The “keys” refer to the gospel, which was indeed given to Peter, as well as to all of Jesus’ followers.
Note the phrase that unpacks the “keys of the kingdom” phrase: “... and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
That clarifying phrase is also found in Matthew 18:18. When Jesus says this to ALL his disciples.
Also, consider Galatians 2, where Paul rebukes Peter (supposedly the first Pope) for his doctrinal errors. Whose doctrine is correct — Paul, or Peter? If you say “Paul,” then you are saying that the supposed first Pope’s doctrine was incorrect, thereby proving that “Popes” are indeed fallible in the area of doctrine.
This is challenging information, D-fendr. I urge you to study the Scriptures yourself.
That’s a creative interpretation of “keys” that you have. Almost as though one had no idea of what keys and kingdom meant.
You are correct though in applying it to the Apostolic Church - as we say in the Apostles Creed.
If you’re talking about the Jerusalem Council, then you might agree that the Church got it right - and Jesus got it right in entrusting it to the Apostles.
>>>I urge you to study the Scriptures yourself.
Oh, I do. I’m just not quite that creative with them. :)
Thanks for your reply.
No. The keys were given to Peter alone, the other Apostles were given the power to bind and loose but not the keys. The keys symbolize real authority see Isaiah 22:22. Christ was preparing His Apostles to continue his work on earth; to take to his sheep the Gospel, to feed and teach. Peters particular and singular position within the fraternity of the Apostles is again stressed in John 21:15-17
Paul rebuked Peter for being weak, not for teaching false dogma. Peter was a weak and sinful man; quick to anger and slow to catch on and yet Christ chose him to lead His Church. This gives hope to we who are weak, sinful and in dire need of correction.
Your suggestion to study scripture is laudable, but ask your self this: why do I study Scripture? Is it to mine for the errors of other or is it to draw closer to the living Word? Keep always in mind the Ethiopian eunuch and his need for a guide.
But you see that’s your own personal interpetation on it.
The same reason my hubby came home to the Catholic church.
You are some human giving your take on Our Lord’s words. So what? Who are you?
The Vatican has 2000 years of scholars studying those words. Some spend his entire life on ONE Gospel or book.
Now some poster on the internet puts up something different and I should say, Mon Dieu! 2000 years of Bible study was WRONG!
Seriously, when some posters come on with his/her take on how the Vatican is wrong on the Bible, it’s like watching Loose Change.
If we taught or thought that Popes can never err the Galatians episode would be a challenge. But we don't, so it isn't. In fact, in the forward to a recent book of his Papa Ben explicitly says that his thoughts in the book are not proposed nor to be taken as infallible. It might be worth your while to learn what we teach about Papal Infallibility before you disagree with it.
Further, there is no clear record of Peter propounding doctrine. What we have instead is good, old Peter wimping out again, as if to inoculate the Catholics of later centuries against the scandal of papal peccability.
Catherine of Siena, a major figure of the lay Dominicans and a doctor of the Church had no reticence about upbraiding popes.
By the way, in the reflection on the keys, our studies take us to Shebna and Eliakim of Isaiah 22 as well.
It is always good to study the Scriptures in humility, praying that God will give us an ear to hear His Word. (Okay, maybe not ALWAYS good. If the house is on fire or somebody needs help with the dishes, maybe doing to\he Word is better, for a while but only for a while, than reading it ....)