Thou art Peter] John 1:42. That is, a stone. Thou hast honoured me, by confession, and I will honour thee, by making thee a pillar in my Church, Galatians 2:9. This was not his name at first; but our Saviour called him Peter when he made him an apostle, Mark 3:16. to set out the firmnesse of his faith: it was like a stone. upon this rock] Upon the rock of thy confession that I am the Messias: or, upon my self, confessed by thee. So John 2:19; John 2:21, Christ saith in the temple, Destroy this temple, meaning his body. Or, upon thy doctrine. In this respect, the apostles are called Foundations, Ephesians 2:20. Revelation 21:14. will I build] Christ is both the builder and upholder of his Church. the gates of hell] That is, all the power and policie that hell can use. The gates of cities, in ancient time, being not onely parts of speciall strength, but places also of meeting for advice in matters of greatest concernment, Genesis 34:20; Genesis 34:24. Deuteronomy 3:5. Psalms 127:5. shall not prevail against it] Either to destroy it, or any of the members of it spiritually, John 5:24. and 11. 25, 26. Revelation 20:6. 1 Corinthians 15:55. or utterly so to extirpate it, but that it shall have a constant and setled being here on earth to the worlds end, maugre all the slight and might that Satan and all his limbs or instruments shall employ to that purpose, Acts 5:39. I will give] The authority of Gods ministers is from God, John 20:23. unto thee] With the rest of the apostles. See John 20:21-23. the keys] A metaphor from stewards or officers of great houses, who are betrusted with the keys. The keys of ecclesiasticall power, Acts 1:22. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19. of the kingdom of heaven] To let men in, or shut men out of the Church here, and of heaven hereafter. thou shalt binde] To binde and loose, is to retain or remit mens sins, John 20:23. This properly belongs to God; as to save, Ephesians 4:32. Colossians 3:13. Matthew 9:6. Mark 2:10. Luke 5:24. to man ministerially, as they have the embassie of reconciliation committed to them, 2 Corinthians 5:18; 2 Corinthians 5:20. So they remit to those that believe, retain to those that are offended and gainsay, by the ministery of the word, and execution of Churchcensures. See Acts 2:38. and Acts 10:43. 2 Corinthians 2:16. on earth] Here belowe among men. shall be bound] If ye proceed rightly, according to your commission; not otherwise. in heaven] Before God.