, whom he had just made the foundation of his future Church.” — Catechism footnote: Cf. Mt 8:4; 16:18; 17:24-27; Lk 17:14; Jn 4:22; 18:20.

“He gave him the keys of his Church and instituted him shepherd of the whole flock.” — Catechism footnote: Cf. Mt 16:18-19; Jn 21:15-17.

“But you say,the Church was founded upon Peter: althoughelsewhere the same is attributed to all the Apostles, and they all receive the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and the…” — editor's note: S. Matt. xvi. 18.

“The apostle Peter, to whom it was said,“He that is bathed needeth not to wash again,” and“Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church,” through fear of a maid-servant denied Him.” — editor's note: S. Matt. xvi. 18.

“For this, I know, is the rock on which the church is built!” — editor's note: Matt. xvi. 18.

“If, then, the apostle Peter, upon whom the Lord has founded the Church, has expressly said that the prophecy and promise of the Lord were then and there fulfilled, how can we claim another fulfilment for ourselves? if the…” — editor's note: Matt. xvi. 18.

“He does not mean the gates which we see to-day in dust and ashes; the gates he means are those against which hell prevails not and through which the multitude of those who believe in Christ enter in.” — editor's note: Matt. xvi. 18.

“And so the works of the Jews are undone, for they were a shadow; but the Church is firmly established; it is ‘founded on the rock,’ and ‘the gates of hades shall not prevail against it.’” — editor's note: Vid. Matt. vii. 25; xvi. 18.

“Nor must we think that Peter first received his name on the occasion mentioned in Matthew, when our Lord says, Thou art Peter, and upon this rock will I build My Church; (Mat.” — the author cites it

“But after the Jews for the plots which they made against the Saviour were cast away from His grace, the Saviour built out of the Gentiles a second Holy Church, the Church of us Christians, concerning which he said to Peter, And upon this rock I will build My Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” — editor's note: Matt. xvi. 18.

“And Peter, on whom the Church of Christ is built, ‘against which the gates of hell shall not prevail,’ has left one acknowledged epistle; perhaps also a second, but this is doubtful.” — editor's note: Matt. xvi. 18.

“And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”” — editor's note: Matt. xvi. 18, 19.

“Peter also, upon whom by the Lord’s condescension the Church was founded, lays it down in his epistle, and says, “Christ suffered for us, leaving you an example, that ye should follow His steps, who did no sin, neither was deceit…” — editor's note: [See Elucidation VII. The Trent Council itself (on Matt. xvi. 18) affirms this of the Creed, not Peter. Vol. iv. pp. 99 and 101.]

“And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound also in heaven, and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”” — editor's note: Matt. xvi. 18, 19.

“And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven and whatsoever thou shalt bind an earth shall be bound also in heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed also in heaven (Matth. xvi. 18).” — the author cites it

“Peter is an “everlasting door,” against whom the gates of hell shall not prevail.” — editor's note: S. Matt. xvi. 18.

“To the same Apostle, again, when on a former occasion he said, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God,” He made answer: “Thou art Peter, and upon this Rock will I build My Church, and I will give thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven.”” — editor's note: S. Matt. xvi. 18.

“To him drawing near, “Flesh and blood,” saith He, “hath not revealed it unto thee, but My Father, which is in Heaven.”” — editor's note: Matt. xvi. 16–23.

““Upon this Rock I will build My Church.” …” — editor's note: Matt. xvi. 18.

“He as Head, Peter as Body: because, “Upon this rock,” He saith, “I will build My Church.”” — editor's note: Matt. xvi. 18.

“Let us call to mind the Gospel: “Upon this Rock I will build My Church.”” — editor's note: Matt. xvi. 18.

“Neither is there anything contradictory here to that other passage where Matthew tells us how the Lord said to Peter, “Thou art Peter, and upon this rock will I build my Church.”” — editor's note: Matt. xvi. 18.

“And they said, Some say that Thou art John the Baptist; some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets;” and so on, down to the words, “And whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”” — editor's note: Matt. xvi. 13–19.

“And Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God.”” — editor's note: Matt. xvi. 13–18.

““The gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”” — editor's note: Matt. xvi. 18. [See R.V.]

“…rock signifies, and beholding it from such a safe watch-tower, namely in the Catholic Church, of which it is said, “And upon this rock I will build my Church.”” — editor's note: Matt. xvi. 18

“And yet a little before, in confessing the Son of God, he had merited commendation: for he heard the words, “Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father who is in heaven.”” — editor's note: Matt. xvi. 16–23.

“On this rock, therefore, He said, which thou hast confessed, I will build my Church.” — editor's note: Matt. xvi. 16–19.

“He said that “the gates of hell shall not prevail against the Church” ( Matt. xvi. 18 ), even though persecuted, and that no one shall quench the preaching [of the Gospel]: and the experience of events bears witness to this prediction also: and yet when He said these things, it was very hard to believe Him.” — the author cites it

“…saying, “Blessed art thou, Simon, because My Father hath revealed it to thee”; and again, “Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build My Church.” ( Matt. xvi. 17, 18.)” — the author cites it

““Thou art Simon, the son of Jonas; thou shalt be called Cephas.”“Thus since thou hast proclaimed my Father, I too name him that begat thee;” all but saying, “As thou art son of Jonas, even so am I of my Father.”” — editor's note: Matt. xvi. 17, 18; see John i. 42.

“For He who had spoken not in supplication, but by authority, Upon this rock I will build my Church, and I will give thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven, (Matt. 16:18.) how should He have need of prayer that He might stay one agitated soul?” — the author cites it

“…received into partnership in His undivided unity to be named what He Himself was, when He said: “Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build My Church:” that the building of the eternal temple by the wondrous gift of God’s grace might rest on Peter’s solid rock: strengthening His Church so surely that neither…” — editor's note: S. Matt. xvi. 18.

“And I say unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build My Church: and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.”” — editor's note: S. Matt. xvi. 17, 18.

“…and the first of the Apostles, the most blessed Peter, heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Thou art Peter, and upon this rock (petra) I will build My Church,” who is there who dare assail such impregnable strength, unless he be either antichrist or the devil, who, abiding unconverted in his wickedness, is anxious…” — editor's note: S. Matt. xvi. 18.

“And whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth, shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth, shall be loosed also in heaven.”” — editor's note: S. Matt. xvi. 16–19.

“And rightly was the blessed Apostle Peter praised for confessing this union, who when the Lord was inquiring what the disciples knew of Him, quickly anticipated the rest and said, “Thou art Christ, the Son of the living God.”” — editor's note: S. Matt. xvi. 16, 18.

“…Master Christ is gifted with stability and strength, in accordance with the promise of the same Saviour, “that the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”” — editor's note: Matt. xvi. 18

“If, because the Lord has said to Peter, “Upon this rock will I build My Church,” “to thee have I given the keys of the heavenly kingdom;” or, “Whatsoever thou shalt have bound or loosed in earth, shall be bound or loosed in the heavens,”…” — editor's note: Matt. xvi. 18.

“Monogamist I am led to presume him by consideration of the Church, which, built upon him, was destined to appoint every grade of her Order from monogamists.” — editor's note: See Matt. xvi. 13–19. Comp. de Pu., c. xxi.

“Was anything withheld from the knowledge of Peter, who is called “the rock on which the church should be built,” who also obtained “the keys of the kingdom of heaven,” with the power of “loosing and binding in heaven and on earth?”” — editor's note: Matt. xvi. 18. [See Kaye p. 222, also Elucidation II.]

“By this Spirit the rock of the Church was stablished.” — editor's note: Matt. xvi. 18.

As soon as the Lord had taken His disciples out of the teaching of the Pharisees, He then suitably proceeds to lay deep the foundations of the Gospel doctrine; and to give this the greater solemnity, it is introduced…

He adds ‘of Philip,’ to distinguish it from the other Caesarea, of Strato. And He asks this question in the former place, leading His disciples far out of the way of the Jews, that being set free from all fear, they…

This Philip was the brother of Herod, the tetrarch of Ituraea, and the region of Trachonitis, who gave to the city, which is now called Panaeas, the name of Caesarea in honour of Tiberias Caesar.

When about to confirm the disciples in the faith, He would first take away from their minds the errors and opinions of others, whence it follows, “And he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that the Son of…

Christ puts this question to His disciples, that from their answer we may learn that there were at that time among the Jews various opinions concerning Christ; and to the end that we should always investigate what…

So by this instance of the Apostles, the followers of the Bishops are instructed, that whatever opinions they may hear out of doors concerning their Bishops, they should tell them to them.

Beautifully is the question put, “Whom do men say that the Son of Man is?” For they who speak of the Son of Man, are men: but they who understood His divine nature are called not men but Gods.

He says not, Whom do the Scribes and Pharisees say that I am? but, Whom do men say that I am? searching into the minds of the common people, which were not perverted to evil. For though their opinion concerning…

By asking, “Whom do men say that the Son of Man is?” He implied that something ought to be thought respecting Him beyond what appeared, for He was the Son of Man. And in thus enquiring after men’s opinion respecting…

He says not, Whom do men say that I am? but, “Whom do men say that the Son of Man is?” that He should not seem to ask ostentatiously concerning Himself. Observe, that wherever the Old Testament has ‘Son of Man,’ the…

Then the disciples recount the divers opinions of the Jews relating to Christ; “And they said, some say John the Baptist,” following Herod’s opinion [margin note: see Matt 14:2]; “others Elias,” supposing either that…

It was as easy for the multitudes to be wrong in supposing Him to be Elias and Jeremias, as Herod in supposing Him to be John the Baptist; whence I wonder that some interpreters should have sought for the causes of…

The disciples having recounted the opinion of the common people, He then by a second question invites them to higher thoughts concerning Him; and therefore it follows, “Jesus saith unto them, Whom say ye that I am?”…

Observe how by this connexion of the discourse the Apostles are not styled men but Gods. For when He had said, “Whom say ye that the Son of Man is?” He adds, “Whom say ye that I am?” as much as to say, They being men…

He enquires the opinions of His disciples and of those without, not because He was ignorant of them; His disciples He asks, that He may reward with due reward their confession of a right faith; and the opinions of…

When the Lord enquires concerning the opinion of the multitudes, all the disciples answer; but when all the disciples are asked, Peter as the mouth and head [margin note: κορυφαῖος] of the Apostles answers for all,…

Peter denied that Jesus was any of those things which the Jews supposed, by his confession, “Thou art the Christ,” which the Jews were ignorant of; but he added what was more, “the Son of the living God,” who had…

He calls Him “the living God,” in comparison of those gods who are esteemed gods, but are dead; such, I mean, as Saturn, Jupiter, Venus, Hercules, and the other monsters of idols.

This is the true and unalterable faith, that from God came forth God the Son, who has eternity out of the eternity of the Father. That this God took unto Him a body and was made man is a perfect confession. Thus He…

And by a remarkable distinction it was that the Lord Himself puts forward the lowliness of the humanity which He had taken upon Him, while His disciple shews us the excellence of His divine eternity.

This confession of Peter met a worthy reward, for that he had seen the Son of God in the man. Whence it follows, “Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jonas, for flesh and blood has not…

This return Christ makes to the Apostle for the testimony which Peter had spoken concerning Him, “Thou art Christ, the Son of the living God.” The Lord said unto him, “Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jonas?” Why? Because…

It would be without meaning to say, Thou art the son of Jonas, unless he intended to shew that Christ is as naturally the Son of God, as Peter is the son of Jonas, that is, of the same substance as him that begot him.

Compare what is here said, “flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee,” with the Apostolic declaration, “Immediately I was not content with flesh and blood,” [Gal 1:16] meaning there by this expression the Jews;…

Otherwise; He is blessed, because to have looked and to have seen beyond human sight is matter of praise, not beholding that which is of flesh and blood, but seeing the Son of God by the revelation of the heavenly…

It must be enquired in this place whether, when they were first sent out, the disciples knew that He was the Christ. For this speech shews that Peter then first confessed Him to be the Son of the living God. And look…

And truly if Peter had not confessed that Christ was in a peculiar sense born of the Father, there had been no need of revelation; nor would he have been worthy of this blessing for confessing Christ to be one of…

As much as to say, You have said to me, “Thou art Christ, the Son of the living God,” therefore I say unto thee, not in a mere speech, and that goes not on into operation; but I say unto thee, and for Me to speak is…

But let none suppose that Peter received that name here; he received it at no other time than where John relates that it was said unto him, “Thou shalt be called Cephas, which is interpreted, Peter.” [John 1:42]…

That is, On this faith and confession I will build my Church. Herein shewing that many should believe what Peter had confessed, and raising his understanding, and making him His shepherd.

I have said in a certain place of the Apostle Peter, that it was on him, as on a rock, that the Church was built. but I know that since that I have often explained these words of the Lord, “Thou art Peter, and on…

But in this bestowing of a new name is a happy foundation of the Church, and a rock worthy of that building, which should break up the laws of hell, burst the gates of Tartarus, and all the shackles of death. And to…

That is, shall not separate it from the love and faith of Me.

I suppose the gates of hell to mean vice and sin, or at least the doctrines of heretics by which men are ensnared and drawn into hell.

But in heavenly things every spiritual sin is a gate of hell, to which are opposed the gates of righteousness.

The gates of hell are the torments and promises of the persecutors. Also, the evil works of the unbelievers, and vain conversation, are gates of hell, because they shew the path of destruction.

He does not express what it is which they shall not prevail against, whether the rock on which He builds the Church, or the Church which He builds on the rock; but it is clear that neither against the rock nor…

Let none think that this is said of death, implying that the Apostles should not be subject to the condition of death, when we see their martyrdoms so illustrious.

Wherefore if we, by the revelation of our Father who is in heaven, shall confess that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, having also our conversation in heaven, to us also shall be said, “Thou art Peter;” for every one…

Then He speaks of another honour of Peter, when He adds, “And I will give thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven;” as much as to say, As the Father hath given thee to know Me, I also will give something unto thee,…

For as with a zeal beyond the others he had confessed the King of heaven, he is deservedly entrusted more than the others with the keys of the heavenly kingdom, that it might be clear to all, that without that…

See how great power has that rock upon which the Church is built, that its sentences are to continue firm as though God gave sentence by it.

See how Christ leads Peter to a high understanding concerning himself. These things that He here promises to give him, belong to God alone, namely to forgive sins, and to make the Church immoveable amidst the storms…

But this power of binding and loosing, though it seems given by the Lord to Peter alone, is indeed given also to the other Apostles, [margin note: see Matt 18:18] and is even now in the Bishops and Presbyters in…

This power was committed specially to Peter, that we might thereby be invited to unity. For He therefore appointed him the head of the Apostles, that the Church might have one principal Vicar of Christ, to whom the…

How is it that some do presume to say that these things are said only of the living? Know they not that the sentence of anathema is nothing else but separation? They are to be avoided who are held of grievous faults,…

Bishops and Presbyters, not understanding this passage, assume to themselves something of the lofty pretensions of the Pharisees, and suppose that they may either condemn the innocent, or absolve the guilty; whereas…

Let him then be without blame who binds or looses another, that he may be found worthy to bind or loose in heaven. Moreover, to him who shall be able by his virtues to shut the gates of hell, are given in reward the…

Cited together in Epistles Letter 26.

Cited together in Sermons Sermon 62.

Cited together in Catechism §552.

Cited together in Catechism §552.

Cited together in Epistles Letter 26.

Cited together in Letters Letter 150.

Cited together in John Chrysostom on Luke 22:31–34 (Catena Aurea) and 1 other place.

Cited together in Catechism §552 and 1 other place.

Cited together in John Chrysostom on Luke 22:31–34 (Catena Aurea).

Cited together in John Chrysostom on Luke 22:31–34 (Catena Aurea).

Cited together in Catechism §552.

Cited together in Augustine of Hippo on John 1:41–42 (3) (Catena Aurea).

Cited together in Augustine of Hippo on Matthew 16:13–19 (Catena Aurea) and 1 other place.

Cited together in John Chrysostom on Matthew 16:13–19 (6) (Catena Aurea).

Cited together in Sermons Sermon 62.

Cited together in Exposition of the Christian Faith IV.2.

Cited together in Catechism §442.

Cited together in Catechism §881 and 2 other places.

Cited together in Catechism §881 and 1 other place.

Cited together in Catechism §881 and 2 other places.

Cited together in Catechism §442.

Cited together in Letters Letter 10.

Cited together in Catechism §552.

Cited together in Church History VI.25.

Cited together in Catechism §442.

Cited together in Catechism §442 and 1 other place.

Cited together in Catechism §424.

Cited together in Letters Letter 10.

Cited together in Letters Letter 10.

Cited together in Exposition of the Christian Faith IV.2.

Cited together in Catechism §442.

Cited together in Sermons Sermon 3.

Cited together in Letters Letter 10.

Cited together in Exposition of the Christian Faith IV.2.

Cited together in Sermons Sermon 3.

Cited together in Catechism §552.

Cited together in Church History VI.25.

Cited together in Exposition of the Christian Faith IV.2.

Cited together in Church History VI.25.

Cited together in Letters Letter 10.

Cited together in Exposition of the Christian Faith IV.2.

Cited together in Exposition of the Christian Faith IV.2.

Cited together in Sermons Sermon 62.

Cited together in Sermons Sermon 62.

Cited together in Exposition of the Christian Faith IV.2.

Cited together in Letters Letter 10.

Cited together in Sermons Sermon 3.

Cited together in Sermons Sermon 62.

Cited together in Origen on Matthew 16:13–19 (2) (Catena Aurea).

God alone leads down to the gates of Hades and back; the gates of Hades will not prevail.