Agreed.
That's where Peter used his famous keys to the kingdom --- to open the door for the Gentiles. This event actually marks the birth of the Gentile part of the church. But note how unwilling Peter was to go down there. He had to be dragged kicking and screaming into Cornelius' house, the house of a Gentile to give them the Gospel.
Agreed...with part. You are right that Peter had to be dragged kicking and screaming, metaphorically. God had to present him with a vision in order to knock him upside the head.
However, I believe you are misinterpreting the use of the "keys of the kingdom." The symbology behind the 'keys' are a transfer of authority. Please refer to Isaiah 22:22 and Revelation 1:18.
Smith's Bible Dictionary says the following about "keys:"
The key of a native Oriental lock is a piece of wood, from seven inches to two feet in length, fitted with the wires or short nails, which, being inserted laterally into the hollow bolt which serves as a lock, raises other pins within the staple so as to allow the bolt to be drawn back. (Keys were sometimes of bronze or iron, and so large that one was as much as a man could carry. They are used in Scripture as a symbol of authority and power. Giving keys to a person signifies the intrusting of him with an important charge. (Matthew 16:19) In England in modern times certain officers of the government receive, at their induction into office, a golden key.—ED.)
Nave's Topical Bible says:
–General scriptures concerning Jud 3:25
- A symbol of authority Isa 22:22; Mt 16:19; Re 1:18; 3:7; 9:1; 20:1
- FIGURATIVE Lu 11:52
Easton's Bible Dictionary says the following:
Frequently mentioned in Scripture. It is called in Hebrew maphteah, i.e., the opener (Judg. 3:25); and in the Greek New Testament kleis, from its use in shutting (Matt. 16:19; Luke 11:52; Rev. 1:18, etc.). Figures of ancient Egyptian keys are frequently found on the monuments, also of Assyrian locks and keys of wood, and of a large size (comp. Isa. 22:22). The word is used figuratively of power or authority or office (Isa. 22:22; Rev. 3:7; Rev. 1:8; comp. 9:1; 20:1; comp. also Matt. 16:19; 18:18). The “key of knowledge” (Luke 11:52; comp. Matt. 23:13) is the means of attaining the knowledge regarding the kingdom of God. The “power of the keys” is a phrase in general use to denote the extent of ecclesiastical authority.
The definitions you quoted give us two possible explanations - "the extent of ecclesiastical authority."
or "the means of attaining the knowledge regarding the kingdom of God."
To me the Key of David is open to everyone, not just to those in authority and means biblical understanding. I should say, open to all that seek it. In Rev.3:7 it states........"He that openeth, and no man shutteth, and shutteth and no man openeth;
Once you have that knowledge, understanding, etc. you will not believe false doctrine, false teachers, etc. that He warns us about in end times. Once you have that truth no one can take it away. At least, that is my personal belief.