The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 160

thee." (3) It is immediately from God. "No m11n can say Jeaus is Lord 1 but by the Hol1· Spirit." III._ 'l'HAT _H~Pl'Y IS HE TTIAT ~~"FESSES ~HRIST FROI! TIIE HEART, ]. He is a living ~to11e in t~e lw,ng temple.. (1) Simon, at his call,_ rece1ved_this patronymic (see John 1. 42). Literally, Peter 1~ a "stone;" metaphoncally it 1s stability, strength. The change of name suggests change of nature, or conversion (of. Gen. xxxii. 28), (2) The firmne~s of the rock belonged not to Pet.er in respect to his mental temper (see eh. xxvi. 69; Gal. ii. 11). (3) It belonged to him in connection with his faith. He hnd the patronymic in anticipation of bis confession; for when he made it Jesus said, "Thou art Peter," q.d. now thou bast merited thy name. Heart-faith is the principle of Christian firmness. (4) Whoever has the faith of Peter thereby becomes himself a Peter-a living stone. Peter himself witnesses to this (see 1 Pet. ii. 4, 6). Translate this figure, and what does it import? 2. He is founded on the Rock of .tl.ges. (1) This Rock is not Peter. Petros does not signify "a rock" otherwise than as a stone is a rock. Stone, not rock, is the proper meaning of that term. Petra is the name for the living rock. On the petra the Church is built. (2) Pet.er is accordingly found amongst the other apostles, and together with them also the prophets, as one of the many foundation-stones resting upon the Rock (see Eph. ii. 20; Rev. xxi. 14). (3) Obrist, who is the Founilation (see Acts iv. 11, 12; 1 Car. iii. 11), is also the Builder of his Church. In his hand every stone has its proper place and fitting. 3. His salvation i.s secured. (1) •• The gates of Hades shall not prevail against it." In ancient times the gates of fortified cities wera used to hold councils in, and they- were usually strong places. This expression means that neither the counsels nor strength of Satan can pre- vail against the truth of this confession, nor against the Church that is founded on it. (2) Hades is the abode of disembodied spirits, and death is the gate or entrance into that abode. But death does not prevail against the living Church. Its members die, but others take their places. (3) Neither does death prevail against any living member of the Church to remove him out of it. For death does but translate him from that part of the Church which is militant to that other part which is triumphant. For the one true Church of Christ is catholic to the universe and to the ages. "Hell hath no power against faith; faith bath power for heaven." IV. SIGN.ALLY BLESSED IS IIE THAT 18 FOREMOST IN THIS C01'"FESSION, 1. Peter had, the honour of the keys. (1) Keys were anciently a common symbol of autho1ity; and presenting the keys was a form of investing with authority; and these were afterwards worn as a badge of office (see Isa. xxii. 22). Peter's authority was to open the gate of faith to the world. (2) He ac,cordingly first preached the gospel to the Jew, on the memorable Day of Pentecost (see Acts ii. 41). He first preached the gospel to the Gentiles also (see Acts L 44-47; :xv. 7). (3) In this honour Peter stood alone. In the nature of the case he could have no successor. In the preaching of the gospel to Jew and Gentile his successors are counted by millions; but in being the first to preach it he has no successor. 2. He had, the power of binding and loosing. (1) "The term of loosing and binding was customarily applied by Jews to a. decision a.bout doctrines or rites, establishing which were lawful and unlawful. Thus of many articles; it is said, • The school of Shammai, which was the strict.er, bindeth it; the school or followers of Hillel looseth it'" (Lightfoot). (2) This Peter was to do authoritatively, by plenary inspiration, and therefore so as to be ratified and con.firmed in heaven. And in this accordingly Peter took the initiative, declaring the terms of salvation when he first used his keys. (3) But beyond this be had no distinction from the other apostles, who were also inspired authoritatively to set forth these terms. The question which Peter answered was addressed to the whole company of the apostles, "Whom do ye say that I am?" and Peter answered it in their name, or as their representative (cf. John xx. 21-23). (4) In this the apostles have no successors. Plenary inspiration has ceased with them. The fruits of that inspiration come down to us in the New Testa- ment canon. To this we have our one and sole appeal. 3. Every foremost confessor has his honQ'IJ,r. (1) Tile martyr has his crown. He has his conspicuous place in the better resurrection (see Rev. ii. 10; x.x. 4-6). (2) Superior goodness will be signally recognized (see Dan. xii. 3 ; 1 Cor. xv. 41, 42).-J. A. M. Vera, 21-24.-0hriseian self-denial, After the noble confession of Peter Jesua <m. xvr. 1-28.] TUE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. MATTHEW, 161